Lighthouse Museums | Maritime Museums

Maritime history is a treasure of the Great Lakes. This treasure is showcased at the various Michigan Lighthouse Museums. The U.S. Lighthouse Service had a substantial presence on the Great Lakes. We encourage you to step back in time and visit these time capsules and learn about Michigan's rich maritime heritage.

NO. & Code
Lighthouse Museums & Houses open to the Public
97
Au Sable Light
As part of Pictured Rocks National Park, the 1874 light station is open for tours throughout the summer. Located a 1 ½ mile walk from the Hurricane River campground. 906-387-3700 for info.
57
Big Sable Point Light
The 1867 lighthouse is located in Ludington State Park, and is opened to the public throughout the summer by the Sable Points Light Keepers Association (SPLKA). Take N Lakeshore Drive out of Ludington approximately 6 miles, then walk 1½ miles to the lighthouse. Call 231-845-7343 for info.
32
Cheboygan Main (Ruins)
Erected in 1851, the lighthouse was rendered obsolete with the lighting of the Poe Reef lighthouse. Drive out to the visitor center and walk 1.2 mile to view the old lighthouse foundation and cement walkways.Call 231-627-1811 for information.
34
Cheboygan Crib
Built offshore in 1882, the tower was moved to Gordon Turner Park in 1985. Tours can be arranged weekends and holidays at the Cheboygan River Front Range light. Call 231-436-5580 for info.
35
Cheboygan Front Range
Built in 1880 to guide mariners into the Cheboygan River. Open from 9 to 5 PM weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through the second weekend in October. Call 231-436-5580 for info.
115
Copper Harbor Light
The 1861 lighthouse is owned and operated by the State of Michigan with boat tours leaving Copper Harbor Marina Memorial Day through mid October.
906-289-4955 for info.
94
Crisp Point Light
The 1904 lighthouse is operated by the Crisp Point Light Historical Society, and volunteers open the tower to the public throughout the summer. Follow lighthouse signs from M123. Download complete driving directions at www.crisppointlighthouse.org
119
Eagle Harbor Light
Built in 1871, the lighthouse has been restored by the Keweenaw Historical Society and is open for tours from mid June through early October. http://www.keweenawhistory.org
13
Fort Gratiot Light
Established in 1829, this was the first lighthouse in the state of Michigan. Owned and under restoration by the Port Huron Museum. Call 810-982-0891
116
117
Fort Wilkins Historic
State Park&
Copper Harbor Front
and Rear Range
Built in 1869, the buildings are now part of Fort Wilkins State Park and closed to the public. View from the road near the entrance to Fort Wilkins.
30
Forty Mile Point Light
Built in 1896, this light station with its large duplex keepers dwelling has been beautifully restored, and now operates as a museum every day but Monday from May through Oct. For info call 989-734-4587.
50
Grand Traverse Light
Located in Leelanau State Park at the tip of the peninsula, the 1858 Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum is open to the public from May through October. Call 231-386-7195 for information.
93
Great Lakes
Shipwreck Museum
at Whitefish Point

This 1861 light station and associated shipwreck museum are preserved by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Society and open from May 1 through October 31. Call 800-635-1742 for information.
12
Huron Lightship
Built in 1920, she was the last operating lightship on the lakes when retired in 1970. The vessel is open for tours from Memorial Day through November. Call 810-982-0891 for information.
59
Little Sable Point
The majestic brick tower is all that remains of the 1874 light station. The tower is opened for climbing throughout the summer by SPLKA. Take Silver Lake Road out of Silver Lake and follow the lighthouse signs.
58
Ludington North
Breakwater Light

The 1924 steel lighthouse is opened for climbing throughout the summer by the SPLKA. Take W. Ludington Ave. to the end and walk out the breakwater.
103
Marquette
Harbor Light

Built in 1853 and modified many times over the years. The Marquette Maritime Museum offers tours mid May through October - 906-226-2006 or www.mqtmaritimemuseum.com
37
McGulpin Point Light
Built in 1869, the lighthouse was extinguished in 1906 and was privately owned from 1913 to 2009. The lighthouse is open for tours from mid May through mid October. Call 231-436-5860 for info.
49
Mission
Point Light

Built in 1870 at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula at the end of Center Road, the lighthouse is open to the public 10 to 6 daily from April to November. Call 231-223-7324 for information.
36
Old Mackinac
Point Light

Built in 1892, was rendered obsolete by the opening of the Mackinac Bridge in 1957. The lighthouse is open daily from mid May through mid October. For information, call 231-436-8705.
124
Ontonagon Light
The 1867 lighthouse is owned by the Ontonagon County Historical Society. Guided tours leave the Museum at 422 River St. Mon-Sat at 11, 1:30 and 3:30 in summer. Call 906-884-6165 for info.
54
Point Betsie
Owned and restored by Benzie County and Friends of Pointe Betsie, the 1858 lighthouse is open for tours most weekends, Fridays and holidays Memorial Day through mid October. 231-352-7644 for hours.
92
Point Iroquois
Light

Part of the Hiawatha National Forest, the 1870 lighthouse is open for tours 7 days a week, May 15 through October 15, Sat & Sun in winter.
Call 906-437-5272 for information.
72
Point Peninsula
Light

The dwelling of the 1865 lighthouse burned to the ground in 1959. Part of the Hiawatha National Forest, the park is open to the public. Take County Rd 518 to the end of Stonington Peninsula to the park entrance.
16
Pointe Aux Barques
Light

Established in 1848, the existing structure was built in 1857. Open from Memorial Day through the end of September.
Email info@pointeauxbarqueslighthouse.org for information.
28
Presque Isle
Light Old

Built in 1840 and replaced by the New Presque Isle lighthouse in 1871, the lighthouse now serves as a museum operated by Presque Isle Township, and is open May through October. Call 989-595-5419 for information.
29
Presque Isle
Light New

Established in 1870 to replace the diminutive old Presque Isle lighthouse, this magnificent lighthouse now serves as a museum operated by Presque Isle Township, and is open May through October. Call 989-595-5419 for information.
128
Rock Harbor Light
The restored 1856 lighthouse is part of Isle Royale National Park and is open to the public. Access by private boat or tours on the MV Sandy leave Rock Harbor Lodge Thur & Sat. Call 906-337-4993 summer, or 866-644-2003 winter.
70
Sand Point Light
The 1867 lighthouse has been restored by the Delta County Historical Society and is open for tours Memorial Day through Labor Day. Call 906-789-6790 for information.
80
St. Helena
Island Light

1873 light station owned and preserved by GLLKA who provides various day and overnight excursions to the lighthouse throughout the summer. 231-436-5580
77
Seul Choix Light
The 1895 light station is owned by the State of Michigan and interpreted by the Gulliver Historical Society. Open for tours Memorial Day through mid October.Call 906-283-3183
52
South Manitou
Island Light

The 1872 lighthouse is part of the Sleeping Bear National Park, and can be accessed by regular passenger service provided by the Manitou Island Transit.Call 231-256-9061 for schedule info.
22
Sturgeon Point Light
Lighted for the first time at the opening of the 1870 navigation season and is open to the public 7 days a week from mid June through Labor Day weekend.Call 989-727-4703 for information.
21
Tawas Point Light
This 1877 lighthouse is operated as a living museum by the Tawas State Park, and is open every day but Tuesday from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Call 989-362-5658 for information.
60
White River Light
Built in 1876, the lighthouse is opened to the public throughout the summer by the SPLKA. Take Southshore Drive west out of Whitehall and follow the lighthouse signs.
93
Whitefish Point Light Station
(See Great Lakes Shipwreck
Museum above.

This 1861 light station and associated shipwreck museum are preserved by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Society and open from May 1 through October 31. Call 800-635-1742 for information.

 

Maritime Museums

MICHIGAN MARITIME MUSEUM
Five separate buildings offer a variety of engaging opportunities for the Museum visitor including permanent and changing exhibits on Michigan maritime history, a center for the teaching of boat building and related maritime skills, and a regionally renowned research library.

GREAT LAKE MARITIME CENTER/ ACHESON VENTURES
The Great Lakes Maritime Center (Maritime Center) offers a variety of opportunities to learn about the history and current events of the Great Lakes. Video formats, displays, and speaker programs present a wide range of information.

GREAT LAKES LORE MARITIME MUSEUM
The Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum is a maritime museum that specializes in memories not just artifacts. It is located in Rogers City, in Michigan's lower peninsula. In the heart of the inland seas known as the Great Lakes, you'll find a place where the rich history of that great waterway comes to life.


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