Robert H. Manning Memorial Light (ca. 1990)

The Manning Memorial Light is Michigan's newest lighthouse, built and lit in 1990. It is located in the small town of Empire along a beautiful stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. The high dunes of Sleeping Bear rise from the shore both to the north and south making for a wonderful setting.

Robert H. Manning Memorial Light (ca. 1990)

The Manning Memorial Light is Michigan's newest lighthouse, built and lit in 1990. It is located in the small town of Empire along a beautiful stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. The high dunes of Sleeping Bear rise from the shore both to the north and south making for a wonderful setting.

Robert H. Manning Memorial Light (ca. 1990)

The Manning Memorial Light is Michigan's newest lighthouse, built and lit in 1990. It is located in the small town of Empire along a beautiful stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. The high dunes of Sleeping Bear rise from the shore both to the north and south making for a wonderful setting.

Marquette Harbor Lighthouse (ca. 1866)

The current Marquette Harbor light began service in 1866. It replaced an earlier structure built in 1853 of stone rubble. It housed a Forth Order lens which, from 70' above the water, could be seen up to 16 miles out. A second story was added to the dwelling in 1910 and a fog signal building was located at the rocky point. Unfortunately, in 1980, the Coast Guard dynamited the fog signal building. Today, the Marquette Maritime Museum offers tours of the still active light.

Martin Reef Lighthouse (ca. 1927)

Beginning its service in 1927, the Martin Reef Light replaced a lightship which had served for only a couple years prior to its construction. Increasing traffic through the nearby Straits of Mackinac necessitated a permanent year-round beacon and the Martin Reef Light, though long since automated, serves as an active aid to navigation to this day.

Detroit Lighthouse Depot (ca. 1874)

Tucked along the Detroit riverfront just south of Belle Isle is one of the most important buildings on the Great Lakes...if you were a light keeper that is. The Detroit Light Depot was constructed between 1871 and 1874. It was one of 12 depots constructed across the country, one for each lighthouse district. All the supplies for all the lighthouses on the Great Lakes came from this building.

Huron Lightship (ca. 1920)

The Huron Lightship, launched in 1920, has a very intersting story. From 1935 to 1970 she was stationed at Corsica Shoals about 6 miles north of the upper entrance to the St. Clair River. During World War 2 she was the only lightship not to depart for wartime service and when she was removed from service in 1970 she was the last lightship on the Great Lakes to do so. Now the ship is a museum, the only of its type in Michigan, along the St. Clair River in Port Huron.

William H. Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse (ca. 1929)

The Livingstone Memorial Light was built in 1929 as a show of appreciation for William Livingstone, president of the Lake Carriers Association from 1902-1925. The light is one of only two so-called "memorial lights" in Michigan as well as the only one in the nation built of marble. It is located at the north end of Belle Isle in the Detroit River and can be climbed during the summer.

Peche Island Lighthouse (ca. 1908)

Saved from sure destruction in 1983, the Peche Island Light was built in 1908 near its namesake island at the north entrance to the Detroit River. Faithfully serving for some 75 years by the late 70's the light had developed a severe list and was in danger of collapse. The citizens of nearby Marine City took it upon themselves to rescue and relocate the light. Since 1983, it has stood in a small park along the riverfront in Marine City.

Windmill Island Lighthouse (ca. 1875)

Middle Neebish Lighthouse (ca. 1907)

Middle Neebish is an all but unknown light sitting at the northern tip of Neebish Island in the St. Mary's River. The island is reached via a small ferry from the mainland at Barbeau. The light, constructed in 1907, has been neglected for years and it looks it. Not that this light would win any beauty pageants freshly painted though. The corroded steel tower sits about 150 yards back from the river right behind the newer steel range light built in 1993.

Middle Neebish Lighthouse (ca. 1907)

Middle Neebish is an all but unknown light sitting at the northern tip of Neebish Island in the St. Mary's River. The island is reached via a small ferry from the mainland at Barbeau. The light, constructed in 1907, has been neglected for years and it looks it. Not that this light would win any beauty pageants freshly painted though. The corroded steel tower sits about 150 yards back from the river right behind the newer steel range light built in 1993.

Middle Neebish Lighthouse (ca. 1907)

Middle Neebish is an all but unknown light sitting at the northern tip of Neebish Island in the St. Mary's River. The island is reached via a small ferry from the mainland at Barbeau. The light, constructed in 1907, has been neglected for years and it looks it. Not that this light would win any beauty pageants freshly painted though. The corroded steel tower sits about 150 yards back from the river right behind the newer steel range light built in 1993.

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. Rectoration 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. Rectoration 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. Rectoration 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. Rectoration 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.

Old Mission Point Lighthouse (ca. 1870)

First operational in late 1870, the Old Mission Light can only be described as "cute." It stands on a small sand bluff guarding the entrances to both arms Grand Traverse Bay about 20 miles north of Traverse City. A nice park surrounds the light but the structure itself is private property and off-limits. The location is beautiful and one of my favorite spots to visit.

Old Mission Point Lighthouse (ca. 1870)

First operational in late 1870, the Old Mission Light can only be described as "cute." It stands on a small sand bluff guarding the entrances to both arms Grand Traverse Bay about 20 miles north of Traverse City. A nice park surrounds the light but the structure itself is private property and off-limits. The location is beautiful and one of my favorite spots to visit.

Old Mission Point Lighthouse (ca. 1870)

First operational in late 1870, the Old Mission Light can only be described as "cute." It stands on a small sand bluff guarding the entrances to both arms Grand Traverse Bay about 20 miles north of Traverse City. A nice park surrounds the light but the structure itself is private property and off-limits. The location is beautiful and one of my favorite spots to visit.

Old Mission Point Lighthouse (ca. 1870)

First operational in late 1870, the Old Mission Light can only be described as "cute." It stands on a small sand bluff guarding the entrances to both arms Grand Traverse Bay about 20 miles north of Traverse City. A nice park surrounds the light but the structure itself is private property and off-limits. The location is beautiful and one of my favorite spots to visit.

Pentwater Light (ca. 1997)

In 1873 the town of Pentwater took it upon themselves to construct a lighthouse. Many-a larger lighthouse came and went over the next 80 years but Pentwaters' little 12' light stood firm only needing the occasional repair to aging timbers. Finally, in 1957, the little old light was replaced by a newer steel skeletal tower. In 1997 the present cylindrical tower was placed at the end of the pier...

Petoskey Pierhead Light (ca. 1930)

By itself it's not exactly the most beautiful light, the setting gives this light its beauty. The hills of Harbor Springs and Boyne Highlands lie across the bay.

Portage River Lower Entrance Light (ca. 1920)

This light, activated in 1920, replaced the Jacobsville light as the primary aid to navigation for the lower entrace to the Portage River. Never manned, this light has been automated since day one and remains active today.

Port Austin Reef Lighthouse (ca. 1878)

The light, first active in 1878, is the second located at this spot. By the 1980's the now automated light had fallen into disrepair and the Coast Guard had plans to demolish the structure and erect a more (ugly) modern structure. Luckily, the newly formed Port Austin Reef Light Association banded together to provide the necessary funds to renovate the tower and dwelling. The light remains an active aid to navigation.

Port Sanilac Lighthouse (ca. 1886)

The light at Port Sanilac was established in 1886 after lengthy wait for approved funds. Port Sanilac has to be one of the most architecturally unique lighthouses on the Great Lakes. The unique stair-step roof design of the keepers dwelling and the ornate brickwork of the 59-foot tower make this a very eye-catching lighthouse. Currently the dwelling is privately owned while the Coast Guard operates the tower. Both are off-limits to the public.

Port Sanilac Lighthouse (ca. 1886)

The light at Port Sanilac was established in 1886 after lengthy wait for approved funds. Port Sanilac has to be one of the most architecturally unique lighthouses on the Great Lakes. The unique stair-step roof design of the keepers dwelling and the ornate brickwork of the 59-foot tower make this a very eye-catching lighthouse. Currently the dwelling is privately owned while the Coast Guard operates the tower. Both are off-limits to the public.

Presque Isle Harbor Light (ca. 1941)

The Presque Isle Harbor pier and light was constructed in 1941 to protect the nearby ore docks. The pier is located off Presque Isle Park on the north side of Marquette and is a popular place to stop and enjoy the lake.

Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse (ca. 1858)

The beautiful light at Pt. Aux Barques first shone in early 1858. It replaced a smaller light dating to 1848 and marked the all-important turning point for northbound lake traffic entering Saginaw Bay. The 89-foot tower housed a 3rd Order Fresnel Lens and could be seen a full 16 miles out to sea. In 1875 the light was upgraded to a full Life Saving Station. The light is still in service today and is surrounded by one of the nicest lighthouse parks in all of Michigan.

Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse (ca. 1858)

The beautiful light at Pt. Aux Barques first shone in early 1858. It replaced a smaller light dating to 1848 and marked the all-important turning point for northbound lake traffic entering Saginaw Bay. The 89-foot tower housed a 3rd Order Fresnel Lens and could be seen a full 16 miles out to sea. In 1875 the light was upgraded to a full Life Saving Station. The light is still in service today and is surrounded by one of the nicest lighthouse parks in all of Michigan.

Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse (ca. 1858)

The beautiful light at Pt. Aux Barques first shone in early 1858. It replaced a smaller light dating to 1848 and marked the all-important turning point for northbound lake traffic entering Saginaw Bay. The 89-foot tower housed a 3rd Order Fresnel Lens and could be seen a full 16 miles out to sea. In 1875 the light was upgraded to a full Life Saving Station. The light is still in service today and is surrounded by one of the nicest lighthouse parks in all of Michigan.

Point Betsie (ca. 1880)

The first lighthouse was constructed here in 1858. This light, the second, became operational in 1880 and housed a Third Order Fresnel Lens. A Life Saving Station also stood here. Point Betsie was manned all the way up to 1983, making it the last manned light in Michigan. I'm not sure if the property is open in the summer but it was fenced off to visitors when I visited.

Point Betsie (ca. 1880)

The first lighthouse was constructed here in 1858. This light, the second, became operational in 1880 and housed a Third Order Fresnel Lens. A Life Saving Station also stood here. Point Betsie was manned all the way up to 1983, making it the last manned light in Michigan. I'm not sure if the property is open in the summer but it was fenced off to visitors when I visited.

Point Betsie (ca. 1880)

The first lighthouse was constructed here in 1858. This light, the second, became operational in 1880 and housed a Third Order Fresnel Lens. A Life Saving Station also stood here. Point Betsie was manned all the way up to 1983, making it the last manned light in Michigan. I'm not sure if the property is open in the summer but it was fenced off to visitors when I visited.

Saginaw River Range Lighthouse (ca. 1876)

With the opening of the Saginaw River to larger vessels in 1867 it was decided that a set of range lights was needed to aid shipping at its mouth. The two towers were completed in 1876 with the larger 53-foot tower ashore and the 34-foot tall front range light to the northeast in the river. The unique crib-type structure the light sits upon is necessary due to the swampy land the light sits atop. The lights served faithfully until the 1960's.

Saginaw River Range Lighthouse (ca. 1876)

With the opening of the Saginaw River to larger vessels in 1867 it was decided that a set of range lights was needed to aid shipping at its mouth. The two towers were completed in 1876 with the larger 53-foot tower ashore and the 34-foot tall front range light to the northeast in the river. The unique crib-type structure the light sits upon is necessary due to the swampy land the light sits atop. The lights served faithfully until the 1960's.

Sand Hills Lighthouse (ca. 1919)

Congress approved the construction of a lighthouse at this site in 1893 but did not supply funds to construct it until 1917...24 YEARS LATER!!! In 1919 this unique lighthouse entered service making the neaby Eagle River light obsolete. The huge structure houses three apartments below its 70' tower. The station only remained active until 1939 when it was abandoned. The light was purchased privately in 1958 and was opened as a bed and breakfast. The grounds are open to the public.

Sand Point Lighthouse (Baraga; ca. 1878)

The Sand Point light in Baraga entered service in 1878 and is a twin of the Little Traverse Lighthouse in Harbor Springs. The light was automated in 1922 and, about twenty years later, deactivated and sold to a private owner. I can only assume it was during this time of private ownership that the ugly attached porch was added. The lighthouse is now located within a local park operated by the local Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.

Seul Choix Point Lighthouse (ca. 1895)

One of the Great Lakes signature lighthouses, Seul Choix (pronounced Ses-shwah) was completed in 1895 after five years of construction. Its Third Order Fresnel lens, 74' above the lake, could be seen from a distance of 17 miles. The station was manned until 1972, when it was automated and abandoned. The station deteriorated rapidly until a local group, the Gulliver Historical Society, took it upon themselves to preserve the light. The restored station is open to the public.

South Haven South Pier Lighthouse (ca. 1903)

South Haven South Pier Lighthouse (ca. 1903)

St. Joseph Pier Lighthouse (ca. 1907)

St. Joseph Pier Lighthouse (ca. 1907)

St. Joseph Pier Lighthouse (ca. 1907)

St. Joseph Pier Lighthouse (ca. 1907)

Sturgeon Point Lighthouse (ca. 1870)

The Sturgeon Point light, located just north of Harrisville was made active in 1870 and housed a 3rd Order Fresnel Lens. A Life Saving Station was also located here but no evidence remains. The light remained active until 1941. During the summer you can tour the lighthouse and climb the tower.