For thousands of beautiful songbirds and broad-winged raptors that migrate to nesting grounds in the Upper Peninsula, our Lighthouse West Natural Area at the Tip of the Peninsula is a godsend. Here, 42 acres and 642 feet of undeveloped shoreline along Lake Michigan provide a place to stop, feed and rest before crossing the big water. Lighthouse West provides an array of habitats for over 100 species of our feathered friends.
Leelanau’s geological history is well told at Lighthouse West Natural Area. The steep drop levels off to what is called a “boulder terrace.” The stairs take you down to the ancient lake level and then you proceed to the current lake level. The terrace was created when waters in Lake Michigan were about 20 feet higher than they are today. Giant boulders left by the glaciers are also present near shore.
