Frankfort North Breakwater Light

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 for increased shipping and trade. As lake traffic grew, the need for safer navigation into the harbor became clear. Major improvements began in 1867, and by 1873 long wooden piers extended into Lake Michigan.

That same year, the original Frankfort North Breakwater Light was constructed. It was an enclosed, timber-framed pyramid beacon built at the end of the wooden pier and connected to shore by an elevated catwalk. The light was first illuminated on October 15, 1873. It provided a crucial visual guide for vessels entering the harbor. A fog signal added in 1893, further improved safety during the region’s frequent low-visibility conditions.

A New Tower for a Growing Harbor (1912–1932)

By the early 20th century, Frankfort’s harbor needed a more modern aid to navigation. In 1912, a new square steel pyramidal lighthouse was constructed on the North Pier, replacing the original wooden structure. This new light represented a significant upgrade in durability and visibility. The lighthouse was electrified in 1919, eliminating the need for manual lighting and signaling another step into the modern era.

During the 1920s, work began on a pair of concrete breakwaters at the harbor entrance. These improvements, completed by the early 1930s, made the older wooden piers obsolete. As a result, they shorten the piers and relocated the lighthouse.

In 1932, the 1912 lighthouse moved from the North Pier to its current location at the head of the north breakwater. To adapt it to its new setting, the original pyramid-style lighthouse was enlarged by placing it atop a new two-story base. This increased both its height and prominence.

Design, Height, and Optics

The Frankfort North Breakwater Light seen today is a square steel pyramidal tower standing 44 feet tall. It is mounted on a 25-foot-tall square steel base. At the top sits a cast iron lantern room surrounded by a gallery.

Originally, the lantern housed a fifth order Fresnel lens, a highly efficient optic prized for its ability to project light over long distances. This lens was later upgraded to a fourth order Fresnel lens, which further enhanced the light’s visibility for approaching vessels. Although the original Fresnel lens is no longer in place, its use reflects the lighthouse’s importance within the Great Lakes navigation system.

Coast Guard Era and Local Stewardship

For much of its working life, the Frankfort light was maintained by the United States Coast Guard. Other structures associated with the site include a radio beacon and a nearby Coast Guard station. This underscores the harbor’s role as an active and well-monitored port.

In 2010, the Coast Guard excessed the lighthouse, and The City of Frankfort took ownership in 2011 ownership. This transition ensured that the light would remain a cherished local landmark rather than fade into obscurity.

In recognition of its historical and architectural significance, the Frankfort North Breakwater Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

A Beloved Landmark on Lake Michigan

Today, the Frankfort North Breakwater Light stands at the head of the north breakwater. It welcomes boats into Betsie Lake and delights visitors who make the walk out along the pier. It is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Northern Michigan, especially at sunset. The steel tower becomes silhouetted against the open waters of Lake Michigan.

More than just a navigational aid, the Frankfort light is a symbol of the town’s maritime roots and its long relationship with the lake. Whether you’re arriving by boat or strolling the breakwater on a summer evening, this lighthouse remains a steadfast reminder of Frankfort’s rich nautical history.

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Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.