Big Red – the suite life of travel

Since Michigan has the most lighthouses than any other state in the US, it only made sense to check out a few while we were on vacation. We couldn’t wait to explore The Holland Michigan Lighthouse, Grand Traverse Lighthouse and Old Mission Point Lighthouse.

We made a stop in Holland, Michigan which was the perfect detour on our way to the vacation rental in Traverse City. We strolled the beach and walked the pier while enjoying a cool breeze coming from the lake. We felt renewed after having driven four hours from Ohio watching the sailboats navigate the channel while passing by the lighthouse.

The Holland Harbor Light is known as Big Red by the locals. The lighthouse provides warning to ships and boats as they near the channel. The placard nearby provides an interesting overview of how the Dutch persevered in completing the channel by digging the waterway themselves when government funds ran dry. Access to the lighthouse is limited and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the middle of the morning to sunset.

Later in the week, I chose to visit The Grand Traverse Lighthouse on Leelanau Peninsula. It was a rainy day and the landscape was exceptionally green. To reach the lighthouse, I had to first pay a fee to enter Leelanau State Park before continuing the coastal drive to the tip of the peninsula.

The lighthouse that stands today was built in the late 1850s. To enter, there is an additional fee in addition to the cost to access the state park. Visitors can reach the top of the lighthouse for spectacular views of Lake Michigan.

Closest to where we were staying, Mission Point Lighthouse is about a 15 minute drive from downtown Traverse City. As we entered Lighthouse Park, we found the parking lot and made our way toward the light with a quick stop at Hessler’s Log Cabin with plans to explore the house on our way back.

What makes Mission Point Light so unique is that it is located along the 45^th parallel which is halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. According to experts, because of its location, this part of the state is optimal for growing grapes which is why Michigan also produces wine. The placard listed a few other locations along the 45^th parallel to include Bordeaux which is famous for its wine production in France.

Built in the late 1850s, the Hessler Log Cabin was once the home of Joseph and Mary Hessler. In the 1950s and 60s, it later became housing for local cherry pickers. The cabin was moved here so that visitors to the lighthouse could learn more about the lives of the first settlers on this peninsula.

Taking the scenic route of M-37, we looked forward to the beautiful drive back to Traverse City. We passed vineyards and cherry orchards before browsing the Old Mission General Store. We had such a great time visiting the Mission Point Lighthouse, but everyone was ready for a stop in Traverse City to order more of their amazing Grand Traverse Pie.

Are there certain attractions that interest you when you vacation? Are you a fan of lighthouses? I would love to hear about additional places to visit, so kindly leave a message in the comments section below!! Many thanks for reading about my trip to the lighthouses near Grand Traverse, Michigan! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Holland Lighthouse (Big Red Lighthouse)
2215 Ottawa Beach Road
Holland, MI 49423
Telephone: 800 506 1299

Grand Traverse Lighthouse
15500 Lighthouse Point Road
Northpoint, MI 49670
Telephone: 231 386 7195

Old Mission Point Lighthouse
20500 Center Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
Telephone: 231 223 7324

Restaurant Recommendation:

Grand Traverse Pie Company
525 West Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
Telephone: 231 922 7437

The perfect stop for soup, sandwiches, salads and of course pie!

The Fog Signal Building, Grand Traverse Lighthouse,1899

Beautiful view of Lake Michigan from the grounds of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse

Another view of the Old Mission Lighthouse, Michigan

Looking out from the Old Mission Lighthouse, Michigan

Inside the Hessler Cabin, Michigan

As my family continues to grow, our vacations are typically based on two factors: driving distance to our destination and space for all of the kiddos. If we can find a beach (lake or ocean) and a list of fun attractions, that is also a plus. After coming up with several ideas and narrowing our search, we all agreed to spend our summer vacation near Traverse City, Michigan with an overnight stop in Holland.

I had recently visited Holland during a visit to the city’s annual Tulip Time Festival and recommended it as the overnight stop for our trip. I was impressed with the local attractions, restaurants and shopping opportunities as well as its absolute charm.

Our first stop in Holland was the city’s state park. After strolling the beautiful coastline and watching the locals fish from the pier, we headed downtown for an early dinner. We could not have asked for better weather with sunny skies and a cool breeze.

The fish were biting and we saw a young boy taking his catch to the end of the dock to drop it into a bucket. Lake Michigan is full of fish including bass, trout, catfish, perch, walleye, bass as well as salmon.

On the way back from the pier, we took a closer look at the beautiful red lighthouse on the opposite side of the channel. We learned that the locals call it “Big Red” , but its official name is the Holland Harbor Light. It plays an important role for guiding the boats through the channel between Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa.

Strolling along the beach, we worked up an appetite and decided it was time to find a restaurant that could accommodate all of us. The trip into Holland did not take but a few minutes and we were able to find parking on 8^th street, the main shopping and restaurant district of town.

We decided on Crust 54 where we ordered pizza and pasta. The place was packed, but we were able to find seating for our group of six. We stepped up to the counter to order and they brought our food to us when it was ready. The Chicago Special pizza with Italian sausage, mushrooms, green peppers and onions was abundantly cheesy and delicious.

The sun was beginning to set and we had a little time to shop before reaching the hotel. Holland is typical small town America and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has won several awards and was ranked by the well-being index as the second healthiest/happiest town in the United States. CNN ranked it as one of the top five places to retire in 2006.

Have you vacationed in Holland or live here? I would love to hear your suggestions for where to eat and shop if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my family vacation stay in Holland! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Holland State Park
2215 Ottawa Beach Road
Holland, MI 49424
Telephone: 616 399 9390

Holland Harbor Light
2215 Ottawa Beach Road
Holland, MI 49424
Telephone: 616 399 9390

Where to Stay:

Baert Baron Mansion
120 S. Church Street
Zeeland, MI 49464
Telephone: 616 748 1953

Where to Eat:

Crust 54 – Downtown Holland
54 E. 8th Street
Holland, MI 49423
Telephone: 616 394 3002

Where to Drink:

What to Read:

Holland, the Tulip Town, by Randall P. Vande Water
Boats Made in Holland: A Michigan Tradition, by Geoffrey D. Reynolds
Holland, Michigan: From Dutch Colony to Dynamic City, by Robert P. Swierenga

Photo Guide for Tulip Time and Holland:

The Fields of Tulips throughout the city
DeZwaan Windmill at Windmill Island Gardens
Sunset on Lake Michigan
Polder Molen Windmill at Nelis’ Dutch Village
Dutch Dancers
Nelis’ Dutch Village: landscaped gardens, canals, carousel, brick walkways, gardens of tulips, petting farm, Carillon Bell Tower, The East Gate, Dutch houses
Windmill Island Gardens, merry-go-round, carousel, dutch dancers

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A Young Boy and his Fish

Tag Archives: Big Red

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