Archives

A Short-Lived Beacon of Michigan’s Copper Boom Perched above the south shore of Lake Superior, the Eagle River Light tells the story of a town that rose fast, thrived briefly, and then faded just as quickly. Though modest in size and operational life, this lighthouse played a vital role. It was significant during one of the most dramatic boom-and-bust eras in Northern Michigan history. Location and Early Importance The Eagle River Light is a decommissioned lighthouse located at the mouth of the Eagle River in the community of Eagle River on the Keweenaw Peninsula. Its history is closely tied to… Read More »

Guardian of the St. Marys River Point Iroquois Light sits high on a bluff in Chippewa County, quietly watching over one of the most important waterways in the Great Lakes. It marks the division between Whitefish Bay and the western end of the St. Marys River. For more than a century, this lighthouse has guided vessels traveling between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. Today, its story blends Native history, early European exploration, and the evolution of Great Lakes navigation. A Place Steeped in Early History Point Iroquois refers not only to the lighthouse but also to a broader… Read More »

A Weathered Icon of Munising Harbor Just north of Munising, perched along the rugged shoreline east of Grand Island, stands one of Northern Michigan’s most photographed — and most intriguing — lighthouses. The Grand Island East Channel Light may no longer guide ships into Munising Harbor. However, its weathered appearance and dramatic setting have secured its place as a true Lake Superior icon. Purpose and Early History Built to serve a very specific purpose, the Grand Island East Channel Light guided vessels from the open waters of Lake Superior through the narrow channel east of Grand Island. It was constructed… Read More »

Guiding Ships into Betsie Lake Since 1873 Tucked at the end of Frankfort’s harbor, the Frankfort North Breakwater Light has quietly watched over Lake Michigan mariners for more than 150 years. While the structure you see today dates to the early 20th century, its story stretches back to Frankfort’s earliest days as a working harbor. The lighthouse reflects the growth, challenges, and ingenuity of a busy Great Lakes port. It evolved from wooden piers and catwalks to steel towers and concrete breakwaters. Early Harbor Improvements and the First Light (1859–1873) Frankfort’s harbor was first dredged in 1859, opening the door… Read More »

The Rise and Fall of the Alpena Motor Car Company For a brief but ambitious moment in the early 20th century, Alpena believed it was on the verge of becoming something entirely new—an automobile manufacturing hub in a rapidly motorizing America. Long before Alpena became known primarily as a vacation destination and lakeside retreat, the city placed a bold bet on the future of transportation. That bet came in the form of the Alpena Motor Car Company. This short-lived but fascinating enterprise produced the Alpena Flyer, one of Michigan’s many forgotten early automobiles. Though the company operated for only a… Read More »

From Offshore Hazard to Hometown Icon At the mouth of the Cheboygan River, where it meets Lake Huron, stands one of Northern Michigan’s most distinctive navigational lights. Known as the Cheboygan Crib Light, this small but storied beacon has guided vessels for well over a century. Today, it sits proudly at the west pier head in Gordon Turner Park. This location is a familiar landmark and symbol of Cheboygan’s deep maritime roots. Where the Cheboygan Crib Light Is Located The Cheboygan Crib Light marks the west pier head at the entrance of the Cheboygan River into Lake Huron. It stands… Read More »

Guiding Ships Through a Rocky Entrance Eagle Harbor has long been an important refuge along Lake Superior’s rugged Keweenaw Peninsula. However, getting safely inside the harbor was never simple. Shallow water, a rocky reef, and increasing ship traffic from the region’s booming mining industry made navigation tricky. That challenge led to the creation of the Eagle Harbor Range Lights. These are a lesser-known but vital part of Northern Michigan’s maritime history. Early Navigation Challenges at Eagle Harbor A lighthouse was first established on the western side of Eagle Harbor in 1851. While it helped vessels locate the harbor, a rocky… Read More »

A Quiet Guardian at the Gateway to the St. Marys River Tucked into the busy shipping corridor of the St. Marys River, Pipe Island Light has quietly guided freighters and vessels for well over a century. While rarely seen by the public and now privately owned, this modest lighthouse played a crucial role in safely ushering ships between Lake Huron and the river’s narrow DeTour Passage. Its story is one of careful engineering, dedicated keepers, family sacrifice, and maritime history unfolding just offshore. Location and Early Need for a Lighthouse Pipe Island—also historically known as Round Island because of its… Read More »

Guardian of Lake Superior’s Shipwreck Coast Along one of the most unforgiving stretches of shoreline on the Great Lakes, Crisp Point Lighthouse has stood watch for more than a century. It is remote, windswept, and rich in maritime history. Crisp Point tells a powerful story of lifesaving, shipwrecks, erosion, and preservation on Michigan’s Lake Superior coast. A Remote Outpost on Lake Superior Crisp Point Lighthouse is located in McMillan Township, Luce County, about 14 miles west of Whitefish Point in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This isolated stretch of shoreline lies between Munising and Whitefish Point and was once protected by five… Read More »