Guardians of the Great Lakes

Michigan is home to more than 120 lighthouses, each with a unique history of guiding mariners through the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. The Central Upper Peninsula alone boasts 25 remarkable lighthouses—some still operational, others preserved as museums or private residences. These beacons not only reflect Michigan’s rich maritime heritage but also offer stunning sights for history buffs, photographers, and travelers alike. Let’s embark on a journey through the guiding lights of the Central U.P.

Lighthouses of Michigan’s Central Upper Peninsula

Au Sable Lighthouse

Located within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this historic light station, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is open to visitors during summer. The automated light is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, while the National Park Service preserves the site.

Big Bay Point Lighthouse

Standing atop a bluff near Big Bay, this lighthouse now operates as a bed and breakfast. With its stunning views and ghostly legends, it’s a unique destination for adventurous travelers.

Cedar River Lighthouse

Situated at the mouth of Cedar River, this lighthouse once guided vessels through Green Bay’s waters, particularly near the treacherous passage known as Death’s Door. Though no longer active, it remains a key part of local maritime history.

Crisp Point Lighthouse

Once a U.S. Life-Saving Station, this remote lighthouse was named after Christopher Crisp, a determined station keeper. Located near Whitefish Point, it’s a must-visit for lighthouse enthusiasts.

Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse

Privately owned but frequently photographed, this historic lighthouse is best viewed from boat tours in Munising or by kayaking around Grand Island.

Grand Island Harbor Rear Range Light

Also known as the Christmas Rear Range Light, this historic structure near Munising was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. Though no longer active, it remains a point of interest for visitors.

Grand Island North Lighthouse

This lighthouse, located on the north end of Grand Island, is a private summer home. While not accessible to the public, it holds an important place in Upper Peninsula history.

Grand Marais Harbor of Refuge Inner and Outer Lights

These range lights still operate, guiding vessels into Grand Marais Harbor. The inner light retains its original Fresnel lens, one of the few still in use today.

Granite Island Lighthouse

Built in 1868 to aid mid-19th-century shipping, this privately owned lighthouse can only be viewed from the water.

Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse

Privately owned since 2013, this red steel lighthouse is an eye-catching landmark in Manistique Harbor.

Marquette Breakwater Outer Light

This functional navigational aid marks the entrance to Marquette’s harbor and helps guide vessels safely through the often-challenging Lake Superior waters. It is not open to the public but can be viewed from the breakwater pier.

Marquette Harbor Light

One of the most iconic lighthouses in the Upper Peninsula, this bright red beacon has stood guard over Marquette’s harbor since 1866. It is now managed by the Marquette Maritime Museum and offers guided tours, sharing its history and significance in Great Lakes navigation.

Menominee Pier Lighthouse

First lit in 1877, this lighthouse is still operational and accessible via a walk along the pier.

Minneapolis Shoal Light Station

Located in northern Green Bay, this lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

Munising Front and Rear Range Lights

Established in 1905, these lights guide vessels into Munising Harbor from Lake Superior.

Naubinway Island Light

This active light sits on a small, rocky island near Naubinway, Michigan.

Peninsula Point Lighthouse

This lighthouse’s tower remains open to visitors and offers breathtaking views, especially during monarch butterfly migrations in late summer.

Poverty Island Lighthouse

Abandoned since 1976, this lighthouse is considered one of America’s most endangered, with efforts underway to preserve its history.

Presque Isle Harbor Breakwater Light

Still an active navigational aid, this lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.

Sand Point Lighthouse

Located in Escanaba, this restored lighthouse is open to the public during summer months.

Seul Choix Lighthouse

Now a museum, this still-operational lighthouse welcomes visitors from Memorial Day through mid-October.

Squaw Point Lighthouse

Dismantled in 1962, this site now houses a modern navigational light.

St. Martin Island Lighthouse

This unique exoskeleton lighthouse, built in 1905, remains closed to the public but holds historic significance in Green Bay navigation.

Stannard Rock Light

Nicknamed “The Loneliest Place in the World,” this offshore lighthouse is the most distant from land in the U.S. and remains an active aid to navigation.

Whitefish Point Lighthouse

As the oldest operating lighthouse in the Upper Peninsula, Whitefish Point is home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, showcasing relics from infamous wrecks, including the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.

A Legacy of Light

The lighthouses of Michigan’s Central Upper Peninsula stand as enduring symbols of maritime history, each with its own story of perseverance, duty, and change. Whether you explore them by land, boat, or tour, these beacons continue to captivate and guide visitors just as they once did for sailors navigating the unpredictable Great Lakes. Plan your journey and uncover the rich history of these remarkable landmarks.

Northern Michigan Lighthouse History

Follow Northern Michigan History (NMH) as we uncover the stories behind these iconic beacons! Over the next several months we will be publishing the histories of many of the lighthouses on the map below. We will post links to the stories on Northern Michigan History’s social media. Follow Northern Michigan History on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Threads, and BlueSky.

Read about all Northern Michigan Lighthouses:

Start planning your trip today and explore the legacy of Michigan’s maritime history!

📍 Explore the Map Below