Frankfort North Pier Lighthouse

The Frankfort North Pier Lighthouse offers families a picturesque Lake Michigan adventure combining history, stunning scenery, and easy outdoor exploration. Kids can walk along the pier, watch boats navigate the channel, skip stones on the beach, and learn about Great Lakes maritime heritage at this charming 1932 lighthouse. The relatively short walk and accessible location make it perfect for families with little legs who still want a lighthouse experience.

• ✓Walking the scenic pier extending into Lake Michigan with beautiful water views on both sides
• ✓Watching boats and freighters pass through the channel
• ✓Taking photos with the iconic red lighthouse at the pier's end
• ✓Exploring the sandy beach and shoreline near the pier entrance
• ✓Spotting gulls, terns, and other Lake Michigan wildlife

1. 1.Park at the Frankfort Beach parking lot and walk north along the pier. Arrive early morning or weekday afternoons to avoid summer crowds and get the best photo opportunities.
2. 2.Bring layers and windbreakers even on warm days, as Lake Michigan breezes can be chilly and the pier is fully exposed with no shade.
3. 3.The pier can get slippery when wet, so skip the walk if it has been raining or waves are splashing over the concrete. Closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential.
4. 4.Combine your lighthouse visit with time at the sandy beach just south of the pier, where kids can build sandcastles and play in calmer waters.
5. 5.Stop at the viewing platform midway down the pier for great photo ops and a chance for little ones to rest before continuing to the lighthouse at the end.

Visit during late spring through early fall (May to September) for the best weather and accessibility. Weekday mornings offer fewer crowds and calmer conditions. Sunset visits are spectacular but come earlier in the day if you have young children who tire easily, as the walk is about a quarter mile each way.

The lighthouse itself is not open for interior tours, but the pier walk and exterior viewing are free. Parking at Frankfort Beach is free but can fill up on summer weekends. There are public restrooms and a small playground at the beach parking area.

Best visited May through October when weather is pleasant and the pier is safest to walk. Winter visits are possible but the pier can be icy and dangerous with large waves. The lighthouse is not staffed or open for interior tours. Fall offers beautiful color and fewer crowds, while summer provides the warmest beach weather.

Head to Stormcloud Brewing Company in downtown Frankfort (kid-friendly with a children's menu and casual atmosphere) or Crescent Bakery for fresh sandwiches, baked goods, and treats perfect for a post-lighthouse picnic at the beach.