A Guide to 16 Historic Beacons: Michigan’s Maritime Guardians

Michigan’s Great Lakes are home to over 120 active lighthouses, each with its own story of guiding sailors through treacherous waters. The Northeast Lower Peninsula boasts 16 of these historic beacons, many of which are preserved by dedicated communities, historical societies, and passionate individuals. Some still function as aids to navigation, while others have been transformed into museums, private residences, or even vacation rentals. Whether still operational, restored, or standing as ruins, these lighthouses remain a vital part of Michigan’s maritime heritage. Let’s explore the lighthouses that grace this picturesque stretch of Lake Huron.

Lighthouses of Northeast Lower Michigan

Alpena Light

Located on Lake Huron near Alpena, this lighthouse stands on the north breakwater of Alpena Harbor. It marks the entrance to the Thunder Bay River from Thunder Bay and remains a recognizable landmark for mariners navigating the area.

Au Sable Pierhead Lighthouse

Established on November 20, 1873, at the mouth of the Au Sable River, this lighthouse was built to guide ships entering the river, a crucial harbor for Great Lakes navigation.

Bois Blanc Lighthouse

Bois Blanc Island has been home to five different lighthouses over the years. Today, two still stand, though they are privately owned and closed to the public. These lights once played a key role in guiding vessels through the Straits of Mackinac.

Cheboygan Crib Light

Situated at the mouth of the Cheboygan River, this lighthouse marks the west pierhead leading into Lake Huron. It serves as a focal point in Cheboygan’s Gordon Turner Park, making it a popular local attraction.

Cheboygan River Front Range Lighthouse

As part of a major harbor improvement project in the late 19th century, this lighthouse helped ships navigate the dredged Cheboygan River channel, ensuring safe passage for vessels traveling between Lake Huron and the river’s interior.

Forty Mile Point Lighthouse

Built in 1896, this lighthouse near Hammond Bay was strategically placed to ensure that sailors would always be within sight of a beacon while traveling from Mackinaw Point to the St. Clair River.

Fourteen Foot Shoal Lighthouse

This offshore lighthouse marks a hazardous shallow area in northern Lake Huron where the water is only 14 feet deep. It serves as a critical navigational aid for ships passing through the Straits of Mackinac.

Middle Island Lighthouse

Situated on Middle Island, about 10 miles north of Alpena, this lighthouse historically marked the midpoint between Thunder Bay and Presque Isle, an essential waypoint for mariners.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Now part of Fort Michilimackinac State Park in Mackinaw City, this decommissioned lighthouse once helped ships safely navigate the Straits of Mackinac before being replaced by the Mackinac Bridge lights.

Poe Reef Lighthouse

Located near the east end of South Channel, this lighthouse warns ships of Poe Reef, a notorious underwater hazard for freighters traveling through the Straits of Mackinac.

Presque Isle Lighthouse – New

Built in 1870, this lighthouse replaced the aging Old Presque Isle Light. It stands east of Grand Lake on a scenic peninsula, offering stunning views and historical significance.

Presque Isle Lighthouse – Old

The first lighthouse in Presque Isle, this historic structure was eventually replaced by the newer light due to deterioration. Today, it operates as a museum open to the public.

Spectacle Reef Lighthouse

Standing 11 miles east of the Straits of Mackinac, this lighthouse was one of the most expensive ever built on the Great Lakes. Designed by Colonel Orlando Poe, it remains a remarkable feat of engineering.

Sturgeon Point Lighthouse

Built to warn sailors of a dangerous reef extending 1.5 miles into Lake Huron, this well-preserved lighthouse near Alcona County is a prime example of Cape Cod-style Great Lakes lighthouses.

Tawas Point Lighthouse

Located in Tawas Point State Park, this lighthouse is one of the few remaining in operation with an original Fresnel lens. It continues to guide ships entering Tawas Bay.

Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse

One of Michigan’s oldest active lighthouses, this beacon on Thunder Bay Island has been assisting mariners for generations. The island itself sits just offshore from Alpena and serves as a critical navigation point.

Preserving Michigan’s Lighthouse Legacy

From iconic offshore beacons to charming shoreline lights, the lighthouses of Michigan’s Northeast Lower Peninsula stand as proud symbols of the region’s rich maritime history. Whether you’re a lighthouse enthusiast, history buff, or simply enjoy scenic views, these historic structures offer a glimpse into the past and a connection to the Great Lakes. As communities continue to preserve and restore these landmarks, they remain a lasting tribute to the sailors and keepers who relied on them for safety. Next time you explore Michigan’s northeast coast, be sure to visit one (or all) of these incredible lighthouses!

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