History, Hauntings, and a Stunning Lake Superior View
Perched high on a bluff overlooking Lake Superior, the Big Bay Point Lighthouse is one of Michigan’s most striking and storied beacons. Located about 24 miles northwest of Marquette, this lighthouse has guided mariners and witnessed tragedy. Big Bay Point has even welcomed overnight guests as one of the few operational lighthouses that doubles as a bed and breakfast. With a blend of maritime history, mystery, and magnificent views, Big Bay Point Light has earned its spot as a true Northern Michigan gem.
Guiding the Way: The Early Days of Big Bay Point Light
In 1882, the U.S. Lighthouse Board recognized a dangerous gap between Granite Island and the Huron Islands. This gap was an unlit 15- to 18-mile stretch that had already claimed several ships. The solution came in 1896 with the construction of the Big Bay Point Light Station. It became a vital navigational aid that cost $25,000 (roughly $787,000 in today’s dollars).
Built from red brick and designed as a duplex to house both the head keeper and an assistant with their families, the station featured 18 rooms. This was within a two-story, 52-by-52-foot dwelling. Attached was a stout brick tower that raised the light 105 feet above Lake Superior.
The light’s 3rd-order Fresnel lens—a marvel of 19th-century engineering—first shone on October 20, 1896. The lens emitted a steady white light punctuated by a brilliant flash every 20 seconds, powered by a three-wick burner. The lighthouse also boasted a steam-powered fog signal building with twin train whistles that pierced through Superior’s dense fog.
Life on the Bluff
Life at Big Bay Point was isolated and demanding. Before the road system reached the area, the only access was by boat. Keepers and their families often endured harsh winters and long stretches without visitors. They faced a relentless routine of maintaining the light, boilers, and buildings.
The keepers’ wives took on enormous responsibilities—managing the home, educating their children, and preparing food for both families. Water was collected in basement cisterns and pumped into the kitchen for daily use. However, contamination issues occasionally forced families to haul lake water by the bucket.
A Tragic Tale: The Lighthouse Keeper’s Death
The lighthouse’s most chilling chapter came early in its history. The first keeper, William Prior, was devastated by the death of his son Edward, who died from a severe leg injury. Overcome with grief, William disappeared in 1901. More than a year later, his body was found hanging from a tree about a mile from the lighthouse.
Since then, visitors and staff have reported eerie happenings—doors slamming without cause and footsteps echoing in empty halls. There have even been glimpses of a red-haired figure reflected in mirrors. Many believe the spirit of William Prior still lingers, keeping watch over the light he once tended.
From Abandonment to Restoration
After decades of faithful service, the light was automated in 1941. By 1961, the property was sold by the Coast Guard to Dr. Jon Pick, a Chicago plastic surgeon. When Pick acquired it, the lighthouse had been abandoned for six years and was in dire condition. It was missing parts of the roof, with shattered windows and crumbling plaster.
Over 17 years, Pick painstakingly restored the structure. He added modern plumbing, heat, and electricity while filling the rooms with antiques and mementos. His work transformed the deteriorating station into a warm and welcoming home.
A New Light: Bed & Breakfast by the Bay
In 1979, Pick sold the lighthouse to Dan Hitchens of Traverse City, who envisioned turning it into a bed and breakfast. After adding guest amenities and conference spaces, Hitchens passed it on to Norman and Marilyn Gotschall in the mid-1980s. The couple expanded the property, reopened the fog signal building, and added hiking trails through the surrounding acreage.
The Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast officially opened in 1986 and has welcomed guests ever since. Ownership has changed hands a few times, with Nick Korstad purchasing the property in 2018. Under his care, the lighthouse continues to operate as both a functioning aid to navigation and a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking solitude—and maybe a ghost story or two.
Visiting Big Bay Point Lighthouse Today
Today, Big Bay Point Light stands as a symbol of Michigan’s maritime resilience and northern charm. The bed and breakfast offers guests a rare opportunity to stay inside a working lighthouse. Guests enjoy sweeping views of Lake Superior, comfortable rooms, and access to the historic fog signal building.
Visitors can tour the grounds, learn about the lighthouse’s history, and explore nearby hiking trails. Whether you come for the view, the history, or the haunting legends, this Upper Peninsula treasure promises an unforgettable experience.
A Beacon of the Past, Present, and Future
The Big Bay Point Lighthouse isn’t just a relic—it’s a living piece of Northern Michigan history. From its 19th-century origins to its modern-day hospitality, it has survived isolation, tragedy, and time itself. Today, its light still shines over Lake Superior, guiding travelers just as it did more than a century ago.
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