Fort Gratiot MI,located on the southwest shore of Lake Huron in Michigan’s Thumb region,is a major trade center. The town is home to the Birchwood Mall,a large number of big box stores and several historical attractions.
Fort Gratiot Light Station is a historic lighthouse which has served mariners since 187 years. Visitors can climb up 94 stairs to enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Huron and the St Clair River.
Fort Gratiot Light Station
The Fort Gratiot Light Station County Park is home to Michigan’s oldest light house and was transferred from the Coast Guard in 2010. The former five-acre light station contains the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse,built in 1829,the Fog Signal Building and Single Keeper’s Dwelling. It also includes a three-bay garage,Equipment Building,and a three-bay garage. The lighthouse was restored to its historic look by removing and replacing nearly 35,000 porous bricks. A new coating and paint were also applied.
Fort Gratiot Light was upgraded in 1861 as the lake shipping increased. The government raised the lighthouse to 82 feet,replacing the old fourth order lens with a larger third order Fresnel showing a fixed white light. A brick duplex was also added to the keepers dwelling in 1874.
Fort Gratiot County Park
Fort Gratiot County Park,a 30 acre park with 852 feet beach and views of Lake Huron,is located in the county. This park has a beach,restrooms and picnic areas. There is also a playground,.85 miles of paved trails,and.85 mile of walking paths. Lifeguards are not on duty,so please swim at your own risk. Dogs are welcome on the beach and throughout the rest of the park if they’re on leash.
The park is also home to the 1971 Tunnel Explosion Memorial,which honors those who lost their lives in the accident. The community raised funds to build the memorial which will open in 2023.
Providing access to recreation opportunities for everyone is a top priority in Fort Gratiot Charter Township. The Disability Network Eastern Michigan (DNEM),a nonprofit organization,offers adaptive sports clinics in local parks and other community locations. This program is a wonderful way to introduce people who have disabilities to sports and recreational activities,as well as to help them form lifelong relationships with community members.
Fort Gratiot Lighthouse Museum
The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse Museum,one of the many lighthouses in Michigan,is located here. The lighthouse,along with the Coast Guard station,guards one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. Located near where the St. Clair River and Lake Huron meet,it is a vital domestic and international waterway.
In 1825,the first tower was constructed to guide ships through the dangerous waters beneath what is now known as the Blue Water Bridge. However,shoddy construction caused it to collapse in 1828. Congress moved quickly to appropriate funds for the construction of a new tower,which was completed in 1829.
Visitors can climb the historic lighthouse to enjoy a stunning view. On the site,there is also a large brick duplex of a keeper and a fog-signal building that are open to visitors. It’s possible to see the lake shore,Blue Water Bridge,and even Canada from the lighthouse catwalk.
Birchwood Mall
Birchwood Mall,an enclosed shopping mall with more than 100 shops. The mall also has a food court and a 10-screen movie theater. Its anchor stores include JCPenney,Macy’s,Target,Sears,and Younkers. The mall also contains a number other well-known brands.
The food court at the Birchwood Mall has a variety of different restaurants. There is a lot to choose from and the prices are reasonable. There are a variety of restaurants in the mall,from fast food to fine-dining. Chuck E. Cheese’s,Burger King and Auntie Anne’s are some of the most popular choices. Frullati Cafe & Bakery is a popular choice. They offer a great selection of sandwiches and smoothies.
The Birchwood Mall has a rue21 store for those who want more choices. This chain of stores focuses on providing fresh,affordable trends that aren’t found anywhere else. They carry apparel,shoes,and accessories for girls,plus,and guys. The company also has a selection of home goods and electronics.