Michigan

in the Great Lakes

Point Betsie Lighthouse

Fresnel Lens

Have you ever seen a Fresnel Lens? Point Bestie Lighthouse’s 100-year-old Fourth Order Fresnel lens, which was utilized at the lighthouse at one time, is on display at the Lake Michigan lighthouse during its open season which begins in May. The Fourth Order Fresnel lens, designed by Augustin-Jean Fresnel in the 1800’s, was one of the more common lenses used in lighthouses on the Great Lakes. It has a unique design that captures oblique light and allows the light to be visible for long distances.

Click here to see the Fourth Order Fresnel Lens on display at Point Betsie Lighthouse.

Location and Use

Point Betsie Lighthouse is located on the Lake Michigan shoreline between the city of Frankfort, Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes. It was established in 1858 and is an active beacon for the Manitou Passage. The Manitou Passage is a waterway in the Great Lakes Region that separates North Manitou Island and South Manitou Island from the mainland of Michigan.

Click here to see the Point Betsie Lighthouse website with aerial view video of the lighthouse and grounds.