Grand Traverse Lighthouse (ca. 1858)

The Grand Traverse Light is one of the older lights in Michigan. Built in 1858, the second light on this spot, it housed a Fifth Order Lens from its 48 foot tower. It is located in Leelanau State Park at the very tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. In the summer the building houses a nice museum and the surrounding beaches are great for rockhounds.

Grand Traverse Lighthouse (ca. 1858)

The Grand Traverse Light is one of the older lights in Michigan. Built in 1858, the second light on this spot, it housed a Fifth Order Lens from its 48 foot tower. It is located in Leelanau State Park at the very tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. In the summer the building houses a nice museum and the surrounding beaches are great for rockhounds.

Grand Traverse Lighthouse (ca. 1858)

The Grand Traverse Light is one of the older lights in Michigan. Built in 1858, the second light on this spot, it housed a Fifth Order Lens from its 48 foot tower. It is located in Leelanau State Park at the very tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. In the summer the building houses a nice museum and the surrounding beaches are great for rockhounds.

Grand Traverse Lighthouse (ca. 1858)

The Grand Traverse Light is one of the older lights in Michigan. Built in 1858, the second light on this spot, it housed a Fifth Order Lens from its 48 foot tower. It is located in Leelanau State Park at the very tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. In the summer the building houses a nice museum and the surrounding beaches are great for rockhounds.

New Presque Isle Lighthouse (ca. 1871)

In 1866 plans were drawn up to replace the smaller "Old" Presque Isle light and replace it with a larger structure. The result is the "New" Presque Isle Light. It began operation in 1871 and stands 113 feet tall. A hundred and thirty-plus years later the light is still active, though automated. During the summer the dwellings and tower are open to the public and the surrounding grounds have a number of nice trails.

New Presque Isle Lighthouse (ca. 1871)

In 1866 plans were drawn up to replace the smaller "Old" Presque Isle light and replace it with a larger structure. The result is the "New" Presque Isle Light. It began operation in 1871 and stands 113 feet tall. A hundred and thirty-plus years later the light is still active, though automated. During the summer the dwellings and tower are open to the public and the surrounding grounds have a number of nice trails.

New Presque Isle Lighthouse (ca. 1871)

In 1866 plans were drawn up to replace the smaller "Old" Presque Isle light and replace it with a larger structure. The result is the "New" Presque Isle Light. It began operation in 1871 and stands 113 feet tall. A hundred and thirty-plus years later the light is still active, though automated. During the summer the dwellings and tower are open to the public and the surrounding grounds have a number of nice trails.

Old Presque Isle Lighthouse (ca. 1840)

This is an old light, lit in 1840. The tower is a 30-foot stone structure with a neat English cottage style keepers dwelling adjacent. It operated until 1870 when it was replaced by the much larger structure just up the road. In the summer you can drive in to tour the cottage and climb the tower. When I visited I needed to break out the snowshoes to make the half-mile walk in.

Old Presque Isle Lighthouse (ca. 1840)

This is an old light, lit in 1840. The tower is a 30-foot stone structure with a neat English cottage style keepers dwelling adjacent. It operated until 1870 when it was replaced by the much larger structure just up the road. In the summer you can drive in to tour the cottage and climb the tower. When I visited I needed to break out the snowshoes to make the half-mile walk in.

Old Presque Isle Lighthouse (ca. 1840)

This is an old light, lit in 1840. The tower is a 30-foot stone structure with a neat English cottage style keepers dwelling adjacent. It operated until 1870 when it was replaced by the much larger structure just up the road. In the summer you can drive in to tour the cottage and climb the tower. When I visited I needed to break out the snowshoes to make the half-mile walk in.

Old Presque Isle Lighthouse (ca. 1840)

This is an old light, lit in 1840. The tower is a 30-foot stone structure with a neat English cottage style keepers dwelling adjacent. It operated until 1870 when it was replaced by the much larger structure just up the road. In the summer you can drive in to tour the cottage and climb the tower. When I visited I needed to break out the snowshoes to make the half-mile walk in.

Presque Isle Old Front Range Light (ca. 1869)

The two range lights at Presque Isle were made operational in 1869. The range lights were built to aid ships entering Presque Isle Harbor. The Front Range light is only 15 feet tall and is part of a small roadside park along the harbor.

Presque Isle Old Rear Range Light (ca. 1869)

The two range lights at Presque Isle were made operational in 1869. The range lights were built to aid ships entering Presque Isle Harbor. The Rear Range light stands 38 feet tall and is now a private residence. Directly across the road from the home is the old Rear Range light.

Forty Mile Point Lighthouse (ca. 1897)

First lit in 1897, Forty Mile Point light originally housed a 4th Order Fresnel lens. The need for a lighthouse in this area is apparent by a nearby shipwreck vcipherisible on the beach to the north. The light was automated in 1969 and is now open to the public in the summer as part of a nice county park.

Forty Mile Point Lighthouse (ca. 1897)

First lit in 1897, Forty Mile Point light originally housed a 4th Order Fresnel lens. The need for a lighthouse in this area is apparent by a nearby shipwreck vcipherisible on the beach to the north. The light was automated in 1969 and is now open to the public in the summer as part of a nice county park.

Forty Mile Point Lighthouse (ca. 1897)

First lit in 1897, Forty Mile Point light originally housed a 4th Order Fresnel lens. The need for a lighthouse in this area is apparent by a nearby shipwreck vcipherisible on the beach to the north. The light was automated in 1969 and is now open to the public in the summer as part of a nice county park.

Whitefish Point Lighthouse (ca. 1861)

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse (ca. 1892)

Built in 1892, the Old Mackinac Point light originally housed a 4th order Fresnel lens. Restoration began on the light in 2001 and the lighthouse re-opened to visitors in 2004. During the summer you can climb the tower for a beautiful view of the straits.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse (ca. 1892)

Built in 1892, the Old Mackinac Point light originally housed a 4th order Fresnel lens. Restoration began on the light in 2001 and the lighthouse re-opened to visitors in 2004. During the summer you can climb the tower for a beautiful view of the straits.

Rock Harbor Lighthouse (ca. 1855)

Fourteen Foot Shoal Lighthouse (ca. 1930)

Fourteen Foot Shoal marks a dangerous reef near the entrance to Cheboygan Harbor. The light was completed in 1930 and replaced the Old Cheboygan Light. The nearest view from land is seen here, from Cheboygan Point within Cheboygan State Park.

Alpena South Breakwater Light

I couldn't find any info on this modern light. Its not particularly pretty but the snow and ice help. It stands directly across the river from the old Alpena light.

Alpena North Breakwater Light (ca. 1914)

This light is the third such structure built at this location. It was built in 1914, housed a 4th-Order lens and was originally colored black. In the mid-50's it recieved its present red paint job and lost its original Fresnel lens for a more modern light.

Alpena North Breakwater Light (ca. 1914)

This light is the third such structure built at this location. It was built in 1914, housed a 4th-Order lens and was originally colored black. In the mid-50's it recieved its present red paint job and lost its original Fresnel lens for a more modern light.

Alpena Lights

The old and new lights of Alpena Harbor stand across the river from one another. I think its an interesting contrast.

Old Cheboygan Lighthouse Ruins (ca. 1859)

The Old Cheboygan Light was completed in 1851 and then rebuilt in 1859. The light was constructed in the popular schoolhouse design, with the tower atop a two-story dwelling. The station was fixed with Fifth Order lens and operated until 1930 when it was replaced by the nearby Fourteen Foot Shoal Light. The Coast Guard demolished the structure in the 1940's. Today the remains lie within Cheboygan State Park and a nice 1.5 mile trail leads out to the site.

Old Cheboygan Lighthouse Ruins (ca. 1859)

The Old Cheboygan Light was completed in 1851 and then rebuilt in 1859. The light was constructed in the popular schoolhouse design, with the tower atop a two-story dwelling. The station was fixed with Fifth Order lens and operated until 1930 when it was replaced by the nearby Fourteen Foot Shoal Light. The Coast Guard demolished the structure in the 1940's. Today the remains lie within Cheboygan State Park and a nice 1.5 mile trail leads out to the site.

Poe Reef Lighthouse (ca. 1929)

The crib light atop Poe Reef was completed in 1929 serving as a more permanent replacement for the lightships who had guarded these waters for the previous 34 years. The light was built as an exact duplicate of the Martins' Reef light. Fitted with a Third Order Fresnel lens the light could be seen from a distance of up to 20 miles. Automated in 1974 the light remains an active aid to navigation.

Mendota Channel (Bete Grise) Lighthouse (ca. 1870)

Completed in 1870, the lighthouse served until 1933 when it was abandoned and decomissioned. In 1996 the light was purchased privately and the owners worked to restore it. In 1998 the light entered service for the second time as an active aid to navigation.

Cheboygan Crib Lighthouse (ca. 1884)

This light, built in 1884, originally sat offshore upon a wooden crib. The light itself was fully automated in 1929. By the 1980's the lighthouse had developed an alarming list. The Coast Guard had plans to dynamite the structure but, in 1984, a local preservation group arranged to have the tower moved from the crib onshore to its present location along the breakwall.

Cheboygan Crib Lighthouse (ca. 1884)

This light, built in 1884, originally sat offshore upon a wooden crib. The light itself was fully automated in 1929. By the 1980's the lighthouse had developed an alarming list. The Coast Guard had plans to dynamite the structure but, in 1984, a local preservation group arranged to have the tower moved from the crib onshore to its present location along the breakwall.

Cheboygan Crib Lighthouse (ca. 1884)

This light, built in 1884, originally sat offshore upon a wooden crib. The light itself was fully automated in 1929. By the 1980's the lighthouse had developed an alarming list. The Coast Guard had plans to dynamite the structure but, in 1984, a local preservation group arranged to have the tower moved from the crib onshore to its present location along the breakwall.

Fourteen Foot Shoal Lighthouse (ca. 1930)

Fourteen Foot Shoal sits offshore of Cheboygan Harbor. Built in 1930 it is completely automated. The tower to the right is the Cheboygan Pierhead light.

Cheboygan River Front Range Light (ca. 1880)

Active in 1880, the lighthouse is open on weekends seasonally to visitors.

Copper Harbor Lighthouse (ca. 1849)

The Copper Harbor light was activated in 1849 and was one of two original lighthouses on Lake Superior (the other being Whitefish Point). The light originally housed both a Sixth and then a Fourth Order Fresnel lens. In 1927 the Coast Guard began leasing the building to summer guests and in 1933 abandoned the building altogether in favor of a 62-foot steel tower adjacent. The property was sold to the State of Michigan in the late 50's and has since been restored.

Copper Harbor Lighthouse (ca. 1849)

The Copper Harbor light was activated in 1849 and was one of two original lighthouses on Lake Superior (the other being Whitefish Point). The light originally housed both a Sixth and then a Fourth Order Fresnel lens. In 1927 the Coast Guard began leasing the building to summer guests and in 1933 abandoned the building altogether in favor of a 62-foot steel tower adjacent. The property was sold to the State of Michigan in the late 50's and has since been restored.

Copper Harbor Range Light (ca. 1865)

The range lights at Copper harbor were built between 1865 and 1869. They still are active although the lights have been moved to modern steel towers. The lights are essential as an aid to ships entering Copper Harbor with its many hidden shoals.

DeTour Reef Lighthouse (ca. 1931)

First lit in late 1931, the DeTour Reef Lighthouse marks the southern entrance (or exit, depending on the direction of travel) for ships plying the waters of DeTour Passage between Lakes Huron and Superior. The light was automated in 1974 and still serves the 5,000 or so ships that run the passage each year.

Eagle Harbor Lighthouse (ca. 1871)

The current lighthouse is the second to stand on this cliff. The original, built in 1850-51 served until 1870 when it was replaced due to deterioration. Construction of the current light began in 1871. The tower stands 44 feet high and housed a Fourth Order Fresnel lens. The distinctive white stripe was not added until 1925. The light is now open to the public along with a number of neighboring buildings during the summer.

Eagle River Lighthouse (ca. 1867)

Activated in 1867 during the copper boom, the Eagle River light served for nearly fifty years, long after the copper boom had faded. It housed a Sixth Order Fresnel Lens and could be seen from 10 miles out. It was deactivated and sold to a private owner in 1908. It is currently a private residence and closed to the public.

Frankfort North Breakwater Light (ca. 1912)

Built in 1912, the North Breakwater Light replaced the outdated (and now demolished) South Pierhead Light. It stands 44 feet tall and originally housed a Fourth Order lens. The unusual looking second-story door is evidence of a planned catwalk out to the light which was never built.

Frankfort North Breakwater Light (ca. 1912)

Built in 1912, the North Breakwater Light replaced the outdated (and now demolished) South Pierhead Light. It stands 44 feet tall and originally housed a Fourth Order lens. The unusual looking second-story door is evidence of a planned catwalk out to the light which was never built.

Frankfort North Breakwater Light (ca. 1912)

Built in 1912, the North Breakwater Light replaced the outdated (and now demolished) South Pierhead Light. It stands 44 feet tall and originally housed a Fourth Order lens. The unusual looking second-story door is evidence of a planned catwalk out to the light which was never built.

Fort Gratiot Lighthouse (ca. 1829)

The Ft. Gratiot light is the second structure to sit on this spot. This isn't to say it's young. The current light was established in 1829, replacing its 4-year old predecessor. The tower stood 74-feet tall until raised to its present 82-feet in 1861 when it was fitted with a 4th Order Fresnel Lens. The light has been a steadfast sentinel for ships entering and leaving Lake Huron for almost 180 years now. The light remains active and sits on Coast Guard property.

Harbor Beach Lighthouse (ca. 1885)

The first light was constructed at Harbor Beach in 1875 and was of a skeleton style not unlike the Charlevoix light. A huge storm in 1883 nearly destroyed the little light and made clear that a sturdier structure was needed. The current light was lit in 1885 and stands 45' above the break wall. Its 5/8 inch steel skin protects it from the worst Lake Huron can throw at it. The light remains active.

Holland Harbor Lighthouse (ca. 1906)

The square structure that forms the base of 'Big Red', as it is affectionately known, actually was built before the current light tower believe it or not. In 1906 a skeletal light was built to replace an earlier structure damaged by a severe winter storm. The current fog signal building and keepers quarters was constructed the next year, 1907, directly behind this pierhead light. For reasons I can't determine, possibly another storm, this pierhead tower was dismantled in 1936 and a tower was then built atop the building giving the Holland Light the configuration it has to this day. Yet another tidbit most aren't aware of is the fact that the lighthouse was originally white. It wasn't until 50 years into its service, in 1956, that the Coast Guard painted the structure its defining shade of red so it would adhere to the rule that stated structures on the right side of harbor entrances would be colored thus.

Holland Harbor Lighthouse (ca. 1906)

The square structure that forms the base of 'Big Red', as it is affectionately known, actually was built before the current light tower believe it or not. In 1906 a skeletal light was built to replace an earlier structure damaged by a severe winter storm. The current fog signal building and keepers quarters was constructed the next year, 1907, directly behind this pierhead light. For reasons I can't determine, possibly another storm, this pierhead tower was dismantled in 1936 and a tower was then built atop the building giving the Holland Light the configuration it has to this day. Yet another tidbit most aren't aware of is the fact that the lighthouse was originally white. It wasn't until 50 years into its service, in 1956, that the Coast Guard painted the structure its defining shade of red so it would adhere to the rule that stated structures on the right side of harbor entrances would be colored thus.

South Manitou Island Lighthouse (ca. 1871)