Top 10 Michigan Lighthouses

Michigan Lighthouses are undoubtedly Michigan. Depending on the source you use, the state of Michigan has the most lighthouses than any other state.

Let’s preface this article by acknowledging the uncertainty of the number of Michigan lighthouses.  Some historians noted that there were upwards of 250 Michigan lighthouses through-out the state at one point.  Some claim less than 100 are still active and in good condition, and some reference the claim of up to 129.  The State of Michigan’s website provides a useful PDF of 124 Michigan lighthouses.  How many of them still work?  We’ll leave that up to you to debate over.

Let’s first acknowledge that there is a difference between a ‘Light’ and a ‘Lighthouse’.  The latter implying there is a keeper to the light. The former implying that it’s just a light. 

This article is selecting 10 Michigan lighthouses that you need to visit if you live in Michigan or just visiting.  In our opinion, the Michigan lighthouse is the staple theme to what embodies the idea of living in Michigan.

Read on if you’d like to learn more about our Top 10 Michigan lighthouses that we’ve selected as destination locations.

Alpena Light

Built in 1914, this Michigan lighthouse is the most minimalist of the Michigan Lighthouses, located in the city of Alpena. This is an active light on Lake Huron, also known as, “Little Red”. Some even describe this lighthouse as “Long on duty, Short on beauty”. Though we find its simplicity the sole reason why it makes our list.

This lighthouse is an example of a lighthouse being more of a light, than it is a house. “Little Red” made it to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. The Alpena light is one of the most photogenic lights on our shores.

Alpena Lighthouse is located at the entrance to the Thunder Bay River from Thunder Bay, Lake Huron. If you want to get a good view of this Lighthouse, stand at Alpena’s boat harbor. Also, make sure you bring your camera. This light starts off our list of the Top 10 Michigan Lighthouses.

Big Sable Point Light

Built in 1867, this Michigan lighthouse is one of the most iconic Michigan Lighthouses in the state, found off Lake Michigan. Located in Ludington, Michigan.  Find Big Sable in Ludington State Park, a state park of over 5000 acres to explore.  By the 1930’s construction finally began to build a road to this site.  It was also the last Great Lakes Lighthouse to get electricity and plumbing.  Now that’s pretty cool.

This Lighthouse was a true lighthouse with 15 different housekeepers throughout the years.  Despite this Michigan lighthouse being the last to give up on wick and fire in favor of electricity, eventually the lighthouse no longer needed a housekeeper after 1968.

If you drive into the state park you will need to pay for access.  It’s worth it.  There are opportunities to climb the tower and go on a tour of the lighthouse.  This makes the Big Sable Point Light a no-brainer to place on this list of 10 Michigan lighthouses you must see.

Charlevoix South Pier Light Station

A beautiful lighthouse on lake Michigan, this original structure was built in 1884, on the north pier.   Due to deterioration by the 1940s, the current light was built in 1948 on the south pier.  Michiganders say it resembles similarities to the Alpena Light.  There is just something about simplicity.  

This is just a light, not technically a Michigan lighthouse.  Although, original structure did have a land-based home that a light keeper stayed at.  Unfortunately, that house is no longer standing.

These lights were the first lights on the entrance to Lake Charlevoix from Lake Michigan.  A much-needed safety feature.  The waters tend to create whirlpools and eddies due to the flow between the Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix.  This is dangerous because of the creation of two way current, especially during storms.  Though it isn’t uncommon to see this on even the calmest days.

Charlevoix South Pier Light Station was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

Considering Lake Charlevoix is a destination for people all over Michigan, Indiana, and Metro Chicago, this Lighthouse had to make this list of the 10 Michigan lighthouses you need to visit here in Michigan.

DeTour Reef Light

By far, one of the most unique lighthouses in Michigan for it’s location. This Michigan lighthouse is in the middle of the water and can not be accessed by land, only boat.  It is what’s called an Off-Shore Lighthouse.  DeTour Reef is one of only a handful of Off-Shore Lighthouses in the Great Lakes.

This lighthouse is at the northern most end of Lake Huron and is considered to be the “Gateway to Lake Superior”.  The nearest town is where this Michigan lighthouse gets its name, DeTour Village, Michigan.  DeTour Village is located in the Upper Peninsula at the very south eastern corner.  In 1847 this lighthouse was located in the Village, but by 1931 this lighthouse moved offshore to the shallow reef due to the dangers of this passage.

Certainly a Top 10 Michigan Lighthouse.  Did you know; The DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society is providing boat access for tours!  And you can spend the night!  Up to 6 people per weekend at $245 for non-members for the weekend, or $225 for members and 50% off for children.  If you’re seeking an adventure here in Michigan, it is highly recommended.

Fort Gratiot Light

This historic Michigan Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse on our list of Top 10 Michigan Lighthouses and oldest in all of Michigan and it’s still active. This Light sits on an active coast guard facility.  Fort Gratiot also marks the southernmost point of Lake Huron as it enters the St. Clair River.

Fort Gratiot Light was built in 1825 to be 32ft tall, but in 1828 the tower fell down after a storm. This forced Congress to allocate more funds to rebuild.  The second attempt at the Fort Gratiot Light, the tower stood 65ft tall.  The city of Detroit continued to grow and so did the need for more raw materials.  It was determined that the Fort Gratiot Light needed a second overhaul which made Fort Gratiot Light 82ft tall, as it stands today.

By 1874, a brick duplex was built, turning this Light into a real Michigan Lighthouse.In 1971, Fort Gratiot Light was named to the National Register of Historic Places. The best place to see this lighthouse is from the park Lighthouse Beach, or type ‘2802 Omar St. Port Huron, Mi‘ into your GPS.

Grand Haven South Pier & Lighthouses

Who doesn’t like a good deal?  If you like buy one get one free, then this next Michigan Lighthouse is for you.  Technically, it’s two lights.

On Grand Haven’s South Pier, of Lake Michigan there are two beautiful lights.  Both painted a vibrant red.  Built in 1839, this pier is home to an inner and an outer lighthouse.  The outer Lighthouse, called the entrance light, looks like a mix between a big red barn and a lighthouse, whereas the inner light has the traditional lighthouse tower look.

Don’t forget your camera.  At nighttime the pier is lit up with rows of lights.  These lights connect the Entrance light and the inner light along the pier and is a must see at dusk when all of the lights are on.

To see these, just search for the Grand Haven Boardwalk.  You won’t be able to miss it. (This is the authors favorite in the Top 10 Michigan Lighthouse list)

Holland Harbor Lighthouse

We now know that the Alpena Light is known as “Little Red”.  Introducing the Holland Harbor Lighthouse.  Also known as “Big Red”.  This lighthouse was built in 1872 and is found off Lake Michigan in Holland, Michigan.

This Michigan Lighthouse’s architecture is very much influenced by Dutch cultural architecture with twin gabled roofing.  Big Red is still an active lighthouse, though its fog signals have been discontinued.  Today, Holland Harbor Lighthouse is one of the most recreated structures in Michigan-based artwork via drawings, paintings and photographs.

Across the channel is Holland State Park.  Enjoy sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets, and of course, great views of the Holland Harbor Lighthouse.  In order to see Lake Michigan and see the beautiful architecture of Holland Harbor Lighthouse, you should climb to the top of Mt. Pisgah sand dunes and look out over the water.

Mendota Bete Grise Light

This Michigan lighthouse looks less like a Lighthouse and more like a perfect Up-North cabin. This lighthouse is located on the Keweenaw Peninsula in one of the most northern regions of the Upper Peninsula. The current structure dates back to 1895, and as recently as 1996 was actually a private residence. (more information at the bottom of this article if you’re looking to buy a lighthouse)

While the light was decommissioned by the government, it is now operated as a private aid to navigation. It’s currently only accessible by boat, as no roads or private drives lead there.  Warning: it is private property.  It is highly recommended to view from afar and respect the owners right of quite enjoyment.

To view the Lighthouse, travel to the Keweenaw Peninsula and find the small town of Bete Grise. The road is a dead-end at the Mendota Ship Canal.  If you walk to the ship canal, you will see the station boathouse across the Canal.  The Mendota Lighthouse will be to the east.

This made our list as its one of those hidden gems of the Top 10 Michigan Lighthouses. This is a place that tends to hide in the shadows of the more popular destinations. Sometimes, tucked away in the corner, are pieces of history the world needs a reminder of.

Point Betsie Light

A true Michigan lighthouse.  One of Michigan’s historic gems, construction finished in 1858.  For many Michiganders Point Betsie is the most beautiful lighthouse in Michigan.  Located in the northeastern corner of the lower peninsula.  Located in Benzie County just north of Frankfort.  What would be a multi-million-dollar real estate transaction today, only cost $5000 back in 1854 to start construction.  In today’s cash, that’s less than $200,000 after an adjustment for inflation.  Talk about a good deal.

This beautiful Michigan lighthouse is just south of the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes.  If you’re in the area and you love architecture, this is definitely one you need to see in person.  This Lighthouse protected the Manitou Passage, and for a long time was an important maritime shipping passage. While the passage isn’t as important for logistical purposes, the Lighthouse remains a staple of Michigan beauty.

Great news; the light is still active, and the building is open for tours.  This is a perfect family retreat and definitely one of America’s most photographed lighthouses.

Old Presque Isle Light

One of the oldest surviving lighthouses in Michigan, and certainly one of the best stories that surround it. This is one Michigan Lighthouse that might give you goosebumps.

The ghost of George Parris, a former caretaker, haunts the light tower.  The light house is deactivated, even so, people claim that the lamp lights when no one is around.  But that begs the question, if no one’s around how does anyone know? I guess we’ll never know.

Even more chilling is the story of a young girl.  She was exploring the tower by herself.  When she returned to her parents, she had told her parents that she was talking with a nice old man in the towers lamp room.  The parents asked around only to find out that nobody else had been in the tower at that time. The girl noticed a photo on the wall.  Running up to her parents and staff, she told them that the man in the photo was who she was talking too.  It was George Parris.

This Michigan Lighthouse is no longer active, but currently acts as a museum, and its definitely worth the visit as you never know who you might talk to.

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