Old Presque Isle Lighthouse
The Old Presque Isle Lighthouse is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses on the Great Lakes. Built in 1840 by Jeremiah Moors of Detroit, the harbor light operated until 1871 when the keeper transferred to a new, taller, coastal lighthouse a mile to the north.
One of the more documented (through television) is the old lighthouse at Presque Isle, Michigan.And strangely, it's not only a lighthouse keeper. The light was operational for only 31 years before it was taken out of service and replaced by a different light. During its service however, legend has it that the wife of one of the keepers was kept locked up in the tower and went insane. Allegedly, she can be heard haunting the lighthouse on windy nights with her screams.
But it is the tale of George Parris that most are familiar with. The lighthouse was sold into private hands in the early 1900s, and was turned into a museum. George and his wife Lorraine moved into the keeper's cottage in 1997, and served as caretakers and tour guides. George loved his duties, and especially enjoyed playing harmless pranks on visitors young and old. On January 2, 1992, George died of a heart attack. Lorraine really didn't want to go back, but was talked into it by her kids. Shortly after arriving, Lorraine was driving back to the light station when she saw the light on. When she arrived, and went to check, it was off. The next morning, she went up and verified that the wires were disconnected, as the Coast Guard had required him to do years before.
Sleepy Hollow is a State Park, so either a Michigan DNR Recreation Passport or a small fee is required to enter the park in a motor vehicle.
Please also be aware that hunting is allowed in this park certain times of the year, so please be careful and dress appropriately when hunting is allowed.