North Manitou Shoal Lighthouse (ca. 1935)

North Manitou Shoal Light was built in 1935 and replaced an earlier light that stood on North Manitou Island itself. The lighthouse guards the narrow Manitou Passage between North and South Manitou, marking a dangerous shoal that has claimed many ships. This distant shot of the light was taken from the mainland at Pyramid Point.

Au Sable Point Lighthouse (ca. 1874)

Construction was completed on this remote station in 1874. The light was built in response to the need to fill a dark gap in the southern Lake Superior shore between Whitefish Point and Grand Island. Despite being on the mainland it was 54 years before a road was built connecting it with civilization! Standing a proud 87' high, the 3rd Order lens was only recently returned after a lengthy absence. Located in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore the light remains very remote. Visiting requires a 3-mile round-trip hike but in the summer the reward of exploring the restored buildings and the breathtaking view of the neighboring Grand Sable Banks is more than worth the effort.

Au Sable Point Lighthouse (ca. 1874)

Construction was completed on this remote station in 1874. The light was built in response to the need to fill a dark gap in the southern Lake Superior shore between Whitefish Point and Grand Island. Despite being on the mainland it was 54 years before a road was built connecting it with civilization! Standing a proud 87' high, the 3rd Order lens was only recently returned after a lengthy absence. Located in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore the light remains very remote. Visiting requires a 3-mile round-trip hike but in the summer the reward of exploring the restored buildings and the breathtaking view of the neighboring Grand Sable Banks is more than worth the effort.

Grand Marais Harbor Rear Range Light (ca. 1895)

In 1895 a set of range lights were constructed to aid fishing traffic in and out of the harbor at Grand Marais. Only two years later construction begun on a large neighboring life saving station of which only the keepers dwelling still remains. The lens in the front range light was removed late last century as the rear range received an upgrade in illumination. Today the light is active, though used primarily by pleasure craft in the area.

Grand Marais Harbor Rear Range Light (ca. 1895)

In 1895 a set of range lights were constructed to aid fishing traffic in and out of the harbor at Grand Marais. Only two years construction begun on a large neighboring life saving station of which only the keepers dwelling still remains. The lens in the front range light was removed late last century as the rear range received an upgrade in illumination. Today the light is active, though used primarily by pleasure craft in the area.

Little Sable Lighthouse (ca. 1874)

Little Sable light, with its natural brick color sitting along an empty stretch of shore is a very unique Michigan light. It became operational in 1874 in response to a boom in shipping on Lake Michigan. Wanting to save money the Lighthouse Board allowed the lighthouse to remain unpainted. This didn't sit well with mariners though, and the 109' tower was painted white, top to bottom, in 1900. A two-story attached brick dwelling also once stood alongside.

Grays Reef Lighthouse (ca. 1937)

White Shoal Lighthouse (ca. 1910)

Waugoshance Lighthouse (ca. 1851)

Charlevoix Pierhead Lighthouse (ca. 1948)

The present tower was activated in 1948 and was, until the early 1980's, painted bright red. It sits at the mouth of the "world's shortest river," the Pine River which empties Lake Charlevoix into Lake Michigan.

Charlevoix Pierhead Lighthouse (ca. 1948)

The present tower was activated in 1948 and was, until the early 1980's, painted bright red. It sits at the mouth of the "world's shortest river," the Pine River which empties Lake Charlevoix into Lake Michigan.

Charlevoix Pierhead Lighthouse (ca. 1948)

The present tower was activated in 1948 and was, until the early 1980's, painted bright red. It sits at the mouth of the "world's shortest river," the Pine River which empties Lake Charlevoix into Lake Michigan.

Six Mile Point Rear Range Light (ca. 1907)

I actually found this light by accident one day while driving through the town of Cedarville. Now sitting on the property of the Les Cheneaux Historical Museum this old range light originally stood along Lake Nicolet, an important shipping channel just south of the Soo Locks. The tower was built in 1907 and was automated in 1933. At some point (I haven't been able to discover when) the old light was replaced by modern skeletal structures and the tower was moved to its present site where it has stood, all but undiscovered, since.

Six Mile Point Rear Range Light (ca. 1907)

I actually found this light by accident one day while driving through the town of Cedarville. Now sitting on the property of the Les Cheneaux Historical Museum this old range light originally stood along Lake Nicolet, an important shipping channel just south of the Soo Locks. The tower was built in 1907 and was automated in 1933. At some point (I haven't been able to discover when) the old light was replaced by modern skeletal structures and the tower was moved to its present site where it has stood, all but undiscovered, since.

Bayfield Rock Rear Range Light (ca. 1913)

This rather unattractive light is located along the St. Mary's River on the eastern edge of Sault Ste. Marie. The 54' tower helps guide ships heading south from the Soo Locks, located just upstream. Though the grounds are closed off the light is easy to visit being located between a city park and the Sugar Island Ferry terminal.

Birch Point Front Range Light

I debated whether to include these lights here, only posting them as they are a good example of the many range lights which aid navigation on the St. Mary's River. Birch Point is a rather non-descript point located near the mouth of the St. Mary's between Sault Ste. Marie and Brimley. The front range light (shown here) sits out into the river while the rear range light is located 3/4 of a mile inland.

Birch Point Rear Range Light

I debated whether to include these lights here, only posting them as they are a good example of the many range lights which aid navigation on the St. Mary's River. Birch Point is a rather non-descript point located near the mouth of the St. Mary's between Sault Ste. Marie and Brimley. The front range light sits out into the river while the rear range light (shown here) is located 3/4 of a mile inland.

North Manitou Shoal Lighthouse (ca. 1935)

North Manitou Shoal Light was built in 1935 and replaced an earlier light that stood on North Manitou Island itself. The lighthouse guards the narrow Manitou Passage between North and South Manitou, marking a dangerous shoal that has claimed many ships. This distant shot of the light was taken from the mainland at Pyramid Point.

Whitefish Point Lighthouse (ca. 1861)

The current lighthouse at Whitefish Point became operational in 1861, replacing an earlier stone structure built in 1848. Originally the 76' tower was painted a dark brown and housed a Third Order Fresnel lens. Almost 150 years later the light is still an active (though automated) aid to navigation and is home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.

Whitefish Point Lighthouse (ca. 1861)

The current lighthouse at Whitefish Point became operational in 1861, replacing an earlier stone structure built in 1848. Originally the 76' tower was painted a dark brown and housed a Third Order Fresnel lens. Almost 150 years later the light is still an active (though automated) aid to navigation and is home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.

Whitefish Point Lighthouse (ca. 1861)

The current lighthouse at Whitefish Point became operational in 1861, replacing an earlier stone structure built in 1848. Originally the 76' tower was painted a dark brown and housed a Third Order Fresnel lens. Almost 150 years later the light is still an active (though automated) aid to navigation and is home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.

Whitefish Point Lighthouse (ca. 1861)

The current lighthouse at Whitefish Point became operational in 1861, replacing an earlier stone structure built in 1848. Originally the 76' tower was painted a dark brown and housed a Third Order Fresnel lens. Almost 150 years later the light is still an active (though automated) aid to navigation and is home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.

Crisp Point Lighthouse (ca. 1904)

Crisp Point, in recent years, has become famous among lighthouse buffs as one of America's most endangered lights. Operational in 1904, by 1996 the tower was in danger of toppling into the lake when it came under the protection of the Crisp Point Lighthouse Preservation Society. Since 1996 efforts have been made to stem lakeshore erosion, the tower has been painted and is now open to climb (summer), and the attached service room is being rebuilt.

Crisp Point Lighthouse (ca. 1904)

Crisp Point, in recent years, has become famous among lighthouse buffs as one of America's most endangered lights. Operational in 1904, by 1996 the tower was in danger of toppling into the lake when it came under the protection of the Crisp Point Lighthouse Preservation Society. Since 1996 efforts have been made to stem lakeshore erosion, the tower has been painted and is now open to climb (summer), and the attached service room is being rebuilt.

Crisp Point Lighthouse (ca. 1904)

Crisp Point, in recent years, has become famous among lighthouse buffs as one of America's most endangered lights. Operational in 1904, by 1996 the tower was in danger of toppling into the lake when it came under the protection of the Crisp Point Lighthouse Preservation Society. Since 1996 efforts have been made to stem lakeshore erosion, the tower has been painted and is now open to climb (summer), and the attached service room is being rebuilt.

Crisp Point Lighthouse (ca. 1904)

Crisp Point, in recent years, has become famous among lighthouse buffs as one of America's most endangered lights. Operational in 1904, by 1996 the tower was in danger of toppling into the lake when it came under the protection of the Crisp Point Lighthouse Preservation Society. Since 1996 efforts have been made to stem lakeshore erosion, the tower has been painted and is now open to climb (summer), and the attached service room is being rebuilt.

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.

Petoskey Pierhead Light (ca. 1930)

Point Iroquois Lighthouse (ca. 1870)

Constructed in 1870, the current lighthouse replaced an earlier structure dating to 1856. The light housed a Fourth Order lens and could be seen at a distance of 15 miles. The light continued to operate until 1962 when a buoy offshore rendered it obsolete. Completely restored in 1983, the lighthouse and grounds now house a nice museum and hiking trails.

McGulpin Point Lighthouse (ca. 1869)

McGulpin Point Lighthouse owes its existence to poor planning, plain and simple. With the completion of two lights at Waugoshance Point and Cheboygan in 1851 to mark the entrances to the Straits of Mackinac it was determined that a light was also needed at the narrowest point in the straits near Mackinaw City. The two sites considered were at McGulpin and Old Mackinac Points. McGulpin was chosen and after a years work the current lighthouse first shone on June 18, 1869. It was almost immediately apparent that the choice of location could have been thought out more. Though high above the lake its light couldn't be seen to the far side of Old Mackinac Point. Despite the fact that it could thus perform half the job intended for it, McGulpin Point continued to be the only beacon at the narrows of the strait for nearly 30 years, until the light at Old Mackinac Point was completed in 1892. McGulpin Point was decommissioned in 1906 and its lantern was removed. After passing through a series of private owners over the following century Emmet County purchased the property in 2008 and a replica lantern room was constructed the following year. It is now open to the public for a small fee.

McGulpin Point Lighthouse (ca. 1869)

McGulpin Point Lighthouse owes its existence to poor planning, plain and simple. With the completion of two lights at Waugoshance Point and Cheboygan in 1851 to mark the entrances to the Straits of Mackinac it was determined that a light was also needed at the narrowest point in the straits near Mackinaw City. The two sites considered were at McGulpin and Old Mackinac Points. McGulpin was chosen and after a years work the current lighthouse first shone on June 18, 1869. It was almost immediately apparent that the choice of location could have been thought out more. Though high above the lake its light couldn't be seen to the far side of Old Mackinac Point. Despite the fact that it could thus perform half the job intended for it, McGulpin Point continued to be the only beacon at the narrows of the strait for nearly 30 years, until the light at Old Mackinac Point was completed in 1892. McGulpin Point was decommissioned in 1906 and its lantern was removed. After passing through a series of private owners over the following century Emmet County purchased the property in 2008 and a replica lantern room was constructed the following year. It is now open to the public for a small fee.

McGulpin Point Lighthouse (ca. 1869)

McGulpin Point Lighthouse owes its existence to poor planning, plain and simple. With the completion of two lights at Waugoshance Point and Cheboygan in 1851 to mark the entrances to the Straits of Mackinac it was determined that a light was also needed at the narrowest point in the straits near Mackinaw City. The two sites considered were at McGulpin and Old Mackinac Points. McGulpin was chosen and after a years work the current lighthouse first shone on June 18, 1869. It was almost immediately apparent that the choice of location could have been thought out more. Though high above the lake its light couldn't be seen to the far side of Old Mackinac Point. Despite the fact that it could thus perform half the job intended for it, McGulpin Point continued to be the only beacon at the narrows of the strait for nearly 30 years, until the light at Old Mackinac Point was completed in 1892. McGulpin Point was decommissioned in 1906 and its lantern was removed. After passing through a series of private owners over the following century Emmet County purchased the property in 2008 and a replica lantern room was constructed the following year. It is now open to the public for a small fee.

McGulpin Point Lighthouse (ca. 1869)

McGulpin Point Lighthouse owes its existence to poor planning, plain and simple. With the completion of two lights at Waugoshance Point and Cheboygan in 1851 to mark the entrances to the Straits of Mackinac it was determined that a light was also needed at the narrowest point in the straits near Mackinaw City. The two sites considered were at McGulpin and Old Mackinac Points. McGulpin was chosen and after a years work the current lighthouse first shone on June 18, 1869. It was almost immediately apparent that the choice of location could have been thought out more. Though high above the lake its light couldn't be seen to the far side of Old Mackinac Point. Despite the fact that it could thus perform half the job intended for it, McGulpin Point continued to be the only beacon at the narrows of the strait for nearly 30 years, until the light at Old Mackinac Point was completed in 1892. McGulpin Point was decommissioned in 1906 and its lantern was removed. After passing through a series of private owners over the following century Emmet County purchased the property in 2008 and a replica lantern room was constructed the following year. It is now open to the public for a small fee.

Munising Rear Range Light (ca. 1909)

The Munising Range lights were constructed in 1909 to replace the aging East Channel light on Grand Island. Though small in size, the high focal planes of these lights allowed them to be seen from a distance of 19 miles!

Munising Front Range Light (ca. 1909)

The Munising Range lights were constructed in 1909 to replace the aging East Channel light on Grand Island. Though small in size, the high focal planes of these lights allowed them to be seen from a distance of 19 miles!

Grand Island Rear Range Light (ca. 1914)

The Grand Island Range lights were constructed to aid shipping entering Munising Harbor from the west. The Rear Range light is one of the original lights, constructed in 1914. The Front Range light was constructed in 1968 to replace the old light which had finally succumbed to Lake Superior.

Grand Island Front Range Light (ca. 1968)

The Grand Island Range lights were constructed to aid shipping entering Munising Harbor from the west. The Rear Range light is one of the original lights, constructed in 1914. The Front Range light was constructed in 1968 to replace the old light which had finally succumbed to Lake Superior.

Jacobsville Lighthouse (ca. 1870)

The original Jacobsville light was a stone structure built to aid ships traveling the Portage River. Due to poor construction the original buildings were completely demolished and replaced by the present structure in 1870. In 1920 the Portage River Lower Entrance light was completed and rendered the Jacobsville light obsolete. The lighthouse was owned privately and off-limits until the public until recent years. The lighthouse is now a bed and breakfast and open for a small fee.

Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance Light (ca. 1950)

In 1860 a canal was dug to join the Portage River with Lake Superior to aid ships trying to reach Houghton from the west. A stone lighthouse was built soon after in 1874 and marked the upper entrance to the channel well into the 20th Century. In 1950 the current pierhead light replaced the old structure and it remains active today. Access to the pier and light is through FJ McLain State Park.

Little Sable Lighthouse (ca. 1874)

Little Sable light, with its natural brick color sitting along an empty stretch of shore is a very unique Michigan light. It became operational in 1874 in response to a boom in shipping on Lake Michigan. Wanting to save money the Lighthouse Board allowed the lighthouse to remain unpainted. This didn't sit well with mariners though, and the 109' tower was painted white, top to bottom, in 1900. A two-story attached brick dwelling also once stood alongside.

Little Traverse Lighthouse (ca. 1884)

The Little Traverse Light was first lit in 1884 and its 4th Order Lens was visible across the entirety of Little Traverse Bay, up to 13 miles. Unfortunately, this pretty little light is all but impossible to visit. The property it sits on is owned by a very upscale gated community and is strictly off-limits to visitors. The only way to see it is by boat or, as I did, by walking the frozen lake during winter.

Little Traverse Lighthouse (ca. 1884)

The Little Traverse Light was first lit in 1884 and its 4th Order Lens was visible across the entirety of Little Traverse Bay, up to 13 miles. Unfortunately, this pretty little light is all but impossible to visit. The property it sits on is owned by a very upscale gated community and is strictly off-limits to visitors. The only way to see it is by boat or, as I did, by walking the frozen lake during winter.

Little Traverse Lighthouse (ca. 1884)

The Little Traverse Light was first lit in 1884 and its 4th Order Lens was visible across the entirety of Little Traverse Bay, up to 13 miles. Unfortunately, this pretty little light is all but impossible to visit. The property it sits on is owned by a very upscale gated community and is strictly off-limits to visitors. The only way to see it is by boat or, as I did, by walking the frozen lake during winter.

Little Traverse Lighthouse (ca. 1884)

The Little Traverse Light was first lit in 1884 and its 4th Order Lens was visible across the entirety of Little Traverse Bay, up to 13 miles. Unfortunately, this pretty little light is all but impossible to visit. The property it sits on is owned by a very upscale gated community and is strictly off-limits to visitors. The only way to see it is by boat or, as I did, by walking the frozen lake during winter.

Mackinac Bridge Reflections

The Mighty Mac from the shoreline in front of the Old Mackinac Light.

Manistee Pierhead Lighthouse (ca. 1927)

No less than five lights stood at the entrance to Manistee Harbor until, in the mid-1920's, the present 39-foot tower was built. The light remains, unchanged, an active aid to this day.

Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse (ca. 1915)

This lighthouse and the pier on which it stands was constructed in 1915. It originally housed a Fourth Order Fresnel lens and could be seen from as far away as 13 miles. The light has been automated since 1968. This shot was taken from the west breakwater which also once housed a light that unfortunately has been removed.