Grand Island North Light Station

Michigan’s Highest Lighthouse Above Sea Level

Perched dramatically atop a 175-foot cliff on the north end of Grand Island near Munising, the Grand Island North Light Station—often called the Old North Light—has guided vessels along Lake Superior for more than a century. Remote, rugged, and rich in history, this lighthouse played an important role during a pivotal era of Great Lakes shipping. Today, it stands as a well-preserved reminder of Michigan’s maritime past and rightfully listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Why Grand Island Needed a Lighthouse

The need for a lighthouse on Grand Island grew out of major changes in Great Lakes shipping. With the planned opening of the Soo Locks in 1855, officials anticipated a sharp increase in traffic on Lake Superior. In response, Congress appropriated funds in 1853 to establish a light on the island’s northern tip. This location was strategic, overlooking key shipping routes and a natural harbor on the island’s lee side.

Construction of the first lighthouse began in 1856. Built of wood and placed atop the high cliff and equipped with a fourth-order Fresnel lens and put into service later that year. Unfortunately, poor construction materials led to rapid deterioration. The “wretched condition,” of the structure in 1865 prompted calls for a replacement.

The 1867 Brick Lighthouse

Congress approved additional funding for building a second lighthouse on the site. This new structure, constructed of brick using standard plans from the U.S. Lighthouse Establishment, marked a significant improvement. Notably, it was built before the founding of nearby Munising and even before Alger County was formally established.

The new lighthouse used the Fresnel lens from the original tower, and the light placed into service the same year. A keeper and an assistant maintained the light and navigated the challenges of isolation and Lake Superior’s harsh conditions. Over the years, the boathouse location and the stairways leading down the cliff had minor changes.

Automation, Abandonment, and Preservation

In 1941, the automation of Grand Island North Light eliminated the need for on-site keepers. The station was boarded up and abandoned soon after. Two decades later, in 1961, a 12-volt electrical system was installed on a nearby pole. The original light was officially decommissioned, and the Fresnel lens was removed.

Declared surplus, the property was eventually sold to Loren Graham. Restoration work took place between 1972 and 1973, stabilizing and preserving the historic structures. Today, the lighthouse and its associated buildings are a private summer home. They remain largely unchanged from their original appearance.

Architecture and Site Features

The Grand Island North Light Station consists of a two-story brick keeper’s dwelling with a rectangular footprint. Attached to it are a three-story, 40-foot light tower and a one-story kitchen addition. The building features a tin-covered gable roof supported by queen-post trusses. It is painted in its original yellow, white, and black color scheme.

Several auxiliary buildings remain on the site, including brick tool and fuel storage sheds, a brick outhouse, and a wooden well house. Together, they offer a rare and complete look at a 19th-century lighthouse station.

A Unique Place in Lighthouse History

Beyond its architectural and historical significance, the Grand Island North Light holds a unique distinction. At 175 feet above Lake Superior, it is recognized as the highest lighthouse above sea level in the United States. Long before European settlement, the island served as a vital stopping place for Native Americans, traders, and others traveling along Lake Superior’s south shore. Later, the lighthouse supported this role during the region’s shipping boom.

A Lasting Landmark on Lake Superior

Though no longer an active aid to navigation, the Grand Island North Light Station remains an enduring symbol of Northern Michigan’s maritime heritage. Its dramatic setting, well-preserved structures, and deep connection to Great Lakes history make it one of the most fascinating and unique lighthouses in the state.

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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.