Category: Lighthouses

Michigan lighthouses dot locations along 3,200 miles of shoreline and support one of the nation’s most active waterways. Michigan claims more lighthouses than any other state in the country.

At one time there were as many as 247 lighthouses in Michigan, but now less than 100 are in operational condition. A State of Michigan map listed 124 remaining lighthouses.

Here are our best and most popular Michigan Lighthouse articles.

First Female Lighthouse Keeper Michigan: The Untold Story of Catherine Shook

Posted on March 19, 2026March 19, 2026 by Malcom Mott

In 1849, Catherine Shook was appointed the first woman lighthouse keeper in the State of Michigan. She ran the Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse until 1851.

Explore the Best Michigan Lighthouses in the Upper Thumb: A Complete Guide to 5 Scenic Coastal Beacons

Posted on July 1, 2025March 19, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Michigan boasts 124 unique lighthouses, with several undergoing restoration. Noteworthy sites include the historic Port Austin Reef and Pointe Aux Barques lighthouses, drawing visitors interested in exploration, history, and stunning views along the Great Lakes.

Winter’s of the Past – Walking to Port Austin Lighthouse Over the Ice (2015)

Posted on March 13, 2025March 13, 2025 by Michael Hardy

An amazing video of the transformation from winter to summer in the Upper Thumb of Michigan.

The Way It Was – Charity Island Saginaw Bay Lighthouse Ruins 1993

Posted on September 2, 2024March 19, 2026 by Michael Hardy

This picture of Charity Island Michigan Ruins was taken in 1993, about the time Standish real estate broker Robert Wiltse and a group of investors bought the island for development.

Discover 7 Incredible Secrets of the Tawas Point Lighthouse – An Inspiring Guide

Posted on June 5, 2023July 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

Across Saginaw Bay from Michigan’s Thumb sits one of the prettiest lighthouses in Michigan.

The Michigan History Center has produced a video that offers viewers a virtual tour of climbing the lighthouse tower. As each step is made up of the tower, bits of history and fascinating design and functional aspects of the lighthouse are revealed. In the end, there is a little test you can take to on seven of the little aspects of the Tawas Point Lighthouse.

Live, Explore, and Volunteer As an Assistant Lighthouse keeper In One of Michigan’s Historic Lighthouses

Posted on November 17, 2021November 17, 2021 by Michael Hardy

Volunteer as an Assistant Lighthouse keeper at Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse at the tip of Michigan’s Thumb. Applications are being taken for the 2022 season.