Guiding Lights of Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula

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 Western Upper Peninsula is particularly rich in lighthouse history, boasting a remarkable collection of beacons that have stood the test of time. Many of these lighthouses remain operational, serving as both navigational aids and historical landmarks. Whether perched on rocky cliffs or standing on remote islands, these lighthouses provide a fascinating glimpse into Michigan’s maritime past.

Lighthouses of Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula

Copper Harbor Front Range Light

While the Copper Harbor Light effectively illuminated the area of the harbor, it failed to guide mariners through the narrow opening of rocks at its entrance. The range lights were electrified in 1937, this eliminated the need for a resident keeper, and in August of that year, a two-year lease for the range’s dwelling was advertised in the local papers. The dwelling has been used as a residence for the assistant manager of Fort Wilkins State Park.

Copper Harbor Lighthouse

The second lighthouse to be built on Lake Superior and located in the harbor inside the Fort Wilkins Historic Park. It was built on the tip of the eastern point to land that hugs the harbor. In 1933 the light was removed and placed on the adjacent white skeleton tower.

Eagle Harbor Lighthouse

An operational lighthouse at Eagle Harbor, it was originally built in 1851 and replaced in 1871. It is now a Michigan State Historic Site and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It sits on the rocky entrance to Eagle Harbor and is one of several light stations that guide mariners on Lake Superior across the northern edge of the Keweenaw Peninsula

Eagle Harbor Range Lighthouse

Established in response to increased mining operations, this range light system helped mariners safely navigate the harbor. The rear light is 1000 feet south of the front light.

Eagle River Lighthouse

Decommissioned in 1908 and the building was sold at auction. In 1917 it was replaced by Sand Hills Lighthouse after several shipwrecks on Sawtooth Reef.

Gull Rock Light Station

Located on Gull Rock  west of Manitou Island. This is an active lighthouse and is off limits to visitors. The light is visible via private boat or lighthouse cruises from the water.

Huron Island Lighthouse

Built near Big Bay, this lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and can only be accessed by boat. This is the only island in the Huron Islands that is open to the public. Trips out to the island are dangerous,  the lake is rough, cold, and punctuated by reefs and shoals. The three mile trip should be undertaken with caution.

Isle Royale Lighthouse

Also known as Menagerie Island Light, it stands within Isle Royale National Park,  in a group of small islands at the opening of Siskiwit Bay.

Keweenaw Waterway Lower Entrance Light

Also called the Portage Entry Light, it sits at the mouth of the Portage River and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance Light

Located in McLain State Park, this lighthouse marks the northern entrance to the Keweenaw Waterway. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

Manitou Island Light Station

Located on Manitou Island off the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. This National Historic Site features a steel skeletal light tower and keeper’s house, providing crucial navigation aid near the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Mendota (Bete Grise) Lighthouse

The original lighthouse was decommissioned shortly after construction and removed and taken to Marquette. The new lighthouse was later rebuilt in 1895 following requests from sailors seeking safe harbor during storms. After fund were allocated a new structure was built using the original foundations

Ontonagon Lighthouse

The lighthouse was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1973. In 1975 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2003, ownership of the structure was transferred to the Ontonagon County Historical Society. The society undertook a complete restoration of the structure and conducts tours for visitors.

Ontonagon West Pierhead Lighthouse

Ontonagon River is the largest river to flow into the south shore of Lake Superior, but a bar at the river’s mouth prevented ships from using the river as a harbor.  Built to support copper shipments from the Minesota Mine, it provided safe passage into the Ontonagon River.

Passage Island Lighthouse

Established to aid ships threading the narrow passage between Isle Royale and Passage Island. The ships traveling this route “set their course to thread the needle” in reference to this narrow passage which is only 3-1/4 miles wide.

Portage River (Jacobsville) Lighthouse

Together Portage River and Portage Lake nearly bisect Keweenaw Peninsula . It was discontinued in 1920 no longer needed as part of Keweenaw’s waterway system. The lighthouse was auctioned off in 1958 and has had several owners since then.  The lighthouse is privately owned and undergoing restoration.

Rock Harbor Lighthouse

The Rock Harbor Lighthouse is a light station located in Rock Harbor on Isle Royale National Park, . It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. With the construction in 1875 of the more centrally located Isle Royale Light on Menagerie Island, it was decided to permanently extinguish the light in 1879. Abandoned in 1879, the lighthouse later served as a shelter for visitors.

Rock of Ages Lighthouse

Standing on a small (50’ x 200’) rocky outcropping west of Isle Royale. It is approximately 2.25 miles west of Washington Island and 3.5 miles west of Isle Royale. The lighthouse remains an active navigational aid.

Sand Hills Lighthouse

The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1954 due to advancements in radar technology. The lighthouse is on private property and is closed to the public. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

Sand Point Lighthouse (Baraga)

The lighthouse is located on the shores of Keweenaw Bay. Over the years, the lighthouse changed hands, with one owner adding an enclosed porch to the south side of the structure. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community purchased the lighthouse and surrounding property and using it for offices..

Preserving History for Future Generations

The lighthouses of Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula are more than just historical structures. Whether still guiding ships or standing as monuments to a bygone era, these beacons continue to captivate visitors and historians alike. They are living testaments to the region’s maritime legacy. Exploring these lighthouses is like stepping back in time, they offer a deeper appreciation for the Great Lakes’ enduring connection to those who navigated its waters.

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!

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