The Land of Lighthouses

The Land of Lighthouses

Living in Michigan has countless benefits for photographers — four distinct seasons, abundant waterfalls, and, of course, the Great Lakes. With that comes something truly special: Michigan is home to more lighthouses than any other state in the U.S.
Over 120 lighthouses line Michigan’s shores, and another 50 can be found just across the lake in Wisconsin. No matter where you travel in the region, you’re never too far from a light guiding ships — and photographers — home.

Going through my photo archives recently, I realized just how many lighthouses I’ve photographed over the years. I thought it would be fun to share a few favorites, along with a bit of history and personal connection to each one.

Au Sable Lighthouse – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Standing proudly along Lake Superior, the Au Sable Light Station was built in 1874 and rises 86 feet above Au Sable Point, about 12 miles from Grand Marais.
My wife and I often backpack the Pictured Rocks trail and stay at the nearby campsite — it’s one of our favorite spots in the park. The walk out to the lighthouse is peaceful, following an old shoreline road with beautiful views of shipwreck remains along the beach. It’s one of my favorite lighthouses, and once you see the photos, you’ll understand why.

The long walk out to Au Sable feels timeless — waves, wind, and a light that’s been standing since 1874

Peninsula Point Lighthouse – Stonington Peninsula

Drive to the very tip of the Stonington Peninsula, and you’ll find what remains of the Peninsula Point Lighthouse, built in 1865. The tower stands 40 feet tall, and although the keeper’s house is long gone, visitors can still climb inside for a panoramic view of Lake Michigan.
This area is also famous for something unexpected — each fall, thousands of Monarch butterflies stop here on their 1,900-mile journey to the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico. It’s a beautiful and peaceful spot for a picnic, especially in late September.

A quiet spot where Lake Michigan meets the forest and rock cliffs at the end of a beautiful peninsula

Charlevoix South Pier Light Station

The original Charlevoix Lighthouse was built in 1884, but the current bright-red metal tower replaced it in 1948 after years of wear from Lake Michigan’s storms.
Standing 44 feet high, it sits at the end of the pier marking the entrance to the Pine River Channel. The walkway along the channel offers a perfect setting for photos of sailboats and freighters passing by — especially at sunset when the light glows against the lake.

Light on the red tower — a perfect balance of color, water, and movement along the channel

Sand Point Lighthouse – Escanaba

My hometown of Escanaba is home to the Sand Point Lighthouse, first lit in 1868. As Escanaba grew into a bustling port in the late 1800s, the need for a guiding light became clear.
Standing 48 feet tall, this lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public for tours during the summer months. It’s a local treasure, beautifully maintained and rich in maritime history.

Escanaba’s own historic beacon, beautifully preserved and still watching over Little Bay

Escanaba Crib Light

Just offshore from Sand Point stands the Escanaba Crib Light, first activated in 1938 and still operational today. It’s a unique lighthouse built on a concrete “crib” foundation out in the bay.
From the Sand Point Lighthouse, you can easily see the Crib Light about 2,000 feet away — a great opportunity to capture both in one frame.

Offshore and still working, the Crib Light glows faintly each night

Seul Choix Point Lighthouse – Gulliver

Located near Gulliver on Lake Michigan, the Seul Choix Point Lighthouse began service in 1895. Its striking 77-foot white tower paired with the red-brick keeper’s house makes it one of the most photogenic lights in the Upper Peninsula.
The site includes a small museum and offers guided tours during the summer. Legend has it that this lighthouse is haunted, with visitors reporting the sound of footsteps and the scent of cigars believed to belong to the long-departed keeper. If you’re brave, they host haunted tours each October.

Bold white tower, red brick keeper’s house — and maybe a ghost or two if you visit after dark

Manistique East Breakwater Light

Built in 1916, the Manistique East Breakwater Light stands 35 feet tall at the end of a long pier guarding the Manistique River harbor. The walk out can be breezy, but the view back toward shore — especially at sunrise — is worth it.

Misty clouds add for a dramatic background to this lighthouse guarding the entrance to Manistique, Michigan

Marquette Harbor Light

First lit in 1854, the Marquette Harbor Light has been rebuilt several times due to harsh Lake Superior storms. Today, the bright red, three-story building stands 40 feet tall, with its light shining 70 feet above the shoreline.
Located near downtown Marquette, it’s one of the most recognizable and photographed lighthouses on Lake Superior — and a must-visit if you’re ever in the area

One of Lake Superior’s most iconic views — bright red against blue water and rugged shoreline

Eagle Harbor Lighthouse

Built in 1871, the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse stands proudly on the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. The 44-foot red brick tower, topped with a matching red roof, is one of the most picturesque lights on the lake.
Still an active aid to navigation maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, the lighthouse and keeper’s quarters are owned by the Keweenaw County Historical Society, which operates the site as a museum open for tours.
Perched above the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior, this lighthouse is a must-visit if you ever find yourself exploring the beauty of the Keweenaw.

Perched above the rocky shore of Lake Superior, Eagle Harbor’s red brick lighthouse stands as one of the Keweenaw’s most striking landmarks

These are just a handful of the many lighthouses that grace the Great Lakes, each with its own story, architecture, and charm. I’ll be sharing more as I continue to explore and photograph these timeless beacons.

If you have a favorite lighthouse photo of your own, I’d love for you to share it in the comments.

Thanks, as always, for reading — and for coming along on this journey through Michigan’s Land of Lighthouses.

If you enjoyed this post, consider subscribing to get future photo stories and Michigan adventures delivered right to your inbox. I’ll be sharing more lighthouses, small towns, and quiet moments from around the Upper Peninsula in the weeks ahead. And as always my subscription is free but I do appreciate a great cup of coffee.

📷 — Scott Peterson