Guiding Lights: 14 Historic Beacons

Michigan is home to more than 120 lighthouses, each with its own unique story of guiding mariners through the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. The Eastern Upper Peninsula alone boasts 14 remarkable lighthouses. Many of these are still operational, others have been carefully preserved as historical landmarks, museums, or even private residences. These lighthouses not only mark Michigan’s rich maritime heritage but also serve as stunning destinations for history buffs, photographers, and travelers alike. Let’s embark on a journey through the beacons of the Eastern U.P.

Lighthouses of Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula

DeTour Reef Lighthouse

Perched on a crib in northern Lake Huron, DeTour Reef Lighthouse marks the southern entrance to DeTour Passage. The passage is a critical shipping lane between Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Drummond Island. This automated lighthouse, now maintained by a non-profit organization, continues to serve as an active aid to navigation. They also offer guided tours to help their preservation efforts.

Frying Pan Island Lighthouse

Frying Pan Island sits just offshore from DeTour Village near the mouth of the St. Marys River. Once abandoned, its lighthouse was removed by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1988 and restored at their Sault Ste. Marie base, where it now stands on display, preserving a piece of maritime history.

Martin Reef Light Station

Situated in northern Lake Huron, 4.3 miles south of Cadogan Point. Martin Reef Light Station built in 1927 is nearly identical in design to the Poe Reef Lighthouse. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it remains an enduring symbol of Michigan’s nautical past.

Pipe Island Lighthouse

Privately owned, Pipe Island Light was built in 1888 by the Lake Carriers Association to help ships navigate the St. Marys River. While the island itself was later sold to The Nature Conservancy, a conservation easement ensures it remains undeveloped, preserving its natural beauty and historic charm.

Point Iroquois Lighthouse

Standing on a bluff in Chippewa County, Point Iroquois Lighthouse marks the transition between Whitefish Bay and the St. Marys River. The lighthouse, first lit in 1857, now operates as a museum, inviting visitors to explore its history and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Superior.

Round Island Lighthouse

This striking red and white lighthouse on Round Island in the Straits of Mackinac has become an iconic sight for ferry passengers heading to Mackinac Island. Built in 1895, it stands as a preserved landmark, thanks to dedicated restoration efforts.

Round Island Lighthouse (St. Mary’s River)

Don’t confuse it with its Straits counterpart. Built in 1892, the Round Island Light on the St. Marys River  to accommodate increasing maritime traffic. Though discontinued in 1922, its legacy remains part of the region’s rich navigational history.

Round Island Passage Lighthouse

Constructed in 1948, the Round Island Passage Light marks the northern entrance to the Round Island Channel. Though automated and unmanned, it remains a key navigational aid for vessels moving through the Straits of Mackinac.

Six Mile Point Range Rear Lighthouse

With the Hay Lake Channel improvements of 1894, Six Mile Point Range Lights helped guide vessels. The original towers were later relocated to museums in DeTour Village and Cedarville, keeping their legacy alive for future generations.

St. Helena Island Lighthouse

Built in 1872, St. Helena Island Light is the only remaining structure on its namesake island. Once crucial in guiding ships through the Straits of Mackinac, it has been meticulously restored and preserved by the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association.

Vidal Shoals Channel Range Front and Rear Lights

Positioned along the Soo Locks canal near the International Bridge, these lights once played a vital role in guiding ships through the Vidal Shoals channel. Though closed to the public, they remain an integral part of the region’s maritime infrastructure.

Wawatam Lighthouse

Originally a decorative roadside attraction near Monroe, Michigan, this lighthouse was relocated to St. Ignace in 2006, where it now serves as a fully functional navigational aid for the harbor.

White Shoal Lighthouse

Located 20 miles west of the Mackinac Bridge, White Shoal Light is the tallest lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Its distinctive red and white candy-striped design made it a favorite among lighthouse enthusiasts and featured on Michigan’s “Save Our Lights” license plate.

Winter Point Range Front Light

Situated on Neebish Island, this range light has guided vessels navigating Lake Munuscong since the early 20th century. Though access is limited, adventurous visitors can hike the East Tally-Ho Trail for a glimpse of this historic beacon.

Historical Treasures

The lighthouses of Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula stand as enduring testaments to the state’s deep maritime history. Whether still guiding ships or preserved as historical treasures, each lighthouse has a story to tell. From the iconic White Shoal Light to the secluded Winter Point Range Front Light, these beacons offer a glimpse into the past while continuing to captivate visitors today. Plan your next lighthouse adventure and experience the beauty, history, and mystery of these incredible 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