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.
Fort Gratiot light was built in April 1829. It was situated north of an older tower light that has collapsed into the St. Clair river after a violent storm. The tower was constructed of brick to the height of 65 feet. In 1862 the height was increased to 82 feet to match the focal point of a new 4th order Fresnel lens.
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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.
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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.
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An amazing video of the transformation from winter to summer in the Upper Thumb of Michigan.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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This summer see Charity Islands Lighthouse and Gravely Shoals
Light or enjoy a Sunset Cruise from Caseville.
Its a different perspective from offshore.
Embark on a mini adventure to see one of the least visited lighthouses and islands on the Great Lakes.
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Michigan’s Upper Thumbs hosts three lighthouses. Each can be visited and explored.
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One interesting little site, located in a county park, is the Lightship Huron. Lightships are floating lighthouses that could be anchored on the lakes where it was too deep or impossible to build a lighthouse.
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