Big Bay Lighthouse- a Unique Bed and Breakfast

Wonderfully Unique Experience

If you love lighthouses you might want to consider the ultimate treat for a lighthouse enthusiast, spending some time at a lighthouse bed and breakfast. I have visited many lighthouses and climbed to the top of a few, but I can tell you nothing quite gives you the true lighthouse experience like spending the night in a lighthouse.

We had stayed in a lighthouse in Minnesota and enjoyed the experience so when we decided to take a trip to the UP ( Upper Peninsula of Michigan) I looked into lighthouse bed and breakfasts in the area. I found there were three different ones available: Sand Hills, Jacobsville and Big Bay. Although all three lighthouses looked great we decided to spend two nights at Big Bay lighthouse. It best fit our needs and travel plans.

If you want to enjoy a delightful secluded retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Big Bay Point is a perfect place to stay. It sits high atop the bluffs on a cliff that juts out over Lake Superior. I enjoyed climbing the lighthouse tower whenever I wanted, relaxing in front of the fire in the cozy bedroom, walking the grounds and enjoying the scenery and waking up to a wonderful country style breakfast.

On this page I will share with you some information on Big Bay Point lighthouse and my experience at this delightful bed and breakfast.

all photos are my own-mbgphoto

Experience a Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast

When we arrived at the lighthouse we were met by one of the owners, Jeff, and given an orientation tour of the lighthouse. Jeff showed us around the main floor. In the kitchen we were shown the guest refrigerator to keep any of our supplies and where we could find glasses and ice. In the dining area was a beverage area where we could help ourselves to coffee and other hot drinks and light snacks. The living room area included a cozy sitting area around a fireplace and bookshelves full of books. I noted there where many books about lighthouses and also a lot of travel books.

Jeff told us how to get to the lighthouse tower and we were told we were free to climb to the top of the tower whenever we wished. At the base of the tower there is a sauna which is available to the guests and also a small library. The library has a TV with both satellite reception and DVD's that we could watch. It also has a wide selection of books that can be borrowed or traded.

Next Jeff took us to our room. Our room was on the main floor and was beautifully decorated in lighthouse decorations. It had a queen size bed, a gas fireplace, and two comfortable chairs to sit and read or enjoy the views of Lake Superior from the three large windows. It also had a private bath.

After our tour we felt very comfortable with our surroundings. Jeff then told us that his wife would give a talk on the history of the lighthouse and some information on places to eat and things to do in the area later that day.

Historic Lighthouse on the Bluffs overlooking Lake Superior - background on the lighthouse

At 5 we went to the sitting room to join the other guests to hear about the history of the lighthouse and the area from Linda.

The lighthouse was originally put into operation in 1896. Ships had often wrecked along the shores of the dangerous waters just to the north of the Huron Mountains so the government established the lighthouse at Big Bay Point to help guide the ships. The original 3rd order Fresnel lens filled the entire light room and could be seen by ships from 18 miles away.

Linda gave us information about the keepers of the lighthouse through the years and what their lives must have been like on this remote point. The lighthouse originally was set up as a duplex for a lighthouse keeper and an assistant keeper and their families. There were many children raised at the lighthouse and at one point between the two families their were 14 children.

There was no electricity at the lighthouse until the 1940's so oil had to be brought up to the lantern to light the lamp. Each of the families at their own outhouse on the property.

Enjoy an evening in Spacious Sitting Room

Enjoy an evening in Spacious Sitting Room

Dining Area for Guests - breakfast family style

Linda told us that she and her husband Jeff have been running the lighthouse bed and breakfast for 22 years.

The lighthouse was turned into a bed and breakfast in 1986 and is found on the National Register of Historic Places.

The lighthouse has 7 guests rooms with private baths and some also have fireplaces. There are two bedrooms on the first floor and 5 on the second floor.

Breakfast is served family style each morning from 8-10 in the dining room. The breakfasts we had were wonderful. On the first morning we had raspberry scones, fresh fruit, Florentine scrambled eggs, bacon and biscuits. The second morning we had coconut muffins, fruit and yogurt cups and banana pancakes. There was also an array of drinks, cereals and yogurt available. Everything was delicious!

There are also fresh baked cookies available to snack on throughout the day.

The Bedrooms and Library at Big Bay - beautifully decorated with lighthouse decor

This pretty room has light blue and white colors with lots of lighthouse décor.

Hike along the Bluffs

On our first afternoon at the lighthouse, I took a walk on the trail that goes from the lighthouse along the bluffs of Lake Superior and then circles through the woods back to the lighthouse. It is about 1/2 mile trail that gives you some beautiful views of the lake and bluffs as seen in the photo above.

I was by myself when I took the walk and this photo, but I'm sure if someone saw me it would have been quite comical. I was a bit intimidated by the steep bluffs, so I held on tight to a birch tree with one hand and maneuvered my camera with my other hand to get this photo. I tend to get quite involved in my photography and I could just see myself stepping too close to the bluffs if I hadn't clung to the tree.

View from the Tower - short climb to the top

One of the joys of staying all night in the lighthouse is being able to climb up to the top of the tower whenever you wish. The steps up to the tower ascend from the second floor library room. From there you climb a spiral iron staircase that leads you to the top of the tower. I found the climb to be an easy climb and the view up top to be stunning. In this photo you see the view looking to the east. You see the grounds of the lighthouse and Lake Superior.

I am told that sunrises and sunsets are particularly stunning from up on the tower. Both evenings were too cloudy to enjoy a good show when we stayed so I didn't get that experience. It was also mentioned that seeing the Northern Lights from the tower could be quite spectacular.

View to the West

View to the West

Anatomy of a Murder - takes place in Big Bay

In the 1950's a murder took place in the Lumberjack Inn in Big Bay. This murder became famous when the accused was found not guilty by reason of insanity. That was the first time the insanity plea was used successfully in the state of Michigan. This true story was written in a book by Robert Traver and later producer and director Otto Preminger made it in to a film starring Jimmy Stewart and Lee Remick. It was filmed in the Thunder Bay Inn in Big Bay.

Both the Lumberjack Inn and the Thunder Bay Inn are still in business in Big Bay. We had pizza and beers at the Lumberjack Tavern our first night at Big Bay and dinner at the Thunder Bay Inn on the second evening. Both are very popular eating establishments in the small town.

Enjoy the Beautiful Flowers on the Grounds - Springtime in mid June

This Columbine was photographed just after a rain shower.

Big Bay Lighthouse Website - stay a night or a week

Are you ready to book your stay in a lighthouse? The link below provides all the information you need to book your special lighthouse adventure.

Thomas Rock Overlook - nature trails

If you enjoy nature you will love the opportunities at and around Big Bay. This photo was taken at the Thomas Rock overlook which is just a few miles outside of the town of Big Bay. The overlook has a great accessible path that is 1/4 mile long and leads up to the overlook. From here you can see several lighthouses, and a wonderful view of both Big Bay and the Huron Mountains.

There are also several waterfalls to explore in the area. About 6 miles away you will find Yellow Dog Falls and a short distance further down the road will be a trail to Big Pup Creek Falls. These are wonderful plays to explore and you may even see some otters playing near the falls.

Two Harbors-A Lighthouse B&B

Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast at Two Harbors

Staying in a Lighthouse is a Unique Experience

I have always enjoyed lighthouses and have photographed over 50 lighthouses in the past 6 years, but this was my first time to actually spend the night in a lighthouse. I was so excited for the experience and didn't know quite what to expect. I was in for a delightful time and I loved staying in a lighthouse for the night.

It is hard to say what I liked best. I really enjoyed the access to the lighthouse and tower at all times of the night and day. The views of the harbor in the middle of the night were fantastic and I loved being able to get photographs at sunrise and sunset. It was a full moon the night we stayed at Two Harbors, Minnesota lighthouse so I had the added experience of capturing the moon and lighthouse in a photo together. The fun of sharing a bed and breakfast and meeting new people was also great. There were three couples staying in the lighthouse and one in the skiff house on the property. We all met in the dining area in the evening for snacks and again for a delicious Scandinavian breakfast in the morning.

For me the lighthouse B&B was a great experience that I would recommend to anyone who loves lighthouses.

all photos by author-mbgphoto

Lighthouse View from the Shore - autumn at Two Harbors

The colors were at their peak when we visited Two Harbors lighthouse on September 30, 2012.

Inside the Bed and Breakfast

The Dining Room - guests eat in the dining room

The comfortable dining room had a welcoming atmosphere.

Parlor Room

Parlor Room

Scandinavian Breakfast- Great Fruit Soup and Pumpkin Bread

Scandinavian Breakfast- Great Fruit Soup and Pumpkin Bread

Harbor Bedroom - three guest bedrooms in lighthouse

The lighthouse has three guest bedrooms on the second floor. There is one bathroom that is shared by the three rooms. In addition the lighthouse has a Skiff House on the property that is now used for an additional guest room. It has a large room with private bathroom facilities and a Jacuzzi tub.

We stayed in the Harbor room that is pictured above. It was a comfortable room that had a great view of the harbor.

Entertainment at the Lighthouse

Watching the Ships enter the Harbor - a fun pastime

Two Harbors lighthouse is situated in Agate bay where you can watch ships of iron ore come and go. These shipping operations first began in 1884 when the first iron shipment was loaded for shipment from Agate bay. While we were visiting a large ship came into the harbor at about 6 pm. and left just after midnight. It was fun to watch the ship come in from the pier and then when it left I watched it from our bedroom window.

Climbing the Lighthouse Tower

a fun experience

I always love to climb a lighthouse tower and see the view from on top. Usually I visit a lighthouse and get one trip to the top to see the view, but while staying at the lighthouse B&B I had the opportunity to climb the tower anytime I wanted day or night. Since we were already staying on the second floor the climb to the tower was only two short flights of stairs to the lantern house. I ended up climbing to the top on 4 different occassions, one time late at night when it was a bit spooky since I was all alone. It was fantastic though to view the harbor at night. The harbor was all lit up and you could see the sweeping lights from the lantern along the shore. The photo in this section is taken through the portholes at the top of the lighthouse during my afternoon climb up the tower.

The lantern gallery is only 43feet 6 inches high but when you add that to the location of the light along the shore, it sits 78 feet above the water.

The lighthouse at Agate Bay near Two Harbors was authorized by US Congress in 1886 and was first lit in March of 1892. It was built on a rocky area on the east side of the bay. They had to blast nearly 600 tons of rock out of the bedrock to form the fountation of the lighthouse. The lighthouse and the keepers house were connected and yet they were two separate structures. There is a very thick wall where the two structures come together, which protected the keepers family from a fire or explosion.

facts for this lens come from a pamphlet by Lake County Historical Society

Walking along the Miles of Trails along the Lake Superior Shore

I woke up early to catch the sunrise on my camera and then enjoyed a 2 mile trek along the shores of Lake Superior. The hiking was great and the views were wonderful. This poster shows several of the photos I took while hiking the trails.

Deer Seen during my Hike

Deer Seen during my Hike

Visiting Pierhead Lighthouse

two lighthouses at Two Harbors

At the end of a L shaped pier you find the second lighthouse at Two Harbors. This lighthouse was built in the 1940's and is 25 feet high. It has an octagonal lantern house and sits on steel legs that let the waves splash beneath it. I walked out to the lighthouse in the early evening to watch a large iron ore ship that was just coming into the bay. It seemed to be a popular place for people to come out to watch the ships.

The Lighthouse Grounds

Assistant Keepers House

lighthouse grounds attractions

The grounds of Two Harbors lighthouse contains several additional attractions. The assistant keepers house has been restored with original furnishings from the late 1800's and future plans are to turn it into a rental cottage for the B&B. The old Skiff House, which was once a power house, is currently being used as a rental for the B&B.

The fog signal building has been turned into a nice gift shop for the lighthouses. It has a wide variety of items depicting the lighthouses and the area. I purchased post cards, a lighthouse apron and a lighthouse sweatshirt while I was there.

At the edge of the ground is the Frontenac Pilot House. This pilot house, which was once part of a ship, is now used as exhibit space for the lighthouse and shipping museum. I toured the house and found the exhibits to be interesting. You also have a great view of Lake Superior through the windows of the pilot house.

Life in the late 1800's - furnishings in assistant keepers house

I Love Lighthouses

Lighthouse are Fun, Educational, Historical and Romantic

I have always been drawn to lighthouses, but in 2007 I retired and my interest in lighthouses really started to peak. I bought a new camera and my husband and I began to plan trips around photographing lighthouses. In the years since I have photographed over 100 lighthouses and always look forward to finding the next lighthouse to photograph.

I have been amazed at how there can be so many different types of lighthouses. I had always thought of the tall thin cylinder type lighthouses but I have learned that there are many more varieties. Besides photographing lighthouses I have enjoyed learning about the history of each lighthouse and in several cases I have been able to climb the lighthouse and visit museums about the lighthouse.

I also enjoy writing about lighthouses. I love sharing my photos and what I have learned. With lighthouses there is always something new to learn and I'm anxious for my next lighthouse adventure.

 All photos on this page are by mbgphoto.

Photographing Lighthouses

unique challenges

I thoroughly enjoy photographing lighthouses. Each lighthouse has it's own unique look and character and I try to capture it in my photographs. Since we photograh most of the lighthouses when we are traveling and have a limited amount of time, I'm not always able to choose the best time for lighting and the best angles. so my challenge is to find a way to capture an image that depicts each particular lighthouse. Some lighthouses are on shorelines that give me an open space to photograph but others have buildings and houses that have grown up around them making it difficult to get a good shot.

Split Rock Lighthouse

Source: Mary Beth Granger

Lighthouses I have Climbed

Climbing a Lighthouse - a whole new view

When I first started photographing lighthouses I was a bit afraid to make the trek to the top. Many of the taller lighthouses have over 100 narrow and winding stairs to the top. I first tried to climb Jupiter lighthouse and only could make myself go out half way to the top. I did get some good photos from the landings and although I would have loved to go all the way to the top I just couldn't make myself.

One year we were with some friends at the Hunting Island lighthouse in South Carolina and they coaxed me to climb to the top. The view was breathtaking and well worth overcoming my fear of the climb. You see the heights don't really bother me once I'm at the top, it is the climb that makes me fearful. The next year when we were in Jupiter, Florida I finally climbed that lighthouse to the top and it was well worth the climb.

Since then I have climbed lighthouses in Maryland, Michigan and Minnesota. These lighthouses are all shorter lighthouses and the climb is between 35-60 steps so they are not nearly as intimidating. In all cases the views have been worth the climb. It gives you a whole new appreciation of what it must have been like as a lighthouse keeper.

This photo shows the view from atop the Hunting Island Lighthouse.

Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast

Staying in a Lighthouse

a fun experience

I was thrilled when in the fall of 2012 my husband and I were able to stay in a lighthouse bed and breakfast in Two Harbors, Minnesota. I was able to photograph the lighthouse at all hours of day and night and I even climbed the tower in the middle of the night to watch the ships come into the harbor. It was a fantastic experience.

In this photo you see the lighthouse at dawn. I got up very early to go outside and catch the sun coming up behind the lighthouse.

Two Harbors Lighthouse

Source: Mary Beth Granger

Lighthouses I have Visited

United States Coastal Lighthouses - east and west coast lighthouses-38

At this point I have visited many lighthouses on the east coast but very few on the west coast. I'm hoping that will change in the coming years. This will be a list that I am hopeful will be added to each year.

• Nubbles Lighthouse, Maine
• Portland Head Lighthouse, Maine
• Bug Lighthouse, Maine
• Drum Point Lighthouse, Maryland
• Piney Point Lighthouse, Maryland
• Cove Point Lighthouse, Maryland
• Hooper Strait Lighthouse, Maryland
• Point Lookout, Maryland
• Sandy Point, Maryland
• Currituck, North Carolina
• Bodie Island, North Carolina
• Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
• Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
• Roanoke Island
• Sullivans Island, South Carolina
• Hilton Head, South Carolina
• Morris island, South Carolina
• Hunting Island, South Carolina
• Tybee Island, Georgia
• Savannah's Old Harbor Light, Georgia
• Cockspur Island, Georgia
• St. Simons Island, Georgia
• St. Augustine, Florida
• Ponce De Leon, Florida
• Jupiter Inlet, Florida
• Hillsboro Inlet, Florida
• Cape Florida, Florida
• Biloxi, Mississippi
• Concord Point, Maryland
• Cape May, NJ
• Hereford Inlet Light, NJ
• Absecon, NJ
• Barnegat
• Sandy Hook, NJ
• Navesink, NJ
• Old Point Loma CA
• New Point Loma CA
• Patos Island, Washington

Bodie Island, North Carolina

Bodie Island, North Carolina

Source: Mary Beth Granger

Great Lakes Lighthouses - 64

Many of the US lighthouses are located on the shores of the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes have historically been an important part of the shipping industry and in the past lighthouses were important to keep the ships safe and guide their way through some of the narrow passages.

• Michigan City, Indiana
• Old Michigan City, Indiana
• St. Joseph, Michigan
• South Haven, Michigan
• Grand Haven, Michigan
• Holland, Michigan
• Muskegon, Michigan
• Big Sable, Michigan
• Little Sable, Michigan
• Frankfort, Michigan
• Ludington, Michigan
• Manistee, Michigan
• Point Betsie, Michigan
• Grand Traverse, Michigan
• Mission Point , Michigan
• North Pierpoint Duluth, Minnesota
• South Pier, Duluth
• Harbor, Duluth
• Two Harbors, Minnesota
• Breakwater, Two Harbors, Minnesota
• Split Rock, Minnesota
• Port Washington, Wisconsin
• Algoma, Wisconsin
• Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
• Cana Island, Wisconsin
• Eagle Bluff, Wisconsin
• Bailey's Harbor
• Plum Island, Wisconsin
• Whitehall, Michigan
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
• Eagle River, Michigan
• Sand Hills, Michigan
• Big Bay Point, Michigan
• Menominee, Michigan
• Manistique
• Sand Point, Michigan
• Seul Choix, Michigan
• Munising, Michigan
• Grand Island Michigan
• Grand Harbor Range Lights Michigan
• Marquette Michigan
• Presque Park Michigan
• Eagle River Michigan
• Copper Harbor Michigan
• Portage Lake Michigan
• Portage River Michigan
• Ontonagan Michigan
• Ontonagan Pier Light
• Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
• McGulpin Point
• Cheboygan Crib
• Cheboygan Front Range Light
• Forty Mile Point
• Presque Isle Old
• Presque Isle New
• Point Iroquois
• Whitefish Point
• Marblehead, Ohio
• Fort Gratiot, Michigan
• Huron Lightship, Port Huron, Michigan
• Port Sanilac
• Pointe Aux Barques
• Tawas Point Light
• Sturgeon Point Light

Manistee Michigan Lighthouse

Manistee Michigan Lighthouse

Outside the US - 16

I have visited photographed several lighthouses outside of the US. The ones below were in Canada. Mexico, Columbia, Panama and the Bahamas.

• Peggy's Cove
• Halifax Harbor
• McNab's Island
• George's Island
• Kidston Island
• Charlottetown, Harbor
• Prince Edward Island
• Prince Edward Island by Bridge
• Nassau Harbor
• Crystal Cay, Nassau Bahamas
• Prospect Point, Vancouver
• Panama Canal -Chagres River
• Huatulco Mexico
• Puerto Chiapas Mexico- Red and White
• Puerto Chiapas Mexico-faux lighthouse
• Punta Castillo Grande- in Cartagena, Columbia harbor

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island

I enjoy displaying my lighthouse photographs on Zazzle products. Below are just a few of the items you can find in my Zazzle store.

Lighthouse Posters
by mbgphoto

Rose Island Lighthouse

Rose Island lighthouse is located just off the coast of Newport Rhode Island on an 18 acre island.  The lighthouse was built by Vermont architect, Albert Dow.  It was first put into service in 1870.

This charming lighthouse was used to help ships navigate Narragensett Bay for nearly 100 years.  In 1970 a bridge was built near the lighthouse and the lights on the bridge overshadowed the lighthouse.  The lighthouse was decommissioned and lay vacant for a number of years.

While visiting the lighthouse in September of 2014 the guide told us how a group of people took over the restoration of the lighthouse in the 1980's.  Today the lighthouse is fully restored and is open to visitors to tour and to stay all night in the lighthouse.  Here is an article I wrote about staying in a lighthouse.  It is truly a unique experience. Lighthouse Keepers

This view of the lighthouse was taken from the dock where our boat stopped to leave us off for our tour of the lighthouse and the island.

The guide showed us how the lighthouse and grounds are eco friendly.  The get all their water from a well that is pumped into the outhouse to use to flush the toilet.  All items carried to the island are required to be recycled.

The view of the lighthouse below is one that I photographed while walking along the beach.

This photo shows one of the interior rooms of the lighthouse.  The foundation that restored the lighthouse took care to find furnishings that would fit the time period when the lighthouse was in service.

At this link you will find information on both Rose Island and other lighthouses in the Newport area. Lighthouses-in-Rhode-Island
Enjoy you own  canvas print of Rose Island lighthouse at Zazzle.  Click on the link below.

Rose Island Lighthouse Stretched Canvas Prints by lighthouseenthusiast
Get your own photography canvas

Big Bay Point Lighthouse

Big Bay Point Lighthouse is found on the shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This lighthouse which was established in 1896 is on the National Historic Places Registry. In 1986 this lighthouse was turned into a bed and breakfast. I was able to stay in this lighthouse for two nights in June and really enjoyed the experience.

This photo shows the view from the top of the tower. As a guest at the lighthouse you are able to climb the tower at anytime of the day and night. The views are stunning. The lighthouse is a great place to enjoy a quiet few days away from the stress of everyday life. It has 7 guest rooms each with their own private bath. The entire inside of the lighthouse is tastefully decorated in lighthouse decorations.

I have written more on my experience at the lighthouse on this Squidoo page Big Bay Point Lighthouse. You might also want to see some of my lighthouse products on ZazzleUpper Peninsula Lighthouse Gifts

Staying at a Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast

Lighthouses have always fascinated me and since my retirment 6 years ago, I have traveled to and photographed 60 lighthouses. The one thing I have always wanted to do is to stay all night in a lighthouse and this fall I got my chance. While looking for a place to stay for our Minnesota fall excursion, my husband found a lighthouse bed and breakfast that had an opening for one of the nights we would be in the area. We found Two Harbors lighthouse to be a delightful place to stay. It is a working lighthouse and has three guest bedrooms on the second floor.

We stayed in the Harbor room which had a window looking out on the harbor. When a large ship left the harbor just after midnight, I got out of bed and watched it from our window. What a great treat! Staying in the lighthouse enabled me to take photos at all times of day and night and I was really excited when I realized it was the full harvest moon while we were there and I was able to capture this photo of the lighthouse and the moon.

Then when the first rays of sunlight peaked over Lake Superior in the morning, I was again able to go outside and get some great shots.

If you would like to read more about my experience at Two Harbors please stop by my Squidoo page.Two Harbors Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast

Two Harbors Lighthouse.jpg Post Cards by lighthouseenthusiast