Rising from the waters of Lake Huron about ten miles north of Alpena, Middle Island Lighthouse marks a place that long held importance for mariners navigating the Michigan shoreline. Positioned midway between Thunder Bay and Presque Isle, the island offered both refuge and risk. Its sheltered harbor provided protection during storms. Yet, surrounding shoals made approach difficult and dangerous. Recognizing a Hazard on the Lake By the late nineteenth century, the hazards near Middle Island were well known. In 1881, the United States Life Saving Service established a station on the island to assist vessels in distress. As shipping traffic… Read More »
