Fort Gratiot Light Station Archives - A Trip Around The Mitten

Recent Posts

by atriparoundthemitten

March 24, 2024

The Ironton Ferry is a great way to travel from Charlevoix or East Jordan across Lake Charlevoix to Boyne City. This hidden gem is especially convenient during the busy festival weekends. The ferry ride across the lake is approximately 5 minutes and only 4 vehicles can travel at a time. The ferry is a great way enjoy the view of the lake, and ride one of Michigan’s oldest car ferries still in service. The Ironton ferry is located off M-66, about 6 miles south of Charlevoix or 9 miles north of East Jordan and 9 miles west of Boyne City off Ferry Road. The ferry is in operation from Mid-April through Mid-November making about 100 trips daily. A trip across the lake costs $4 a car. An important note: credit cards are not accepted. Click here for current rates and ferry info. History of the Ironton Ferry The ferry service across the lake started around 1883. The original ferry vessel started as a small cable guided scow with the capacity for one wagon and a team of horses. The vessel required the help of the captain and passengers to guide the ferry across the narrows. The current ferry vessel the […]

Let’s Take a Trip to the Cut River Bridge!

by atriparoundthemitten

October 10, 2023

The Heath M. Robinson Memorial Cut River Bridge (also known as the Cut River Bridge) is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula along US 2 Highway, just 26 miles west of St. Ignace. Located next to the bridge is a scenic MDOT Roadside Park, making it a great stop for a hike, picnic and photos as you travel across the Upper Peninsula’s Lake Michigan shoreline. What makes the Cut River Bridge so special? The bridge’s green steel structure is picturesque against the autumn-colored leaves as its backdrop, making the bridge a popular stop on Fall color drives in the U.P. The Cut River Bridge is one of only two cantilevered deck truss bridges in Michigan, according to UPTravel.com. With about 400 acres to explore, visitors will find a peaceful place to stop, stretch their legs and enjoy nature. Roadside Park Amenities: Visitors will find 2 parking lots located on the East and West ends of the bridge. A small parking area is also located southeast of the bridge (Lake Michigan side). Most visitors may choose the East Parking lot as it has men/women vault toilets, water hand pump, picnic tables, charcoal grills and a few hiking trails to take in the […]

Let’s Take a Lighthouse Road Trip to the Fort Gratiot Light Station!

by atriparoundthemitten

July 12, 2023

Michigan has 129 lighthouses that span across the Great Lakes shorelines, but only the Fort Gratiot Light Station can hold the title of Michigan’s Oldest Lighthouse! The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is one of a few still operational lighthouses in Michigan that allows visitors to climb the ninety-four steps to the top of the tower and walk out on the gallery balcony to take in the amazing view of Lake Huron, Ontario, Canada, the Bluewater Bridge and Port Huron. History of the Light Station Why Fort Gratiot? During the War of 1812, Fort Gratiot (the fort, not the city-jk!) was built by the U.S. Army to protect commerce and shipping vessels traveling along Lake Huron and the St. Clair River. Shortly after, the government realized that a light station was a much-needed addition to the area. In 1823, Congress approved the funds for a new and the first Michigan Light Station. The first lighthouse structure constructed by Daniel Warren in 1825, was located close to today’s Blue Water Bridge. The lighthouse tower rose thirty-two feet above ground level but faced problems from the beginning. Three short years later and a three-day Great Lakes autumn storm, the original lighthouse tower collapsed in […]

Take a Sweet Trip to Marine City!

by atriparoundthemitten

April 14, 2023

Whether you are taking a road trip along M-29 or spending a day on the river, The Sweet Tooth of Marine City is a stop you must make for the irresistible handmade chocolates and a cone of the best Michigan made Hudsonville Ice Cream. The Sweet Tooth is in the heart of downtown Marine City along the St. Clair River. The old-fashioned candy shop brightens the main shopping district with its vibrant, and cheerful window displays and outdoor seating area. Take a step back in time as you enter the candy shop filled with traditional candies and sweets that were popular in the past. Think of candy stores like the ones you see in movies from the 1950s or 60s with jars of penny candy lining the shelves. A special display complete with nostalgic candies from the early 1900’s to 1970’s is sure to excite candy enthusiasts young and old. For chocolate fans, the Sweet Tooth has a delicious variety of handmade artisan truffles, chocolate clusters, chocolate-dipped treats and holiday favorites on display. Visitors can even find sugar-free options available throughout the stores from chocolates to candy sweets. But most of all, don’t forget to get a scoop of creamy […]