Tawas Point Lighthouse in East Tawas, Iosco County, United States | Lighthouse

Ottawa Point (officially changed to Tawas Point in 1902) presents a hazard to navigation as it juts out into Lake Huron. It also shelters Tawas Bay, protecting ships from strong north or northeast winds. In 1850, the Federal government set aside $5,000 to build a Lighthouse near the end of Ottawa Point (about where the state park's contact station is located). Tawas Point Lighthouse Service paid Daniel S. Ellethorpe $200 for the 30 acre property. The first light was fueled by lard oil. This was changed to kerosene, most likely in 1898, when the oil house was built. Because kerosene was quite volatile, it had to be stored in a separate, well-ventilated structure. The lard oil would have been stored in the cellar of the keeper's quarters.

The Lighthouse was the first permanent structure in the area. Construction was begun in 1852 and completed in 1853. The Lighthouse marked the location of the point so mariners could either avoid it or seek refuge behind the point in Ottawas Bay in a storm. In 1854, the first European settlers arrived in the area. The name of Ottawas Bay was shortened to Tawas Bay and the City of Tawas City was platted there in 1855.

The last full-time light house keeper left the Lighthouse in 1946, but the keeper's quarters were used into the 1990s as housing for the nearby Coast Guard station. Current plans are to restore the keeper's quarters to reflect life at Tawas Point from 1900 to 1946. Each room of the first floor will be restored to reflect its appearance during a certain period. The interpretation of the Tawas Point Lighthouse will focus on how the Lighthouse keepers and their families interacted with the local community and how the Lighthouse played an important role in the community. Historians are using a wide variety of research to make sure that the restoration is accurate. By focusing on the Twentieth century, we can utilize the reminiscences of people who once lived at the Lighthouse as children. These, along with diaries, journals, letters and photographs, will help give an accurate picture of life on Tawas Point. Records of the U. S. Lighthouse Service and the U.S. Coast Guard also allow the work at the Lighthouse and its appearance to be correct. Finally, local newspapers show us what life in East Tawas and Tawas City was like at the time. The 2 story house that was adjacent to the Lighthouse has been removed. The Lighthouse and the keeper's house are now illuminated at night by an exterior lighting system.