40 Mile Point Park

For dining options near 40 Mile Point Park, visitors can explore several local restaurants in Rogers City. The Lighthouse Restaurant is a popular choice, offering a variety of dishes including hamburgers, pizza, and seafood, along with a great selection of beers and cocktails. It provides a casual and cozy atmosphere, making it suitable for both groups and solo diners.

Another option is Kortman's Restaurant, known for its family-friendly environment and delicious breakfast options. It offers a range of comfort foods and desserts, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

For those looking for a more casual dining experience, International Sports Bar is a great choice, offering fast service and a wide selection of beers and cocktails in a lively atmosphere.

For accommodations near 40 Mile Point Park, visitors can choose from several options in Rogers City. The Driftwood Motel offers lakeside lodging with an indoor pool and hot tub, providing comfortable rooms and free breakfast. It is well-regarded for its great location and views of Lake Huron.

Another excellent choice is the Purple Martin Lakeside Inn & Bird Sanctuary, which combines the charm of a bed and breakfast with the amenities of a hotel. It is praised for its friendly staff, clean rooms, and delicious breakfasts, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a more personalized stay.

40 Mile Point Park offers a variety of amenities to enhance visitor experiences. The park includes restrooms, picnic areas, and a playground, providing a family-friendly environment. The Fog Signal Building has been converted into an enclosed pavilion with picnic tables and electricity, making it a convenient spot for gatherings. Additionally, there are two brick privies and a brick oil house, which are open for viewing.

The park also features a gift shop located in the original bunkhouse, now converted into a post and beam structure. However, it requires a step to enter, limiting accessibility for some visitors.

The park's scenic trails and natural areas offer opportunities for walking and exploring, with the Huron Sunrise Trail connecting the park to Rogers City.

Visitors to 40 Mile Point Park can engage in several activities that highlight its natural beauty and historical significance. Swimming is a popular activity during warmer months, with the park featuring a designated swimming beach. The park's trails offer opportunities for walking and hiking, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding woods and shoreline.

For those interested in history, the park provides access to the Forty Mile Point Lighthouse and the restored pilot house from the Steamer Calcite. These attractions offer insights into maritime history and the role of the lighthouse in navigation.

Additionally, the park's proximity to Rogers City makes it a convenient base for exploring other local attractions and outdoor activities in the area.

40 Mile Point Park offers some facilities that are accessible to visitors with disabilities. The Fog Signal Building, now an enclosed pavilion, has been made barrier-free with an entrance ramp, making it accessible for those with mobility impairments. However, not all facilities meet accessibility guidelines, such as the original bunkhouse turned gift shop, which requires a step to enter.

The park's restrooms and changing rooms are not fully barrier-free, which may limit accessibility for some visitors. Despite these limitations, the park remains a welcoming environment for families and individuals of all abilities, with efforts ongoing to improve accessibility.

40 Mile Point Park offers ample parking facilities, including a free parking lot. The parking area is conveniently located near the lighthouse and other park amenities, making it easy for visitors to access the park's attractions. The proximity of the parking to the beach and other facilities ensures that visitors can quickly move between different areas of the park.

The parking lot is designed to accommodate a significant number of vehicles, reducing the likelihood of overcrowding during peak visitation periods. This accessibility helps maintain a smooth and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

40 Mile Point Park is steeped in history and offers several interesting facts. The Forty Mile Point Lighthouse was constructed to ensure that sailors navigating from Mackinaw Point to the Saint Clair River would never be out of sight of a lighthouse. This strategic placement highlights its importance in maritime navigation.

The park is also home to the remains of the 1905 shipwreck Joseph S. Fay, which serves as a reminder of the region's rich maritime past. Additionally, the restored pilot house from the Steamer Calcite, the first self-unloading steamer on the Great Lakes, is a unique attraction that showcases the technological advancements in shipping during the early 20th century.

The park's natural features, including abandoned shoreline dunes from glacial Lake Huron, provide insights into the geological history of the area.

One of the main attractions at 40 Mile Point Park is the historic Forty Mile Point Lighthouse. This lighthouse has been a beacon for sailors since 1897 and continues to operate today. The park also features the restored pilot house from the Steamer Calcite, which offers a glimpse into the maritime history of the Great Lakes.

Another attraction is the remains of the 1905 shipwreck Joseph S. Fay, located on the beach. This historical site provides a unique perspective on the maritime past of the region.

The park's scenic trails and natural areas are also a major draw, offering beautiful views of Lake Huron and opportunities to explore the local flora and fauna.