Construction of Point Betsie Lighthouse was completed in 1858 at a cost of $5000. The tower was built of Cream City brick and a white fourth order Fresnel Lens was installed. Within a couple of years, erosion of the dunes on which the lighthouse was built became a problem and timbers were placed under rock foundation to steady the tower. A life-saving station was added in 1875 and a fog signal building was added in 1891. By 1890, erosion had again become a problem, and this time, a ring of concrete was inserted under the tower. Point Betsie was the last manned lighthouse on the Great Lakes. It was automated in 1983. The Fresnel Lens was removed in 1996 and replaced with a modern optic. Ownership of the light was transferred to Benzie County in 2004.