Like moths attracted to an evening light, sailors have searched for the welcoming beacons of Michigan's Great Lakes lighthouses since 1825. Most of these early navigational aids consisted of a light keeper's residence and tower for the light, often rising 80 to 100 feet. There are thousands of shipwrecks documented on the Great Lakes, but it is the countless number of lives saved by the tirelessly working keepers of the light that we honor with our visit to some of Michigan's Mysterious Lighthouses. Whether it was the shoals, the rolling fog or fiercest of storms that put the seamen and their ships in danger, it was the lighthouse keeper's responsibility to sound the warning and keep the beacons beaming through it all. As we tour these historic guardians of the lakes, we will discover the mysterious, solitary lives led by the lighthouse keepers, and how their tales take on a life of their own, as though the walls and towers could talk. Come along as the guiding lights lead us into the past.

We picked hiking trails that were scenic, rugged, least known, and most accessible to hikers. Maybe you know of some that you feel are even better? Well watch and let us know your suggestions.