Lighthouses of the United States: Michigan's Northwestern Lower Peninsula

The United States of America is a federal union of 50 states and a capital district. The state of Michigan comes in two parts: the Lower Peninsula (between Lakes Huron and Michigan) and the Upper Peninsula (between Lakes Michigan and Superior). Putting the two together, the state has an astonishingly long coastline, so it is not surprising that Michigan has more lighthouses than any other U.S. state, by quite a large margin. The Directory has information on more than 130 sites. 

This lighthouse heritage is well recognized. Michigan is the only state that supports lighthouse preservation with a program of annual grants from the state to local preservation groups. All over the state, volunteers are working hard to save and restore lighthouses. There is a state preservation society, the Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy, and the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association is also based in the state.

Michigan was organized as a territory in 1805 and admitted to the union as the 26th state in 1837.

This page includes lighthouses of the northwest coast of the Lower Peninsula and the islands of northern Lake Michigan, from Benzie County to the Straits on=f Mackinac.

Aids to navigation in Michigan are maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard Ninth District, but ownership (and sometimes operation) of historic lighthouses has been transferred to local authorities and preservation organizations in many cases. Lights from the Indiana border through the Fox Islands are the responsibility of the Aids to Navigation (ATN) team at Muskegon, while those in the northern end of the lake are the responsibility of the ATN team at Sault Sainte Marie in the Upper Peninsula.

ARLHS numbers are from the ARLHS World List of Lights. USCG numbers are from Volume VII of the United States Coast Guard Light List.

General Sources
Seeing the Lights: The Lighthouses of Michigan
A wonderful site by the late Terry Pepper, with fine photos, accounts of recent visits to many of the lighthouses, and extensive historical information.
Michigan Lighthouses
Excellent photos and information posted by Kraig Anderson.
Lake Michigan Lighthouses
Photos by C.W. Bash.
Lighthouse Hunters - Lower Michigan
Photos and accounts by Christine & Tom Cardaci.
Lighthouses of the Great Lakes
Photos by various photographers available from Wikimedia.
Michigan, United States Lighthouses
Aerial photos posted by Marinas.com.
Leuchttürme USA auf historischen Postkarten
Historic postcard images posted by Klaus Huelse.
Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association
GLLKA encourages lighthouse preservation throughout the Great Lakes states, but it is best known for its work preserving the Round Island, St. Helena Island, and Cheboygan Range Lights in the Straits of Mackinac area.
Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association
The association manages the Big Sable Point, Little Sable Point, Ludington North Breakwater, and White River Lighthouses.
Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy
This organization is dedicated to the preservation of lighthouses and life saving stations throughout the state.
Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program
This state program provides grants annually for lighthouse preservation.
U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center: Light Lists
The USCG Light List can be downloaded in pdf format.
GPSNautical Charts
Navigation chart for Lake Michigan.
 


South Manitou Island Light, May 2022
Google Maps photo by Saily

Benzie County Lighthouses
[Frankfort South Breakwater]
Date unknown (station established 1931). Active; focal plane 46 ft (14 m); red flash every 4 s. 40 ft (12 m) round cylindrical steel "D9" tower, painted white with a single red horizontal band. Pepper has an aerial photo, Cameron Downing has a photo showing both Frankfort lights clearly, and Google has a satellite view. Site and tower closed. Owner/site manager: U.S. Coast Guard. ARLHS USA-1075; USCG 7-18385.
* Frankfort North Breakwater
1912 (relocated 1932). Active; focal plane 72 ft (22 m); continuous white light. 67 ft (20 m) square pyramidal steel tower with lantern and gallery, on a 2-story square steel base, built at the end of the breakwater. 4th order Fresnel lens in use. Lighthouse painted white; gallery and lantern roof are black. Fog horn (blast every 30 s) as needed. A 2023 photo by Gary Riggs is at right, Pepper has a page for the lighthouse, Cher Walker has a 2022 photo, a 2008 photoMarinas.com has aerial photos, Lighthouse Digest has Tim Harrison's article on the history of the lighthouse, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. The lighthouse was built at the end of the old North Pier in 1912; it then stood 44 ft (13.5 m) tall. The Coast Guard's historic photo shows the lighthouse in its original form. In 1932 the lighthouse was moved to the new North Breakwater and lifted onto the 2-story base. There is an active Coast Guard Station at the foot of the breakwater. In 2010 the lighthouse became eligible for transfer under NHLPA and in December 2011 it was announced that the lighthouse would be transferred to the City of Frankfort. No restoration plans were announced. In 2017 the Coast Guard proposed to replace the 4th order lens with a modern LED light. In October 2021 the city launched an effort to raise $1 million to restore the lighthouse. In 2022 the Coast Guard replaced the 4th order Fresnel lens with an LED optic; the lens was offered to the city for display. Fundraising for the Frankfort Lighthouse Restoration Project has been slow so far; a major grant or gift is needed. Located on the north side of the Betsie Lake entrance, north of the foot of Main Street in Frankfort. Parking is available at the city beach at the end of Main Street, but it may be crowded. Accessible in calm weather by walking the breakwater; parking available nearby. Site open, tower closed. Owner/site manager: City of Frankfort. . ARLHS USA-308; USCG 7-18375.

North Breakwater Light, Frankfort, December 2023
Instagram photo by Gary Riggs
**** Point Betsie
1858. Active; focal plane 52 ft (16 m); white flash every 10 s. 37 ft (11 m) round cylindrical brick tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 2-story brick keeper's house (1895). Lighthouse painted white, lantern black; the house is white with a red roof. The original 4th order Fresnel lens is on display at Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum near Glen Arbor. Corrugated steel fog signal building, painted red, with the original diaphone horn. The keeper's house, formerly used for Coast Guard housing, has been restored and furnished; the second floor is available for vacation one-week or shorter rentals. Chris Hoekstra has the 2021 photo seen at right, Pepper has a page for the lighthouse, Zachary Beland has a 2022 photo, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. The station is threatened by beach erosion, which is controlled by a seawall and several groins. For several years this beautiful lighthouse deteriorated while bureaucrats tried to figure out what to do with it. In early 2000 the Coast Guard began searching for a local group to take over control of the lighthouse. In November 2000 Benzie County agreed to take at least temporary custody of the light station and in January 2001 the county signed a lease agreement with the Coast Guard. A state grant of $10,000 in 2001 supported preparation of a preservation plan. A support group, Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse, was launched and preservation architects were hired. During summer 2002 volunteers worked on exterior repairs to the building. In September 2003 the state awarded a $431,500 grant to launch interior restoration. Ownership of the lighthouse was transferred to the county in June 2004. Restoration of the exterior began in the fall of 2005. The lantern, formerly white with a red roof, was repainted in the original black. The restoration of the station has included the fog signal building and boathouse. In winter 2020 high water levels in the lake damaged the concrete barrier protecting the lighthouse. In 2021 the state budget included $5.2 million for restoration work at the light station. In August 2024 the friends group was seeking bids on an improved shoreline protecting system. Located at the end of Point Betsie Road, off MI 22 about 5 miles (8 km) north of Frankfort; the entrance to the road is not well marked. Site open, lighthouse including tower open Thursday through Sunday from Memorial Day (late May) through mid June, daily except Tuesday mid June through Labor Day (early September), and Thursday through Monday for the rest of September and October. Owner: Benzie County. Site manager: Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse . ARLHS USA-616; USCG 7-18370.

Point Betsie Light, Frankfort, September 2021
Google Maps photo by Chris Hoekstra

Leelanau County Lighthouses
* Manning (Robert H. Manning Memorial, Empire)
1991. Active (privately maintained); focal plane 38 ft (11.5 m); white flash every 4 s. Approx. 35 ft (11 m) round cylindrical stucco-clad wood tower, painted white; lantern painted green. A 2021 photo is at right, Martin van Duijn has a fine 2007 closeup, Jana Labean has a 2021 photo, Pepper has a good page for the lighthouse, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. This lighthouse was built by the family and friends of Robert H. Manning, who died in 1989; he had spoken throughout his life about the need for a lighthouse at Empire. Located in Empire Beach Park on Lake Street (South Lake Michigan Drive) in Empire. Parking provided. Site open, tower closed. Owner/site manager: Village of Empire. . ARLHS USA-1268; USCG 7-18366.
** South Manitou Island (2)
1858 (station established 1840). Inactive since 1872. 2-1/2 story brick keeper's house; the light tower was removed in 1872. The building remained in use as the keeper's house for the 1872 lighthouse (next entry). ARLHS USA-1328.
** South Manitou Island (3)
1872 (O.M. Poe). Reactivated (inactive 1958-2009, now maintained by the National Park Service); focal plane about 105 ft (32 m); continuous white light. 104 ft (31.5 m) round brick tower attached to a 2-1/2 story brick keeper's house (1858). Fog signal building (1875). A 2022 photo is at the top of this page, Pepper has a page for the lighthouse, Nicole Halstead has a 2019 closeup, Lighthouse Digest has Jim Merkel's October 2002 article, the Coast Guard has a 1940 photo, and Google has a satellite view. The light was deactivated in favor of a lighted buoy (USCG 7-18360) off the end of the South Manitou Island Shoal. The lighthouse was formerly endangered by beach erosion, which is now controlled by a seawall. The National Park Service, which has a page for the lighthouse, is working on restoration of the light station. In 2008 Park Service workers repaired the stairs and lantern room and installed an acrylic replica of the original 3rd order lens. Following a "Relight the Light" campaign, the lighthouse was reactivated on 30 May 2009. The Park Service recruits volunteer keepers to stay for six weeks at the station and lead tours. In 2017 rising lake levels and storms were threatening the light station through beach erosion; the park service was preparing a $1 million project to protect the area. Located on the southeast corner of the island, within walking distance of the ferry dock and island visitor center. Accessible by passenger ferry from Leland. Site open (park entry fee), visitor center open daily mid-May through October, tower open to guided tours during the summer months. Owner: U.S. National Park Service. Site manager: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (South Manitou Island Lighthouse ). ARLHS USA-773; USCG 7-18357.

South Manitou Island Light, August 2021
Instagram photo by rvwith.us
North Manitou Shoal
1935. Active; focal plane 79 ft (23 m); red flash every 15 s. 63 ft (19 m) square cylindrical steel tower with lantern and gallery, rising from a 2-story square steel keeper's house, mounted on concrete crib; solar-powered light (2000). Fog horn (two blasts every 20 s). The original box-type Fresnel lens is on display at the Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Lighthouse painted white with black trim; lantern black. Fog horn (2 blasts every 20 s) as needed. Sibling of DeTour Reef Light in Lake Huron. A 2020 drone view by Kim Kelderhouse is at right, Bryan Penberthy has a photo by Dennis Kent, Mark Rogers has a 2022 photo, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and the lighthouse is seen in Bing's satellite view. The Coast Guard has a 1934 photo. A preservation group for the lighthouse was formed in 2000 but it disbanded after estimates showed the high cost of restoring the lighthouse. In May 2015 the lighthouse became available through NHLPA. Since no eligible organizations applied for ownership the lighthouse was placed at auction in July 2016. In September it sold for $73,000 to a new preservation group, the North Manitou Light Keepers. Members of the new group began restoration and hoped to open the lighthouse to the public by 2021. Work was well underway in 2018. In February 2019 the Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program granted $40,000 to fund a Historic Structure Report guiding the restoration, and in 2021 the Program granted $50,000 for restoration of the watch deck. With restoration nearly complete the first public tour was held on 19 June 2021, meeting the five-year-old goal. Located midway between North Manitou Island and the mainland. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower open to guided tours (reservations required) on Saturdays late May through July. Owner/site manager: North Manitou Light Keepers . ARLHS USA-554; USCG 7-18340.
 

North Manitou Shoal Light, June 2020
Google Maps photo by Kim Kelderhouse
 
**** Grand Traverse (Northport) (2)
1858 (station established 1852). Inactive since 1972. 47 ft (14.5 m) square cylindrical brick tower rising from a 2-1/2 story brick keeper's house. Building painted white, roof red, lantern black. Brick fog signal building (1899) and oil house. The diaphone fog signal (1934), inactive since 1966, was restored in 2000 and is operated on Saturdays in the summer. Sheena McKinney's 2021 photo is at right, Pepper has a fine page for the lighthouse, Wikimedia has many photos, Jay Baker has a 2021 photo, an article in the Northern Michigan Journal has the history of the light station, Marinas.com has aerial photos, the Michigan State Archives has a historic photo, Huelse has a historic postcard view, Douglas Willett has a street view, and Google has a satellite view. The light station is a museum; a 4th order Fresnel lens used at the Alpena Light in eastern Michigan is on display. The Grand Traverse Lighthouse Foundation has worked since 1987 to restore and maintain the lighthouse. In 2001 a state grant of $14,500, matched by private donations, was used to repaint the building. The 150th anniversary of the light station was celebrated on July 20, 2002. Lighthouse Digest has Jim Merkel's March 2003 feature on preservation efforts. Ownership of the light station was transferred to the state on September 22, 2003. In 2006 an urgent appeal was made for $45,000 needed for urgent repair of moisture damage to the foundation and floor joists. Since 2004 volunteer keepers spend one-week tours of duty at the lighthouse April through December, and in 2009 the lighthouse was opened for one-night stays during the winter season. Located at the end of MI 201 on the point separating Traverse Bay from Lake Michigan. Ample parking is available. Site open (state park entry fee), museum and tower open daily May through October, also weekends in November. Owner: Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources (Leelanau State Park). Site manager: Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum . ARLHS USA-332.
* Grand Traverse (Northport) (3)
1972 (station established 1852). Active; focal plane 50 ft (15 m); white flash every 6 s. 41 ft (12.5 m) square cylindrical steel skeletal tower. Pepper has a photo, Douglas Willett has a street view, and Bing has a satellite view. Located on the north side of the historic lighthouse. Site open, tower closed. USCG 7-18110

Grand Traverse Light, Northport, May 2021
Instagram photo by Sheena McKinney
South Fox Island (1)
1867. Inactive since 1934. 45 ft (13.5 m) square cylindrical brick tower with lantern and gallery, attached church-style to a brick keeper's house. The 4th order Fresnel lens from this lighthouse is now displayed in the tower of the Old Presque Isle Light (see the Northeastern Lower Peninsula page). Building painted white, lantern white with a red roof. A 2024 photo is at right, Pepper has a page for the lighthouse, Ken Scott has a 2009 aerial view, Bash has a 2005 view from the lake, and Google has a satellite view. Located in the center of Lake Michigan midway between the Manitou Islands and Beaver Island, South Fox Island is about 5 m (8 km) long and 1.5 mi (2.5 km ) wide. For many years the lighthouse was abandoned and endangered by neglect. In October 2000 the state proposed a land swap with David Johnson, the developer who owns about 2/3 of the island; the swap would have placed the light station under private control. Strong opposition from preservationists led the developer to scale back his plans in November 2001, leaving the station in state ownership. In late 2004 the Fox Island Lighthouse Association (FILA) was organized to work for restoration of the South Fox Island lighthouses. Volunteers have been working steadily since then and there has been considerable progress in stabilizing and refurbishing the light station buildings. The windows were replaced in 2015. Located at the southernmost tip of the island. Accessible only by boat; passenger ferry service is available and camping on the island is permitted. Site open, tower closed. Owner: Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Site manager: Fox Island Lighthouse Association . ARLHS USA-771.
South Fox Island (2)
1905 (relocated here in 1934). Inactive since 1959. 100 ft (30.5 m) square pyramidal cast iron "Sanibel class" skeletal tower with central cylinder, lantern, and gallery. Originally built in 1905 at Sapelo Island, Georgia, the lighthouse was dismantled and transferred to this site in 1934. FILA has a 2024 photo, Michael Mathewson has a 2010 photo and Google has a satellite view. The Coast Guard has a photo of South Fox Island showing both towers as well as a historic photo of this tower at Sapelo Island. When it was active, the lighthouse was painted white with a black lantern and watch room; today it is mostly black with rust. In late 2004 the Fox Island Lighthouse Association was organized to work for restoration of both South Fox Island lighthouses. Located adjacent to the earlier lighthouse. Site open, tower closed. Owner: Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Site manager: Fox Island Lighthouse Association . ARLHS USA-1327.
 

1867 South Fox Island Light, Leelanau County, August 2024
Facebook pboto posted by Fox Island Lighthouse Association
 

Grand Traverse County Lighthouses
**** Mission Point (1)
1870. Inactive since 1938 but charted as a landmark. 30 ft (9 m) square cylindrical wood tower mounted schoolhouse-style on a 1-1/2 story wood keeper's house. Building painted white. Mike Loyd's 2023 photo is at right, Anderson's page has good photos, Pepper has a good page for the light station, John Inman has a 2021 photo, Wikipedia's article has a photo, Marinas.com has aerial photos, the Coast Guard has a historic photo, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. Famous for its location precisely on the 45th parallel, the lighthouse was discontinued because it fails to warn ships away from extensive shoals north of the point. It was transferred first to the state in the 1940s and then to Peninsula Township in 1948. It served for many years as a park manager's residence, but in 2008 it opened to the public. Volunteer keepers are needed (year round) for stays in the rear of the structure. In 2015 a state grant of $44,732 supported foundation repairs and the relocation of an outbuilding to its original location near the lighthouse. In 2020 historically accurate shutters were installed in time for the celebration of the lighthouses's 150th anniversary. In 2024 lighthoue managers were planning new boardwalks, beach stairs, and a replica of the historic boathouse. Located at the end of MI 37 at Old Mission Point, which divides Traverse Bay into east and west bays. Limited parking available. Site open, building and tower open daily May through October and Friday through Sunday in November. Owner: Peninsula Township. Site manager: Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society (Mission Point Lighthouse ). ARLHS USA-504.
Mission Point (3)
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 41 ft (12.5 m); white flash every 6 s. 25 ft (7.5 m) round cylindrical steel tower rising from a square 1-story equipment room and mounted on a circular crib. Marinas.com has aerial photos and Bing has a distant satellite view. The cylindrical tower replaced a square steel skeletal tower. Located at the end of long shoal northwest of the old lighthouse; easily but distantly seen from the shore. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. Owner/site manager: U.S. Coast Guard. ARLHS USA-1098; USCG 7-18145.

Mission Point Light, Peninsula Township, October 2023
Instagram photo by Mike Loyd

Charlevoix County Lighthouses
Charlevoix County includes Beaver Island, the largest island of Lake Michigan. The island is 13 mi (21 km) long and 6 mi (10 km) wide; its permanent population of about 550 is augmented by summer visitors. The island is accessible in season by ferry from Charlevoix (reservations strongly suggested).

* Charlevoix South Pierhead (2)
1948 (station established 1885). Active; focal plane 41 ft (12.5 m); red flash every 4 s. Approx. 40 ft (12 m) square pyramidal steel skeletal tower, upper 2/3 enclosed. Lighthouse painted red, lantern black. Fog horn (blast every 30 s) as needed. Pepper has a page for the lighthouse, Juli Pannone has the 2021 photo at right, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has good street view and a satellite view. The original (1885) wood tower was built on the north pier and relocated to the south pier in 1914. Its lantern was transferred to the present lighthouse in 1948. The keeper's house was demolished in 1984 and the land on which it stood is now a city park. In 2005 the lighthouse became available for transfer under NHLPA and in 2008 it was transferred to the City of Charlevoix. In 2008 windows were replaced in a project to make the structure watertight. In 2009 the formerly-white lighthouse was repainted red, its color prior to 1968. A July 2010 photo shows the new color. Unfortunately the new paint faded rapidly and the lighthouse had to be painted again in 2016. Restoration of the interior is in progress. An interpretive sign was installed at the base of the lighthouse in October 2017. In 2023 fundraising in connection with the 75th annniverasry of the lighthouse supported repairs to the base and gallery. The exterior and interior were repaired and repainted in the fall of 2025. Located on the pierhead at the foot of Grant Street in downtown Charlevoix, 2 blocks west of US 31. Parking available near the lighthouse. Site open, tower closed. Operator: U.S. Coast Guard. Owner: City of Charlevoix. Site manager: Charlevoix Historical Society (South Pier Lighthouse ). ARLHS USA-156; USCG 7-17925.
** St. James (Beaver Island Harbor, Whiskey Point) (2)
1870 (station established 1856). Active; focal plane 38 ft (11.5 m); red light, 3 s on, 3 s off. 41 ft (12.5 m) round cylindrical brick tower with lantern and gallery; original 4th order Fresnel lens. Tower painted white, lantern black. The keeper's house, formerly attached, was demolished in the 1940s. A 2018 photo shows the lighthouse freshly repainted, Kelcie Herald has a 2021 photo of the light in action, Marinas.com has aerial photos, the Coast Guard has a historic photo showing the lighthouse attached to the keeper's house, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. In October 2000 the township secured a ten-year lease on the structure. In 2003 an inspection by GLLKA found "the tower to be in somewhat poor condition, with moisture causing serious spalling of the bricks on the tower exterior," according to Terry Pepper. Ownership of the lighthouse was transferred to the township under NHLPA in 2005. Clearly there has been restoration work since then and the lighthouse appears in good shape at present. Traverse magazine has an article on Elizabeth Whitney Williams, a nineteenth century keeper. Located at the end of Michigan Street at the east side of the harbor entrance in St. James. Site open, tower open Wednesday and Saturdays during the summer. Operator: U.S. Coast Guard. Owner/site manager: St. James Township. . ARLHS USA-047; USCG 7-17845.
 

Charlevoix South Pierhead Light, Charlevoix, August 2021
Google Maps photo by Juli Pannone
 
** Beaver Head (Beaver Island) (2)
1858 (station established 1852). Inactive since 1962. 46 ft (14 m) round cylindrical brick tower attached to a 2-story brick keeper's house (1866). The original 4th order Fresnel lens is displayed in the keeper's house. The tower is unpainted light tan brick; the lantern is painted green with a red roof. Brick fog signal building (1910). Zach Wilkinson's 2020 photo is at right, Pepper has a good page for the light station, Dawn Morgan has a 2021 photo, Bash has a photo of the station, the Coast Guard has a historic photo, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. The original, poorly-constructed lighthouse collapsed in 1857. In 1975 the Charlevoix school district (on the mainland) bought the station for $1 to establish an alternative school for youth aged 16-21. Beginning in 1978 the station was restored in a series of summer work/study programs and then opened as a school. In 2003 a grant was obtained to repair spalling of the exterior brick work and in 2005 the state granted $23,000 for restoration of the oil house. The school closed in June 2016 due to loss of federal funding. In October 2018 Charlevoix County and Networks Northwest (an economic development organization that had supported the school for years) announced a deal to purchase the light station from the school system and this sale was completed in July 2019. New uses for the light station are being considered. In 2019-20 high water levels in Lake Michigan threatened the fog signal building and the county spent $30,000 to place additional riprap around the building to protect it. In 2020 the county was seeking grant funding to replace the roof of the keeper's house. In 2022 students from Eastern Michigan University’s Historic Preservation graduate program spent tome doing some preservation work and writing a report recommending further action. In January 2025 the county, athe Beaver Island Historical Society, and a Detroit deign form announced a project to restore the lighthouse for the HGTV show Bargain Block. The light station is currently an undeveloped county park administered by the county's Parks Commission. Located near the southern end of the island. Island accessible in season by ferry from Charlevoix. Site open, tower open daily (it is unlocked) during the summer months. Owner/site manager: Charlevoix County. . ARLHS USA-046.
Gull Island (2)
1980s (station establishment date unknown). Active; focal plane 77 ft (23.5 m); white flash every 6 s. 73 ft (22 m) triangular skeletal tower. The tower carries two diamond-shaped daymarks colored in a red and white checkerboard pattern. No photo available but Google has a satellite view. The original lighthouse was an 88 ft (27 m) hexagonal skeletal tower with lantern and gallery. Gull Island, a small island about 15 mi (25 km) west of Beaver Island, is a bird sanctuary and is closed to the public. (It should not be confused with another Gull Island off Northport.) Located at the northern tip of Gull Island. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. Owner: U.S. Coast Guard. Site manager: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge). ARLHS USA-1115; USCG 7-21530.

Beaver Head Light, Beaver Island, August 2020
Google Maps photo
by Zach Wilkinson
Ojibwa (Squaw) Island
1892. Inactive since 1928 but charted as a landmark. Approx. 15 m (50 ft) octagonal cylindrical brick tower attached to a 2-story brick Norman Gothic keeper's house. The building is unpainted red brick; lantern is painted black. Brick fog signal building and brick oil house. Pepper has a page for the lighthouse, Eric VanDuyn has a 2017 photo, a good closeup is available, Lighthouse Digest has Don Farrant's 1997 article on the history of the light station, the Coast Guard has a 1913 photo, and Google has a satellite view. This lighthouse, long abandoned, fell into very poor condition. At some point the island and lighthouse were sold into private ownership and eventually came into the hands of Tom Child and his family. In the fall of 2016 the Childs put a new roof on the building and made some exterior repairs; Lighthouse Digest has an article on this project. But within days they put the island and lighthouse for sale for $1.5 million. The island has been sold but the new owners are not known. In 2022 the Department of the Interior changed the name of the island officially from Squaw Island to Ojibwa Island. Located on a remote island 6 miles (10 km) northwest of St. James (Beaver Island). Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. Owner/site manager: private. ARLHS USA-786.

Emmet County Lighthouses
Petoskey (5?)
Date unknown (station established 1899). Active; focal plane 44 ft (13.5 m); red flash every 2.5 s. 33 ft (10 m) round "D9" round cylindrical steel tower, painted white with one red horizontal band, on a square 1-story concrete base. Ann Graves has a closeup 2020 photo, a distant 2017 photo is available, Craig Smith has a street view, and Google has a satellite view. This is one of many modern pierhead lights of similar design throughout the Great Lakes, but it is highly visible and is regarded locally as a lighthouse. In the winter of 2006 a violent storm damaged the breakwater but the light was not affected. The original light was on a post. The second light, built in 1912, was a hexagonal "pagoda" style cast iron tower; it was swept away by a storm in 1924. It was replaced by a steel skeletal tower in 1930. In 2009 members of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association proposed to reconstuct the shell of the 1912 lighthouse around the modern light. The Coast Guard rejected this proposal because it does not allow privately maintained lights on major piers. In September 2010 the city council accepted a GLLKA plan to build the replica in Quarry Park, overlooking the harbor on Lewis Street north of Rose Street. The proposed light would have a focal plane of about 90 ft (27 m) and might serve as an aid to navigation. GLLKA was trying to raise the estimated $300,000 needed for the project, but so far nothing seems to have come from this effort. Located at the end of the breakwater at the entrance to the harbor. Site and tower closed. Owner/site manager: U.S. Coast Guard. . ARLHS USA-1085; USCG 7-17915.
* State Street Pier (Harbor Springs)
1963? Active (privately maintained); focal plane 38 ft (11.5 m); continuous red light. Navigation light mounted atop a cupola centered on the roof of a restaurant on the pier. Charles Dawley has a closeup photo and Google has a street view and a satellite view. This light was installed around the time the Harbor Point lighthouse was deactivated. Located on East Bay Street at the foot of State Street, off MI 119 in downtown Harbor Springs. Site and restaurant open. Site manager: Stafford's Pier Restaurant. ARLHS USA-1326; USCG 7-17865.
Little Traverse (Harbor Point) (1)
1884. Inactive since 1963. 40 ft (12 m) square cylindrical brick tower, unpainted, attached church-style to a 1-1/2 story brick keeper's house. Lantern painted white with a red roof. The original 4th order Fresnel lens is still mounted in the tower and a very rare square pyramidal wood fog bell tower (1896) with the original striking mechanism intact is on the point east of the lighthouse. Dawn Carlson's photo is at right, Pepper has a good page for the lighthouse, Dawn Carlson has a closeup photo, a 2023 photo is available, Marinas.com has aerial photos, the Coast Guard has a 1925 photo, and Google has a satellite view. The lighthouse is located at the end of Harbor Point, a gated community on a spit sheltering Harbor Springs. There's a good view from the Little Traverse Bay Ferry between Harbor Springs and Petoskey; also visible on harbor tours from Petoskey available in season. Site and tower generally closed; in recent years guided tours have been available once or twice each year. Owner/site manager: Harbor Point Association. . ARLHS USA-444.

Little Traverse Light, Harbor Springs, posted January 2021
Google Maps photo copyright Dawn Carlson
Little Traverse (Harbor Point) (2)
1963. Active; focal plane 73 ft (22 m), green flash every 6 s. 72 ft (22 m) square steel skeletal tower with gallery, painted white. Dawn Carlson has the photo above right showing this tower and the historic lighthouse and Google has a satellite view. Located on the point southeast of the lighthouse. USCG 7-17855.
Ile aux Galets (Skillagalee) (3)
1888 (station established 1850). Active; focal plane 58 ft (17.5 m); white flash every 6 s. 58 ft (17.5 m) octagonal brick tower; 300 mm lens (1969). Lighthouse painted white; lantern, watch room, and gallery black. The keeper's house (formerly attached) and all other light station buildings were demolished in 1969. Sibling of the Port Sanilac Light in southeastern Michigan. Derek Byrne has the 2021 photo seen at right, Pepper has a page for the lighthouse, Kevin Morgeson has a 2015 photo, Marinas.com has aerial photos, the Coast Guard has a historic photo of the complete station, and Google has a satellite view. The original lighthouse had a lantern on a keeper's house; it was replaced in 1868 by a 100 ft (30.5 m) brick tower. That tall tower was torn down and replaced in 1888 when it appeared it would be lost to beach erosion. The light station buildings other than the light tower were demolished in 1969. The General Services Administration placed the lighthouse on auction sale in July 2015 and it sold in September for $23,250. The new owner is Bill Collins, who also owns the Manistique Lighthouse in Upper Michigan and the Liston Rear Range Lighthouse in Delaware. Collins has started a preservation organization called Light Keepers Preservation. Note: "Skillagalee" is an English garbling of the original French name Île aux Galets (Isle of Pebbles). Located on a low island, the highest point of a long sandy shoal, about 8 miles (13 km) west northwest of Cross Village. Accessible only by boat in dangerous waters, and there are no facilities for landing on the island. Site and tower closed. Operator: U.S. Coast Guard. Owner/site manager: Light Keepers Preservation, Inc. . ARLHS USA-399; USCG 7-17795.


Île aux Galets (Skillagalee) Light, Lake Michigan, July 2021
Google Maps photo
by Derek Byrne

Grays Reef
1937 (lightship station established 1891). Active; focal plane 82 ft (25 m); red flash every 10 s. 65 ft (20 m) octagonal cylindrical Art Deco steel tower on square concrete keeper's house, mounted on concrete and stone crib; solar-powered 190 mm lens. The tower is surmounted by a tall antenna. Lighthouse painted white, lantern black. Fog horn (2 blasts every 30 s) as needed. The original 3-1/2 order Fresnel lens is on display at the Harsha House Museum in Charlevoix. Sibling of the Minneapolis Shoal Light (see Southern Upper Peninsula). Pepper has a page for the lighthouse, Brandon Rose has a 2020 photo, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and the Coast Guard has a 1948 photo, but the lighthouse appears only as a smudge in Bing's satellite view. This light marks the south end of the Grays Reef Channel, a narrow passage through an underwater ridge extending from Waugoschance Point to the Beaver Islands. In 2013 the lighthouse became available for transfer under NHLPA. Since no eligible organizations applied for ownership, the lighthouse was placed at auction in July 2016; it sold in October for $52,777 to Boston philanthropist Bobby Sager, who also owns the Minots Ledge Lighthouse in Massachusetts and the Boon Island Lighthouse in Maine. Located 4 miles (6.5 km) west southwest of Waugoshance Island. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. Owner/site manager: private. . ARLHS USA-343; USCG 7-17775.
White Shoal
1910 (lightship station established 1891). Active; focal plane 125 ft (38 m); white flash every 4 s. 121 ft (37 m) round steel and terra cotta block tower (brick lined), incorporating keeper's house, mounted on a timber and concrete crib; 190 mm lens. The tower is painted with distinctive red and white stripes in a "candy-stripe" spiral pattern (it is the only U.S. lighthouse with this daymark); the lantern and gallery are red. Fog horn (blast every 30 s) as needed. The original bivalve 2nd order Fresnel lens, removed in 1897, is on display at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point on the Upper Peninsula. Jade Sauve's 2017 photo is at right, Bash has 2007 photo taken on a GLLKA-sponsored lighthouse cruise, Pepper has a good page for the lighthouse, and Marinas.com has aerial photos, but the lighthouse appears only as a smudge in Bing's satellite view. The Coast Guard has a historic photo of the lighthouse nearing completion. This light marks the north end of the Grays Reef Channel, where ships must make a right-angle turn. The distinctive red and white daymark was applied in 1954. In May 2014 the lighthouse became available for transfer under NHLPA. Since no eligible organizations applied for ownership, the lighthouse was placed at auction in July 2016; it sold in September for $110,009. The new owners, Brent Tompkins and Mike Lynch, launched the White Shoal Light Historical Preservation Society and announced their plans to restore the lighthouse for overnight accommodations and public tours. They estimate the restoration will require five years and about $3 million. On New Years Day 2019 they announced that the partially-restored lighthouse would open to public tours starting in July. Tours have been suspended for 2022-23 to allow for more extensive restoration work, but they resumed in July 2024. In 2025 volunteers will staff the lighthouse in one-week assignments during the May through September season. Located 2.6 miles (4.2 km) northwest of Waugoshance Island. Site open, tower closed. Owner/site manager: White Shoal Light Historical Preservation Society . ARLHS USA-886; USCG 7-17750.

White Shoal Light, Lake Michigan, August 2018
Instagram photo by Jade Sauve
Waugoshance
1851. Inactive since 1912 but charted as a landmark. 76 ft (23 m) ruined round brick tower, formerly encased in iron, mounted on a stone crib. Very rare original "birdcage" lantern. A closeup 2023 photo by J. Morris shows the current state of the lighthouse, a good 2007 photo is available, Pepper has a page for the lighthouse, and Marinas.com has aerial photos, but the lighthouse is not seen in Bing's satellite view of the area. The National Archives has a 1913 photo of the complete station. This lighthouse is too far east to be an effective marker for the Grays Reef Channel; it was abandoned after it was replaced by the White Shoal Light. Previously used for bombing and strafing practice, the lighthouse is gravely endangered and deteriorating; it is a longtime resident on the Lighthouse Digest Doomsday List. The Waugoshance Lighthouse Preservation Society began working on the preservation of the lighthouse. The Coast Guard authorized fundraising to stabilize the building and the Society was negotiating a lease on the light station. In 2009 the lighthouse became available for transfer under NHLPA, and in October 2011 ownership was awarded to the preservation society. In September 2012 the society announced that it had arranged funding for the historic structures report needed before restoration can begin. However, in 2019 storms and high lake levels damaged the foundation of the lighthouse, raising fears for its survival. In 2020 the Society concluded the lighthouse could not be saved, and at the end of year the organization was dissolved. Located about 2 miles (3 km) northwest of Waugoshance Island. Accessible only by boat in dangerous waters. Site and tower closed. . ARLHS USA-874.
*** McGulpin Point (McGulpins Point)
1869. Reactivated (inactive 1906-2009, now maintained by the county); focal plane 108 ft (33 m); white flash every 4 s. Approx. 40 ft (12 m) octagonal cylindrical brick tower with lantern and gallery attached to a 2-story Norman Gothic brick keeper's house. Helene Merkel's 2023 photo is at right, Pepper has a fine page for the light station, Anderson also has a good page for the lighthouse, Matt Follick has an excellent photo, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. For many years this lighthouse was very well maintained as a private residence. Bash's 2006 photo shows the lighthouse as it appeared in private ownership; the original lantern had been removed when the lighthouse was deactivated. In 2005 the property was for sale for $1.75 million; by early 2008 the price had been lowered to $975,000. With no buyers in sight, Emmet County Commissioners voted in June to purchase the property for $720,000. In April 2009 the Commissioners agreed to purchase two adjoining lots for future parking and a possible museum. Also in April 2009 a replica lantern was installed and a relighting celebration was held on May 30. The keeper's house house is being developed as a museum and a neighboring building (added after the lighthouse was sold) has been renovated for overnight accommodations. The county has a web page for the lighthouse. In spring 2023 the lighthouse was refreshed with an exterior restoration and interior repainting. Located at the end of Headlands Road about 3 miles (5 km) west of Mackinaw City. Parking is provided but is somewhat limited. Site open, lighthouse and tower open daily mid May to mid October. Owner: Emmet County. Site manager: McGulpin Point Lighthouse . ARLHS USA-487; USCG 7-12651.

McGulpin Point Light, Mackinaw City, August 2023
Instagram photo by Helene Merkel
**** Mackinac Point
1892 (John Peter Schmitt). Inactive since 1957. 40 ft (12 m) round cylindrical brick tower attached to 2-story brick Tudor Revival keeper's house. Building unpainted with red roofs; lantern painted black. The original 4th order Sautter, Lemonier & Co. Fresnel lens, rediscovered in storage after being lost for many years, was returned for display in May 2003. Brick fog signal building (1907). A 2022 photo by Christina Nussis at right, Pepper has a good page for the lighthouse, Christina Nuss has a 2022 photo, an excellent closeup photo is available, Keith Ewing has a photo, Marinas.com has aerial photos, Huelse has a historic postcard view, Ben Woodworth has a January 2017 street view, and Google has a satellite view. The Coast Guard has a 1945 aerial view of the light station. The Mackinac Island State Park Commission purchased Old Point Mackinac Lighthouse in 1960 and added it to Michilimackinac State Park. After some restoration work the lighthouse was opened to the public in 1972 but budget reductions forced its closure in 1990. After being closed for a decade the light station was in need of extensive restoration by 2000. Efforts began in 2001 to raise $2.5 million needed to restore the site. In the summer of 2002 state grants repaired the roof and replaced the windows. The lighthouse reopened to visitors on June 12, 2004. In early 2005 the station's barn, which had been relocated, was returned. In late 2006 restoration work began on the barn. An exterior restoration in 2017 replaced spalled bricks in the walls of the lighthouse. Restoration of the keeper's apartment on the second floor was completed in July 2020. Located at the end of Huron Street in Mackinaw City, practically under the "Mighty Mac" (I-75) bridge over the Straits of Mackinac (the lighthouse was deactivated when the bridge was completed in 1957). Site open, fog signal building open daily during the summer, lighthouse and tower open daily from early May to early October. Owner: Mackinac Island State Park Commission. Site manager: Mackinac State Historic Parks (Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse ). ARLHS USA-463.

Mackinac Point Light, Mackinaw City, July 2022
Instagram photo by Christina Nuss

Information available on lost lighthouses

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Checked and revised January 1, 2025. Lighthouses: 27. Site copyright 2025 Russ Rowlett and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.