Grand Island East Channel Light

A Weathered Icon of Munising Harbor

Just north of Munising, perched along the rugged shoreline east of Grand Island, stands one of Northern Michigan’s most photographed — and most intriguing — lighthouses. The Grand Island East Channel Light may no longer guide ships into Munising Harbor. However, its weathered appearance and dramatic setting have secured its place as a true Lake Superior icon.

Purpose and Early History

Built to serve a very specific purpose, the Grand Island East Channel Light guided vessels from the open waters of Lake Superior through the narrow channel east of Grand Island. It was constructed of wood and first placed into service in 1868. The lighthouse was an important navigational aid during a time when Munising was a growing shipping port.

Unfortunately, its location made it difficult to see from Lake Superior, and maintaining the light in such an exposed area proved challenging. To improve navigation, the Munising Range Lights — the Munising Front Range Light and Munising Rear Range Light — were later constructed. With the new range lights in operation, the East Channel Light became unnecessary and removed from service sometime between 1908 and 1913.

Years of Neglect and a Fight for Survival

The lighthouse fell into serious disrepair after years of neglect and relentless Lake Superior storms caused severe erosion. This erosion put the structure at risk of being washed away entirely.

Concerned about losing this unique piece of Michigan history, volunteers formed the Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse Rescue Committee. Through private fundraising and hands-on volunteer work, restoration efforts began — not to return the light to pristine, museum-like condition, but to preserve it in a more rustic, authentic state.

One intentional decision was to leave the lighthouse unpainted. Supporters believed the natural, weathered wood made the structure more picturesque and appealing to visitors and photographers. This decision has clearly paid off.

A Recognizable Michigan Landmark

As noted by contributors to Lighthouse Digest, the Grand Island East Channel Light has become one of Michigan’s most recognizable landmarks. Thousands of visitors see and photograph it every year from the water. Especially those aboard Pictured Rocks Cruises and Grand Island Charters glass-bottom boat tours often make the lighthouse their first stop.

Its image appears on sweatshirts, t-shirts, coffee mugs, postcards, calendars, and advertisements — a testament to how deeply it has embedded itself into the visual identity of the Munising area.

Restoration and Preservation

In 2000, preservation efforts reached a major milestone. Eighty-five volunteers worked for thirty days to complete approximately 75 percent of a 300-foot-long seawall designed to protect the lighthouse from further erosion. They restored the lighthouse itself and finished the seawall. The structure has a fighting chance against Lake Superior’s relentless power.

Historic Recognition

The Grand Island East Channel Light is included as part of the National Register of Historic Places under the listing Historic Engineering & Industrial Sites in Michigan TR (Reference #80004835). Interestingly, while it holds federal recognition, it is not listed on the Michigan State Register of Historic Sites.

How to See the Lighthouse Today

The lighthouse remains privately owned, and the grounds, dwelling, and tower are closed to the public. However, there are several excellent ways to view it from the water.

Most visitors see the light by taking a Pictured Rocks Cruise, Shipwreck Tour, or Grand Island Cruise departing from Munising. All of these pass close enough for great photos and usually pause briefly for viewing. For a more adventurous option, guided sea kayak tours around Grand Island offer an up-close perspective.

Kayaking, however, should only be attempted by experienced paddlers with proper equipment. Lake Superior’s waters are cold and potentially dangerous, even in summer. As always, dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.

A Lighthouse That Endures

Though it no longer serves mariners, the Grand Island East Channel Light continues to guide something just as important — our connection to Northern Michigan’s maritime past. Weathered, resilient, and unmistakably Lake Superior, it stands as a reminder that sometimes preservation means embracing imperfection and letting history show its scars.

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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.