A Guide to 20 Historic Beacons on Michigan’s Northwest Coast
Michigan’s Great Lakes are home to over 120 active lighthouses, guiding sailors safely through treacherous waters. In the Northwest Lower Peninsula alone there are 20 of these historic beacons still standing. Each lighthouse has its own unique story. Many are lovingly preserved by local communities, historical societies, and dedicated individuals, while others have been transformed into private residences or even vacation rentals. Whether they are operational, restored, or in ruins, these lighthouses remain a vital part of Michigan’s maritime heritage. Let’s explore the lighthouses that continue to grace the shores of this stunning region.
Lighthouses in Michigan’s Northwest Lower Michigan
Beaver Island Harbor Light
Located on the northern end of Beaver Island, this active light is also known as St. James Harbor Light or Whiskey Point Light. It continues to serve as a navigational aid for vessels entering the harbor.
Beaver Island Head Light
Situated on a bluff at the southern tip of Beaver Island, this lighthouse once guided ships from Lake Michigan into the Straits of Mackinac. It is currently under restoration and open for tours.
Charlevoix South Pier Light Station
Standing at the entrance to Lake Charlevoix, this red lighthouse sits on the south pier in Charlevoix. The light station is maintained by the Charlevoix Historical Society and the City of Charlevoix.
Frankfort Light
Built in 1912 and electrified in 1919, this lighthouse sits on the north breakwater of Frankfort’s harbor. Ownership was transferred to the City of Frankfort in 2011.
Grand Traverse Light
Located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula in Leelanau State Park, this lighthouse marks the separation between Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. Many locals refer to it as Cat’s Head Point Light and Northport Light.
Grays Reef Light
Situated 3.8 miles west of Waugoshance Island, this lighthouse replaced lightships used to warn mariners of dangerous shoals leading into the Straits of Mackinac. It was first lit in 1936.
Ile Aux Galets Light (Skillagalee Island Light)
Standing on a small gravelly island, this lighthouse helps mark the hazardous waters near Waugoshance Point. Alongside nearby lights, it has long been a crucial aid to navigation.
Little Traverse Light
Located on Harbor Point near Harbor Springs, this lighthouse marks the entrance to Little Traverse Bay. It is privately owned and not accessible to the public.
Manistee Pierhead Lights
These twin lights stand on the north and south piers in Manistee, helping guide vessels into the harbor. Ownership was transferred to the City of Manistee in 2011, with maintenance handled by the Manistee County Historical Museum.
Manning Memorial Light
A rare memorial lighthouse near Empire, built in 1989 in honor of local resident Robert H. Manning.
McGulpin Point Light
Constructed in 1869, this lighthouse is one of the oldest in the Straits of Mackinac. Now owned by Emmet County, it remains a historic navigational aid.
Mission Point Light
Perched at the end of Old Mission Peninsula in Grand Traverse Bay, this 1870 lighthouse is a replica of the Mama Juda Light from the Detroit River. Mission Point Lighthouse is open to the public and offers lighthouse keeper stays.
Mission Point Light (1933 Pier Light)
A 36-foot steel tower built offshore in 1933. Though inactive today, it once helped guide ships through Grand Traverse Bay.
North Manitou Island Light (Lost Lighthouse)
Built in 1899, this lighthouse once guided vessels through the Manitou Passage. Decommissioned in 1935, the lighthouse later succumbed to erosion.
North Manitou Shoal Light (The Crib)
An offshore lighthouse southeast of North Manitou Island, automated in 1980 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Currently undergoing restoration by a nonprofit group.
Point Betsie Light
Standing on Lake Michigan’s northeastern shore, this lighthouse marks the entrance to the Manitou Passage. Extensively restored, it remains a popular destination.
South Fox Island Light
Two towers remain on South Fox Island—one original brick structure and a steel tower relocated from Georgia in 1934. Neither is operational today.
South Manitou Island Light
The lighthouse is restored, complete with a replica third-order Fresnel lens. South Manitou Island Light was reactivated in 2009 and is operational from May to November.
Squaw Island/Ojibwa Island Light
The lighthouse on Ojibwa Island is privately and largely hidden by vegetation from the water. It remains an important landmark in northern Lake Michigan.
Waugoshance Light
Waugoshance Light stands as a crumbling relic at the northern end of Lake Michigan, facing critical endangerment. The light was once a key aid to navigation and now stands in dangerous waters. The lighthouse is unsafe to visit.
Preserving the Legacy of Michigan’s Lighthouses
From the restored beacons welcoming visitors to the silent ruins fading into history, these 20 lighthouses in Michigan’s Northwest Lower Peninsula are a testament to Michigan’s deep maritime heritage. Whether you are a history buff, a lighthouse enthusiast, or simply love exploring Michigan’s scenic coastlines, these landmarks offer a glimpse into the past while continuing to guide sailors today. Visit the Northwest Lower Peninsula and appreciate these sentinels of the Great Lakes. They are more than just structures, they are the guardians of Michigan’s shores.
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.
Start planning your trip today and explore the legacy of Michigan’s maritime history!
📍 Explore the Map Below
