We haven’t been to Crisp Point Lighthouse in about 20 years. When our friends came to stay at our rental Hideaway Tiny Cabin recently they said going to Crisp Point Lighthouse was a bucket list trip of theirs. We decided to go along with them and took Don’s truck so we’d travel with plenty of room and comfort. So we packed our lunches the night before and got ready for the trip the next day.
I had my own reasons for wanting to take this trip. In recent years it seemed to have gained in popularity among the tourists and even though I remembered it to be a nice little attraction I didn’t see what all the hype was about. I also remembered it was not easy to get to and it was definitely the majority of a day trip. Only because the roads leading into the area are not maintained well making for a painfully slow drive there. And from what I heard not much had changed in that respect. Basically I’m pretty spoiled when it comes to living in the pristine beauty of nature so I was looking forward to revisiting the area with a discerning eye and a commitment to sharing my findings on this blog post.
Getting an early start I knew it would most likely be a 2 hour trip all in one way. There’s pavement traveling north of Newberry on M123 about 18 miles until you get to County Road 500 and that’s where the “fun” starts. When I say fun I mean approximately 11 miles of a very rough, bumpy, washboard, chatter bump kind of road, traveling under 20 MPH depending on your vehicle. I’m sure if we were traveling in my Subaru it would have been a bit smoother but we had Don’s F350 with a crew cab and 8 foot box with no weight in the back it was no fun to say the least.
Keep in mind there is nothing but wilderness on this drive. No pit stops (aside from pulling over and finding a tree to hide behind), no gas stations, bars or restaurants. When you see a cabin or home, they are off grid because there’s no power once you get on the CR500. Bring a roll of toilet paper in case you need to make a pit stop amongst the trees or wait until you get to Little Lake Harbor.
After about 45 minutes of that hell we came to County Road 412 where the road got a slight bit better. Shortly we came to Little Lake and stopped at Little Lake Harbor for a bathroom stop (they have an outhouse at the boat launch).
I’d like to point out I was impressed with the signage along the entire route marking the road names, distances to destinations, and points of interest. If anyone says they got lost on the way to the lighthouse they must not be paying attention (or using their GPS and getting lost) because all of us were impressed on how well the route was marked.
After the pit stop at Little Lake Harbor it was about 7 miles to Crisp Point Lighthouse. That’s when the road narrowed, became more twisted and curvy and there wasn’t as much gravel in the road as there was sand, which could get tricky because the road also became a bit more hilly as well. If you don’t have a car with 4 wheel drive or all wheel depending on road conditions you could have a bit of a problem. But it also wasn’t as bumpy either but there’s a few washed out areas of the road so use caution. The signs say to turn on your headlights. It’s a good suggestion. Also something to keep in mind is that the road (County Road 412) is a seasonal road and that means if you plan on taking this trip at all in a car it’s a good idea to do it Mid May to mid October before or after the snow flies. If you planning on taking the trip on a SXS or any other off road vehicle you should be good. People have been known to get stranded in this area in the off season for weeks so plan accordingly.
We finally made it to the lighthouse. We were not only surprised to see quite a few people there on a Monday, but how organized the area was with parking, signage, and we were really pleased to see boardwalks had been built to accommodate people with limited mobility. There was the addition of a visitors center and gift shop, bathrooms with flush toilets, benches scattered around the area and picnic tables. We were absolutely blessed to be experiencing a near perfect sunny July day with mild temperatures and the bug situation practically non existent. Upon arrival we saw a motor home camped out but we realized that belonged to one of the several volunteers who work there. The volunteers were not only super pleasant to talk to, but had so much information and went out of their way to engage in conversation. And of course, the main attraction was the pristine lighthouse nestled in a picture perfect setting that was sure to take anyone’s breath away. The lighthouse was open and since Don and I were feeling adventurous we took the harrowing spiral staircase to the top and I even got more daring and slipped out the little cubbyhole at the top and walked the balcony area around the top of the lighthouse.
A Brief History of Crisp Point Lighthouse
Crisp Point Lighthouse was first lit in 1904 and served as a vital navigational aid for mariners navigating the treacherous waters of Lake Superior. Named after Christopher Crisp, a life-saving station keeper, the lighthouse has a rich history that reflects the maritime heritage of the region. Despite being decommissioned in 1993, the lighthouse has been meticulously restored and maintained by dedicated volunteers, ensuring its legacy continues for future generations.
We spent the afternoon snacking on sandwiches and treats we packed and my friend who is a rockhound was in her glory as she spent her time on the rocky beach of Lake Superior picking the treasures to take back home to South Carolina. The rest of us relaxed on the beach and I discovered a few random patches of wild blueberries ripe for the picking. FYI – it’s a short walk to the beach from the parking lot and the boardwalks lead you to a few locations on the beach with steps leading down so you don’t have to navigate walking in the sand.
To summarize, here are some bullet points and information:
Scenic Beauty and Tranquility
One of the main attractions of Crisp Point Lighthouse is its stunning location. The lighthouse is situated on a remote stretch of Lake Superior’s shoreline, surrounded by pristine natural beauty. Visitors are greeted with breathtaking views of the lake, sandy beaches, and dense forests. The peaceful ambiance and lack of crowds make it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection.
Lake Superior’s weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and be prepared for changing conditions.
- Activities and Attractions
- Lighthouse Tours: Explore the lighthouse and learn about its history through guided tours. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Lake Superior and the surrounding landscape.
- Photography: The picturesque scenery provides ample opportunities for photographers. Capture the lighthouse against the backdrop of a vibrant sunset or the rugged beauty of the lake’s shoreline.
- Beachcombing: Stroll along the sandy beaches and search for unique rocks, driftwood, and other treasures washed ashore by the lake’s waves.
- Hiking: The area around Crisp Point offers several hiking trails that wind through forests and along the shoreline, providing a chance to immerse yourself in nature.
- Picnicking: Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal with a view. There are picnic tables available for visitors to use.
Planning Your Visit
- Hours: Typically open from 10 AM to 6 PM during the season.
- Entrance Fee: A nominal fee is charged to support the lighthouse’s upkeep.
Tips for Your Visit
- Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, and sun protection, as there are limited facilities in the area.
- Check the Weather: Depending on the way the wind blows (no lie) the bugs could be non existent to unbearably horrendous. Pack and dress accordingly.
- Respect Nature: Help preserve the natural beauty of the area by adhering to Leave No Trace principles and respecting wildlife which means take your trash with you as there is no trash pick up in the area.
- Don’t rely on GPS to get you there. You’ll end up on a logging road and wonder how you got there. Pay attention to the well placed signs along the road and you’ll have no problem.
We were very happy we took the time to do this trip and I highly recommend it to anyone. It was well worth it. My point is to be aware of what to expect and pack mindfully.
With its rich history, stunning scenery, and array of activities, it’s a destination that promises to create lasting memories. Plan your visit to Crisp Point Lighthouse and experience the charm and beauty of this hidden gem for yourself.
The Hideaway Tiny Cabin is a great place to make your basecamp for your up north getaway. Make plans to reserve and get ready. Adventure awaits.
More Later
Nancy and Don