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This page shows the lighthouses on Lake Huron. Downloadable copies of this pictures are stored on the Webshots site. These pictures start north of Alpena and end up in Canada. You'll notice a break in the numbers; that break covers the Georgian Bay.Webshots The trip October 2003 was not planned; it just happened when Mom and I recognized we had theweekendfree.Then we realized we had Columbus Day free as well; so used the time to do around trip of Lake Huron; with a full day on Manatoulin Island. Index numbers are from `Great Lakes Lighthouses American & Canadianp1 |
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| 1 |
Huron Lightship (MI 104A)
latitude 42° 59' 22.3" N longitude 82° 25' 35.4" W
January 8, 2000
Physically located just south of the Port Huron to Sarnia bridge, this was at one time a lightship located in the midst of "trouble". (It is currently beached and a museum that is open during the summer) ARLHS # USA-394 |
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| 1.1 |
| Point Edward Point Front Range (ON 77F)
latitude 43° 0' 9.3" N longitude 82° 24' 59.3" W
June 22, 2008
Marking the entrance to the St. Clair river; this post with a light on the top is critical for safe navigation into the river.
On other side of the river is the Fort Gratiot light (below) |
| 1.2 |
Point Edward Point Rear Range (ON 77R)
June 22, 2008
You will note that the most important part of this is the day mark; but there is a light at the bottom. Note that it physically is mounted on the Blue Water bridge to the US. |
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| 2 |
| Fort Gratiot (MI 104)
latitude 43° 0' 22.6" N longitude 82° 25' 20.7" W
January 8, 2000
(still an active coast guard station) This picture was taken from Point Edward (which is just of north of Sarnia; Ontario) ARLHS # USA-291 |
| 2.1 |
Fort Gratiot Front Range (MI 104F)
latitude 42° 59' 36.2" N longitude 82° 25' 38.7" W
December 13, 2008
It appears that southbound boats first align with the Point Edward lights (see above); then take the turn into the river when the Fort Gratiot lights align. |
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| 2.2 |
| Fort Gratiot Rear Range (MI 104R)
latitude 42° 59' 32.1" N longitude 82° 25' 41.5" W
December 13, 2008
It appears this light was built as part of the condo development which you can see. In 2003; the developer appealed to the City Council for permission to build the matching front range you see above (which is part of the Edison park and leased to the lighthouse organization.) |
| 3 |
Port Sanilac (MI 103)
latitude 43° 25' 44.4" N longitude 82° 32' 24" W
August 28, 2006
This light is one block east of M-25 (and one block south of Main Street.) (The home is currently a private residence; but lighthouse is still operational) ARLHS # USA-651 |
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| 4 |
| Harbor Beach (MI 102)
latitude 43° 50' 44.3" N longitude 82° 37' 53" W
August 28, 2006
From Highway 25 (Huron Avenue) in Harbor Beach; turn east on Trescott Street and follow to its end at Bathing Beach Park. A good; distant shot of the lighthouse is available from the end of Trescott pier.
The light is on the end of the breakwater; so technically you could walk up close. The end of the breakwater may not be accessible to the public (we didn't check) and even if it is; it's a long walk. The long lens works better. ARLHS # USA-365 |
| 5 |
Pointe Aux Barques (MI 101)
August 28, 2006
A lighthouse museum; but still operating in addition
Just north of Port Hope; turn east on Lighthouse Drive. The light is in a county park that is well maintained. ARLHS # USA-615 |
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| 6 |
| Port Austin Reef (MI 100)
August 28, 2006
2.5 miles north of Port Austin in Lake Huron. As a result; the best way to see this light is in a boat (but it is also dangerous; the light's here for a reason). However; from the downtown pier in Port Austin; you can get pictures using a long lens (and digital zoom). ARLHS # USA-648 |
| 7 |
Saginaw River Rear Range (MI 99)
latitude 43° 38' 7.7" N longitude 83° 51' 1.9" W
July 10, 2004
This is was allegedly (probably not) the very first Range Light built in America (said to be designed by the 15 year old son of the Light House Keeper who set up lights on a saw horse; then rowed the boat out to see the effect.) Being on private land; it is difficult to get access without a boat. We saw this as part of a GLLKA special tour. ARLHS # USA-717 |
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| 8.1 |
| Au Gres River South (MI 98A)
latitude 44° 1' 11.4" N longitude 83° 40' 4.2" W
September 15, 2001
This the "exiting" starboard light at the Au Gres River mouth. |
| 8.2 |
Au Gres River North (MI 98B)
latitude 44° 1' 12.3" N longitude 83° 39' 59" W
September 15, 2001
This the "returning" starboard light at the Au Gres River mouth. (The key phase to remember is "Red Right Returning".) |
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| 8 |
| Gravelly Shoal (MI 98)
September 15, 2001
Built in 1939; this light is about 6 miles due east of the public lake access at Au Gres. Other than choppy running; it was a very pleasant run out to see a pretty ugly light (built in the Art Deco style quite typical of the 1930's.) ARLHS # USA-340 |
| 9 |
Charity Island (MI 97)
September 15, 2001
Built in 1857; this light is on the Northwest corner of Charity Island (about 3 miles east-north-east of Gravelly Shoal). As you can see; it is basically falling apart and sadly in need of repair. By now (2009); the building has been replaced and contains a restaurant. Gravelly Shoal has replaced the light and it has been pretty much ignored since 1939. The only access to the light is by boat; nearest port is Au Gres. ARLHS # USA-943 |
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| 9.5 |
| Clare Rest Area (faux light) (MI 97A)
latitude 43° 51' 3.6" N longitude 84° 46' 37.2" W
September 3, 2009
The sign at the light says "In Michigan; we keep the light on for you."
Other interesting information provided is that Michigan comes from an original (not from Europe) American word that means "Great Lake." They also state that the shore line of Michigan is longer than the entire Eastern sea coast. |
| 10 |
Tawas Point (Ottawa Point) (MI 96)
latitude 44° 15' 13.2" N longitude 83° 26' 58.2" W
July 29, 2004
The first light on the point was built in 1853. By the 1870s though; the point had grown so much that it was not effective. This light was built in 1875 and not only is it still an active Coast Guard station; it is open to the public on weekends. ARLHS # USA-837 |
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| 11 |
| Sturgeon Point (MI 95)
latitude 44° 42' 45.7" N longitude 83° 16' 21.8" W
September 25, 1999
Established in 1870; this is still an active light. It is fully automated and the government is considering deactivating it. ARLHS # USA-823 |
| 12 |
Alpena (MI 94)
latitude 45° 3' 37.5" N longitude 83° 25' 22.5" W
September 25, 1999
Located right in the middle of Alpena; this is easy to find. Having found it; the natural reaction is "so what"? , Note carefully that this is a lighthouse. There is a ladder below the light and room inside to stand up. ARLHS # USA-007 |
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| 13 |
| Thunder Bay Island (MI 93)
latitude 45° 2' 14.4" N longitude 83° 11' 39.9" W
About the only way to get here is by boat. Alpena is the closest harbor. ARLHS # USA-847 |
| 14 |
Middle Island (MI 92)
latitude 45° 11' 35.7" N longitude 83° 19' 15.2" W
Middle Island is 2.5 miles offshore, and roughly 10 miles north of Alpena. ARLHS # USA-495 |
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| 15 |
| Presque Isle Harbor Front Range (a pair) (MI 91)
October 3, 2001
Before the front range light was restored by the Robert Burseky family in 2004, it stood alongside the road near the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse. relocated to
From Highway 23, turn east on Grand Lake Road. The range lights are located alongside Grand Lake Road just before the Presque Isle Marina. ARLHS # USA-669 |
| 16 |
Presque Isle Harbor Rear Range (MI 90C)
the original rear range light is near the set of modern range lights. This is a private residence. |
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| 17 |
| Old Presque Isle (MI 90)
latitude 45° 20' 31.2" N longitude 83° 28' 40.8" W
October 3, 2001
An interesting lighthouse in that the bottom of the tower is stone (and conical) while the top is brick (and cylindrical). Now out of service and privately owned, but available to the public. ARLHS # USA-668 |
| 18 |
Presque Isle Point (MI 89)
latitude 45° 21' 23.8" N longitude 83° 29' 31.2" W
October 3, 2001
An automated light, it is still open to the public May to October ARLHS # USA-667 |
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| 19 |
| Forty Mile Point (MI 88)
November 24, 2000
Six miles north of Rogers City on US23, established in 1896, this light is still active ARLHS # USA-303 |
| 20 |
Spectacle Reef (MI 87)
September 2, 2003
Called ",Spectacle", because the reef underneath is in two circles that look like eyeglasses, this is tough to get close to. This picture was taken from the Shepler lighthouse cruise with ",the long lens",, then digitally zoomed in to get this picture. ARLHS # USA-782 |
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| 21 |
| Poe Reef (MI 86)
August 18, 2001
Built in 1929, this replaced a lightship that had been here since 1893. This passage has become heavily traveled by powered ships. Most sailing boats used the other side of the Bois Blanc (Bob-Lo) Island. ARLHS # USA-610 |
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| 22 |
Fourteen Foot Shoal (MI 83)
August 18, 2001
Allegedly the first unmanned light, this was built in 1930 but the operators stayed at Poe Reef (above). These two lights indicate the path through the south passage below Bois Blanc Island ARLHS # USA-306 |
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| 23 |
| Bois Blanc Island (MI 82)
latitude 45° 48' 37.9" N longitude 84° 25' 15.2" W
September 8, 2009
This light is currently a private residence and is almost invisible from most of the lake. The trees that surround it clearly have grown since the light was removed from service or it wouldn't have been of much value. ARLHS # USA-068 |
| 23.1 |
New Bois Blanc Island (MI 82n)
latitude 45° 48' 40.7" N longitude 84° 25' 14.4" W
September 8, 2009
This is the now operating light on the Island. It's just a few yards north of the one above. Dick (our tour guide) calls this a ",sewer pipe", lighthouse, because it looks like a piece of sewer pipe put on end. |
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| 24 |
| Cheboygan Crib (MI 84)
latitude 45° 39' 24.5" N longitude 84° 27' 54" W
August 18, 2001
Originally marking the water inlet for the city of Cheboygan, this light has been replaced and moved into a county park. It won't cost much to make it look nice, and the Lighthouse Keeper's Association is trying to raise those funds. ARLHS # USA-160 |
| 25 |
Cheboygan River Front Range (MI 85)
August 18, 2001
In 1880, they dredged the Cheboygan River and built this front/rear range pair of lights to guide you in the narrow dredged passage. Still operating today, we used the lights to navigate to the bridge. ARLHS # USA-162 |
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| 26 |
| Old Mackinac Point (MI 80)
July 8, 2006
Once the bridge was built, this light became somewhat obsolete as a navigation item. The building has been extensively renovated and now is open as a museum ARLHS # USA-463 |
| 27 |
Round Island MI (MI 81)
latitude 45° 50' 13.8" N longitude 84° 36' 59.7" W
August 18, 2001
This is the original lighthouse for Mackinaw Island Harbor, now abandoned but recently (1980s) renovated. If it had not been renovated, it would have fallen down as the front corner of the building had been totally removed by storms. ARLHS # USA-1239 |
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| 28 |
| Round Island Passage (MI 81B)
latitude 45° 50' 34.8" N longitude 84° 36' 54.6" W
August 18, 2001
This is the new lighthouse for Mackinaw Island Harbor. It's on the opposite side of the channel as well as newer. The interesting issue is that the boat going to St. Ignace go on the shore side of the lighthouse - so - why is it here? ARLHS # USA-710 |
| 28.5 |
St. Ignace Harbor (MI 81S)
latitude 45° 51' 57.5" N longitude 84° 42' 55.3" W
September 9, 2009
Moved here from the Monroe Rescue Area; this light has now been registered as a private aid to navigation. It marks the entrance to the marina. |
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| 29 |
| Martin's Reef (MI 38)
latitude 45° 54' 47.3" N longitude 84° 8' 55.2" W
September 2, 2003
Physically a duplicate of Poe's reef (see above), this light marks the corner for the boats going into the Dolomite mines on the Upper Peninsula. When you see, it you say ",what the big deal?", Looking at the charts, it's clear why it's here.
Note that the water's so still you can see the reflection of the tower. ARLHS # USA-480 |
| 30 |
DeTour Reef (MI 37)
latitude 45° 56' 56.8" N longitude 83° 54' 11.9" W
September 8, 2009
A significant light marking the entrance to the St. Mary's river. Last time, we were in full fog. This time it was beautiful (as you can see) ARLHS # USA-226 |
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| 31 |
Shoal Island (ON 37) |
ARLHS # CAN-588 |
| 32 |
Wilson Channel Front Range (ON 38)
October 11, 2003
Wilson Channel is the deep water channel from the St. Mary's River in the North Channel above St. Joseph's Island. The good news is you can now access both these lights by travelling up ",Range Lights Road",, just east of Highway 548 from PH 17 (east of Sault Ste. Marie). ARLHS # CAN-599 |
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| 33 |
| Wilson Channel Rear Range (ON 39)
October 11, 2003
As you can see from the background, the color was just gorgeous on the day we visited these lights. ARLHS # CAN-600 |
| 34 |
West Sister Rock (ON 40) |
Access is by boat only. The lighthouse can be seen from tours offered by Mackinac Seaplane Tours call (906) 632-9746. ARLHS # CAN-528 |
| 35 |
McKay Island (ON 41)
October 11, 2003
This is currently a private residence, available for rent. It was built in 1907 and was built to support the timber industry in the area. We just happened to see a sign to it off of PH 17 and took a short detour, and there it was. ARLHS # CAN-311 |
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| 36 |
| Mississaugi Strait (ON 42)
latitude 45° 56' 15.7" N longitude 83° 12' 15.1" W
Mississagi Lighthouse Road off Highway 540 (May to September). ARLHS # CAN-322
Photo courtesy georgeeh [Webshots] |
| 37 |
Great Duck Island (ON 43) |
Off southwestern Manitoulin Island ARLHS # CAN-1032 |
| 38 |
Gore Bay (Janet Bay) (ON 44)
October 12, 2003
This light is right at the entrance to a campground, and when camping is in season, it is the registration place. The light is still in use, but fully automated, and the rest of the house is a private residence. ARLHS # CAN-203 |
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| 39 |
| Kagawong (ON 45)
October 11, 2003
This light is right at the Marina, but if you're looking at the water, you'll miss it, because I'm standing in the road shooting the picture up at the lighthouse. ARLHS # CAN-259 |
Note the the lights between 40 and 67 are part of the Georgian Bay Page
| 65 |
Chantry Island (ON 72)
latitude 44° 29' 21.5" N longitude 81° 24' 7" W
October 13, 2003
This picture is taken from the base of the light below; then digitally zoomed. learly you could get a better picture from a boat; but since the keeper's quarters are nothing but ruins; there isn't much more to see. ARLHS # CAN-619 |
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| 66 |
| Southampton Front Range (Long Dock) (ON 73)
latitude 44° 30' 5.5" N longitude 81° 22' 31.8" W
October 13, 2003
Located at the end of pier into the lake; this is the entrance to the Saugeen River. It's mate is across the Road and invisible from the pier (it's not clear how far out onto the lake you need to go to see both of them). ARLHS # CAN 831 |
| 67 |
Southampton Rear Range (McNab Point) (ON 74)
October 13, 2003
This is the other half of the range light shown above. I couldn't get a good photo of it as the sun is directly over the top of it (one of these day's I'll remember to photograph the west side of the lake in the afternoon; not in the morning; so the light is facing the correct direction). ARLHS # CAN 643 |
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| 68 |
| Kinkardine (ON 75)
latitude 44° 10' 37.2" N longitude 81° 38' 17.3" W
October 13, 2003
At last; a lighthouse that doesn't look the same (neither did Chantry Island; but that was a long way away). Because of limitations of real estate; they built the light house directly on top of the keeper's house. At one time; this was the rear range of a range system; but at this time; the front range is nothing but a light on a steel pole. ARLHS # CAN 264 |
| 69 |
Point Clark (ON 76)
latitude 44° 4' 22.2" N longitude 81° 45' 26.4" W
October 11, 2003
This 80 foot tall tower; made of local limestone is really impressive. It's also in the middle of a very pleasant looking community. Being beach frontage houses; they probably aren't cheap; but they don't look intentionally extravagant either.
This photo is featured on the Canadian Stamps about lighthouses. ARLHS # CAN 388 |
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| 70 |
| Goderich (ON 77)
October 13, 2003
This; the very last light on Lake Huron; doesn't look very impressive. The tower is only 35 feet tall; but it's at the top of a 100 (or more) foot cliff right next to the river; so it's visible from a very long way out in the lake.<
There's a limestone loading station just below here; and they bring the full size Lake carriers in; so it's probably important they know where the river mouth is. ARLHS # CAN-546 |
| 71 |
Palmer Park (MI 111A)
latitude 42° 25' 20" N longitude 83° 6' 42.7" W
Alone on an island in Lake Frances, it is unlikely that any boat will need illumination from this lighthouse. (This is technically a faux light, it has always been decorative, not functional.)
Photo courtesy Pinehurst [Flickr] |
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