This week I am sharing my visit to the Seul Choix Point Lighthouse. I’ll be honest, this was totally unplanned and worth the last minute adventure!
There’s A Lighthouse Down There?!
On the day of my visit, I was not intending to stop here. Actually, I didn’t even realize the lighthouse was there at all. My family and I were heading towards Fayette since it was on my list to make sure we checked out while in the area.
But, that’s how we roll when we travel…make plans and see where we eventually end up in between destinations. I know some people are very rigid with their plans but not us – ever. And that’s where the best adventures always are!
So, on the way to Fayette I see a sign for the Seul Choix Point Lighthouse and I remember saying “there’s a lighthouse down there?!” My husband knows I have a “Bucket List” thing going to photograph every lighthouse in Michigan…I don’t know why, I just do…and he asked me if I wanted to check it out. As usual, I say we’ll play it by ear and see what happens but, yes, I’d like to and off to Fayette we continue.
Let The Adventure Begin!
I wasn’t sure we’d make this stop by the time we were finished at Fayette. We had been driving around for awhile plus it was starting to rain and the dogs had not been their best behaved – you know how it is when you travel with “kids” – but we decided why not? We may not be this way again for a very long time so we made the turn and followed the signs.
Taking Mac Donald Lake/Inland Port Rd is an easy asphalt-topped drive and you follow the signs to Seul Choix Rd. This is where it turns to gravel and will be a slower go.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when we got to the lighthouse because we were around 20 minutes past closing. As it turns out, there is a gate at the entrance but it was open and I suspect it’s usually left ajar to give access to the boat ramp into Seul Choix Bay and parking.
Around The Grounds
Considering how we weren’t that far past closing, we were completely surprised to find that there wasn’t another soul anywhere around on the grounds. We absolutely loved it!
I take that back – there was a large rabbit enjoying his dinner and didn’t seem to mind us at all…
With the exception of the parking lot near the boat ramp, the parking near the actual lighthouse is pretty limited and is probably for the staff of volunteers while they’re open. Since we were the only ones there, we parked right next to the lighthouse.
On the property you will find the lighthouse/keeper’s house, a boathouse, a gift shop, oil house and a few other small buildings. The lawn is manicured, easy to stroll and adds a lovely back drop to the majesty of the lighthouse. The view of the bay is breathtaking and the solitude of the point is serene and calming.
The Facts You Crave
- The lighthouse is located in Schoolcraft County and along the Seul Choix Bay
- It was constructed in 1892 and automated in 1972
- The lighthouse foundation is Ashlar Stone with brick construction and is cone-shaped with attached keeper quarters
- The tower is 77′ tall
- The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 19, 1984
- It was listed as a Michigan State Historic Site in 1987
- Focal height of light is 80′
- Light has a range of 16 nautical miles (18 miles)
- It is operated by the Gulliver Historical Society with cooperation from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Rumors Have It
It’s October as I write this post and I have chosen the Seul Choix Point Lighthouse for a reason…it’s rumored to be haunted (insert gasp here).
I didn’t know this when we stopped by and I will say as we stood there in the quiet, there is a strange, unconscious peace hovering around. You don’t feel alone but you don’t feel threatened either. I can’t say that about the place I visited for my post last year, Pere Cheney…that place is creepy!
This is a good time to reiterate that I didn’t go into the buildings so I didn’t have an opportunity to experience any of the things I’ve read about. I don’t think I would’ve gone into the keeper’s house anyhow. I didn’t get good vibes just standing in front of it but I didn’t know the stories surrounding it at the time.
The Tales Are Told
According to the internet, Seul Choix Point is one of the most haunted places on Earth. That’s what it says but if you read about the incidences, it’s seems very mild compared to some places.
There are tales of smelling cigar smoke and many believe it is Captain Joseph Willie Townshend whose wife would never let him enjoy his cigars in the home. He was the main lightkeeper in the early 1900’s, a heavy smoker and died while in service. He was embalmed in the basement of the lighthouse and “stored” there until the ground thawed enough to bury him. Some feel he has stuck around.
If smelling his cigar smoke wasn’t enough, Townsend’s face has been seen 13 times in mirrors in the bedrooms. Now that’s scary!
Other occurences have been children’s toys strewn about in their room, silverware being moved, music playing from nowhere and more. Personally, I’m a chicken and I will give it a hard pass. If you’re like me, just enjoy walking around the very peaceful lawn and shoreline.
Tour Facts And Costs
- The Museum and Tower are open Memorial Day through Mid-October
- Tours are available 7 days a week 10am – 6pm
- Cost: Adults – $6 Children 16 and Under – $3 Infants are Free
- Private Tours are an option by prior arrangement
- For additional information or to talk to a volunteer, call (906) 283-3860 May – September or (906) 283-3317 October – April
Where’s The Map?
Last Views
Final Thoughts
Seul Choix Point is a beautiful lighthouse that should be visited and I highly recommend stopping by after closing unless you really want to tour the tower. But, regardless, please always be respectful of the property and remember that we owe all the volunteers a big Thank You for preserving what we all hold dear – our history.
If you enjoy lighthouses, take a moment to read my post about the Crisp Point Lighthouse. If you missed it previously, click HERE
PLEASE NOTE: ALL PHOTOGRAPHS ARE THE PROPERTY OF IVA JOHNSON AND CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION. ALL IMAGES ARE WATERMARKED