First it was Michigan's tourism television and newspaper ads using the lighthouse to promote tourism in the state, now one of its more popular travel magazines has followed suit.

Inspired by the growing popularity of lighthouses as a touring destination, the Board of Directors of West Michigan's Tourist Association approved changing the name of its most popular travel publication to the "Lake Michigan Circle Tour and Lighthouse Guide."

Now in its 10th year, the name change creates an opportunity for the Tourist Association to focus on the state's lighthouses as cultural and historical sites. Several communities have already taken advantage of opportunities to spotlight their area lighthouses in the publication.

"This refocusing will result in a more comprehensive tool for travellers," said Mark Bultema, chairman of the Tourist Association.

The Guide features a map that identifies more than 70 Lake Michigan lighthouses. The West Michigan Tourist Association, which has been around for 81 years, will print 75,000 copies of the guide. This will also be its 10th anniversary edition.

The guide, which also includes lists of other attractions, accommodations and restaurants along the route is free for the asking. For a copy, you can write them at West Michigan Tourist Association, 1253 Front Ave. N.W., Grand Rapids, MI 49504-3216 or call them at 1-800-442-2084.

You can also vist their web site at www.wmta.org.

This story appeared in the April 1998 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. The print edition contains more stories than our internet edition, and each story generally contains more photographs - often many more - in the print edition. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.

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