If you’ve walked the trail at Mission Point Lighthouse lately, you may have seen folks partying or camping at “Dr. Tom’s Trailhead,” located at the end of the two-track that starts at Center Road and ends at East Bay. Or if not actual people there, perhaps the remnants of activities, like a smoldering bonfire, cans or broken glass.
Where is this exactly? If you start hiking from the lighthouse, walk east to Marker 1 and continue to Marker 2, there’s a cluster of large rocks there, one of which has a plaque noting, “…look about you” and “Dr. Tom’s trailhead, 2004.” If you looked about you lately, you may have seen people partying there.
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I walk that trail at least a couple times a week, and see vehicles and people in that spot at various times of the day and week. If I do see people there, I generally avoid the area and take the trail that skirts around it. (Yes, I realize there have been people partying on these trails for several generations, but the world is a different place these days.)
Friends have told me the same, noting that it doesn’t always feel safe, especially if there are tents and a large bonfire. Lighthouse manager Ginger Schultz says the partygoers have also cut down large (healthy) trees there to use for the bonfire.
“This summer, we’ve witnessed a lot of bad behavior in the park with camping, fires, leaving trash and more,” says Ginger.
Peninsula Township is hoping to thwart the offenders by installing signage and cameras at the party spot, as well as signs at the beginning of the two-track.
I talked with our community deputy, Brian Abbring, who said if you continue to see partiers there, call the non-emergency sheriff’s dispatch number, (231) 995-5000.
You may also contact Brian at (231) 223-4525 or (231) 313-4525, or email [email protected]. However, if he is off-duty that day, he will get back to you.
