Bois Blanc Lighthouse

Exploring the History of Bois Blanc Light: A Quiet Sentinel of Lake Huron

Tucked away on the serene shores of Bois Blanc Island, the Bois Blanc Light has witnessed nearly two centuries of Great Lakes history. Though privately owned and closed to the public today, its story is one of resilience, reconstruction, and dedication to preservation. As part of our Northern Michigan lighthouse series, let’s take a closer look at the lighthouse that has guided mariners across Lake Huron since the early 1800s.

The Many Faces of Bois Blanc Light

Bois Blanc Light is a name that has applied to multiple lighthouse structures—five, to be exact—built over time on Bois Blanc Island. Today, two lighthouses remain standing, each representing a different chapter in navigational history on Lake Huron.

Because the property is privately owned, access is restricted. The legacy of the light continues through preservation efforts and scenic lighthouse cruises available during the summer.

Early Years: The 1829 Lighthouse

The lighthouse’s history begins in 1829, making it only the second lighthouse ever constructed on Lake Huron.

The original keeper family, the Wards, played a significant role in the lighthouse’s early years.
Notably, the young Eber Brock Ward—who would later become one of Michigan’s most influential industrialists—once called the lighthouse home.

Unfortunately, rising lake levels slowly undermined the structure’s sandy foundation. On December 9, 1837, the lighthouse collapsed, marking the end of its short but significant life.

Rebuilding After Collapse

Determined to maintain a guiding beacon on the island, the U.S. Lighthouse Service rebuilt the light in 1839, this time further inland to avoid shoreline erosion. While sturdier, this second iteration also deteriorated over time.

A more robust lighthouse was constructed in 1867, replacing the aging 1839 structure. This 1867 lighthouse would go on to serve mariners for more than half a century—its longest-lasting chapter.

Decommissioning and Modernization

In 1924, after 57 years of service, the 1867 lighthouse was decommissioned. The building boarded up, and navigation needs transferred to a more modern beacon.
A 35-foot black steel skeletal tower equipped with an automated acetylene light was installed just east of the old lighthouse. This modernization reflected the broader shift toward automated navigation across the Great Lakes.

The old station buildings and grounds were sold to Earl J. Coffey in 1925. Later, the skeletal tower was replaced by the cylindrical D9 tower. The tower remains active today, operating with a solar-powered acrylic optic—a simple tube with a light on top, functional but minimalistic.

Preservation and Legacy

The 1867 lighthouse still stands thanks to the dedication of the Martin and Reinhart Jahn families, who restored the once-severely deteriorated structure. Their work has helped preserve one of the most complete historical lighthouse settings in Michigan.
The site includes:

The restored lighthouse
The old life-saving station
A brick oil shed
A brick outhouse
A cement boathouse

Bois Blanc Light is also listed on the State Inventory of Historic Structures, a recognition of the cultural importance and lasting contribution to maritime history.

Viewing Bois Blanc Light Today

While you can’t tour the grounds, the lighthouse can still be admired from the water.

Private boat: The best way to catch a close-up view.
Shepler’s Ferry Service: Offers summer lighthouse cruises departing from Mackinaw City, providing a convenient and informative way to experience this hidden gem.

Bois Blanc Light may be quiet today, but its story is vibrant and enduring. From its early days guiding sailors through Lake Huron’s unpredictable waters to the careful preservation work of modern stewards, this lighthouse remains an important piece of Northern Michigan’s maritime heritage. Whether seen from a passing boat or learned about through history, Bois Blanc Light stands as a timeless tribute to the region’s coastal legacy.

Explore our full collection of Northern Michigan lighthouse stories here

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.