Au Sable Light: History, Hazards, and Stunning Views

A Sentinel on Lake Superior’s Shipwreck Coast

If you’ve ever driven along Lake Superior’s stunning shoreline near Grand Marais, you’ve probably noticed the iconic white tower of Au Sable Light standing guard over the lake. The light is part of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This lighthouse has a fascinating history tied to one of the most treacherous stretches of water in the Great Lakes. From shipwrecks to foggy storms, the Au Sable Light Station has been a beacon for sailors since 1874.

Before 1910, this lighthouse was known as Big Sable Light. Do not confuse it with Big Sable Point Light near Ludington or Little Sable Point Light near Pentwater. Located on a shallow sandstone reef extending nearly a mile int Lake Superior. Its location on Au Sable Point made it a critical aid to navigation. The reef, sometimes only six feet below the water’s surface, was infamous for ensnaring ships. In 1859 it caught the passenger ship Lady Elgin. French explorers as early as 1622 warned of the area’s dangers, describing it as perilous during storms. Violent northerly storms and thick fogs made navigation especially treacherous. This stretch of shoreline earned the reputation of both beauty and danger.

Dark Spot

The lighthouse was built to eliminate a “dark spot” between Granite Island Light and Whitefish Point Light. Designed by Colonel Orlando Metcalfe Poe, a master of lighthouse construction, the tower and attached keepers’ quarters are considered part of the eight “Poe style” lighthouses. Poe also worked on New Presque Isle Light, South Manitou Island Light, Grosse Point Light, and several others. Au Sable Light features a white brick conical tower with a black lantern and a red brick keeper’s house. Originally fitted with a third-order Fresnel lens. The lens is now on display at the lighthouse—the light was automated in 1958 and currently shines via a 12-inch solar-powered lens.

Over the years, additional structures were added, including a wooden boathouse (1875), fog signal building (1897), second brick keeper’s house (1909), oil house (1915), and various sheds and outhouses. Today, most of these historic buildings remain, with one original outhouse standing as a reminder of the past. The keeper’s house has been renovated, housing a visitor center on the lower floor and a caretaker apartment above.

Lens Returned

In 1996, the original Third Order Fresnel lens returned to the tower after decades on display at the Pictured Rocks Nautical and Maritime Museum in Grand Marais. While the steam whistle and airhorn are gone, the lighthouse’s boarded lantern area remains an impressive sight. The tower is open to the public during summer months, maintained by the National Park Service, while the U.S. Coast Guard continues operating the automated light. The NPS aims to preserve the complex as it appeared in 1909–10, the lighthouse’s first year as a two-person station.

Visiting

Visiting Au Sable Light is a treat for both history buffs and nature lovers. From Hurricane River Campground, 12 miles west of Grand Marais on H-58, it’s a scenic 1.5-mile walk on a sandy trail to reach the lighthouse. Standing at the top, you can imagine the countless sailors who relied on this beacon to safely navigate the perilous waters of Lake Superior.

Au Sable Light is not only a beautiful and historic lighthouse but also a symbol of the Great Lakes’ maritime history. If you’re exploring Northern Michigan, don’t miss the chance to see this remarkable piece of nautical heritage.

Start planning your trip today and explore the legacy of Michigan’s maritime 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.