jhnfcknglennon
Historic, guiding and resilient, lighthouses are the iconic guardians of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Positioned along the highly varied shorelines of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, from sandy beaches to rocky outcrops and towering cliffs, these towers once guided freighters through darkness, fog and storms.
Today, more than 40 still stand. Some remain active beacons, while others have been preserved as historic landmarks. Many are open seasonally for tours and tower climbs, and a few offer overnight stays. Each one tells a story of maritime history, architectural ingenuity and the relentless power of the Great Lakes.
Whether you come for the views, the history or the quiet strength they represent, these U.P. lighthouses are unforgettable. Below are just a few highlights to inspire your travels.
If you plan to visit multiple lighthouses, be sure to reserve lodging in advance. Towns like Marquette, Houghton and Sault Ste. Marie offer a range of accommodations and dining options.
Many lighthouse tours are seasonal, operating from mid-May through early October. Hours vary depending on weather and volunteer availability, especially at remote sites such as Crisp Point.
The Upper Peninsula’s lighthouse heritage is among the richest in the country. Whether you explore one tower or plan a multi-day tour across the region, these landmarks offer timeless views, fascinating stories and a deeper appreciation for Great Lakes history.
-
Ontonagon Lighthouse – Ontonagon
Built in 1867, this white tower marks the mouth of the Ontonagon River. Guided tours are offered by the Ontonagon County Historical Society. Visitors enjoy river and shoreline views while learning about the region’s maritime history.Eagle Harbor Light Station – Eagle Harbor
Positioned on the Keweenaw Peninsula, this 1871 lighthouse offers a museum complex with displays on shipwrecks, local history and lightkeeping. The grounds and tower are open during the summer season, with scenic views of Lake Superior.Copper Harbor Lighthouse – Copper Harbor
Built in 1866, this lighthouse helped guide ships transporting copper from the Keweenaw Peninsula. It is only accessible by boat, with Noah’s Ark Charters offering seasonal tours from the Copper Harbor Marina. While the 44-foot tower is closed, visitors may explore the grounds and enjoy guided tours during the summer. -
Peninsula Point Lighthouse – Stonington Peninsula
Built in 1865, this lighthouse guided vessels between Big and Little Bay de Noc during the region’s 19th-century shipping boom. The 40-foot brick tower once adjoined a keeper’s dwelling, though only the tower remains today. Located at the southern tip of Stonington Peninsula, the site is also known for its role in the monarch butterfly migration each fall. The lighthouse is open seasonally, and visitors may climb the tower for panoramic lake views and glimpses of passing birds and butterflies.
Sand Hills Lighthouse – Ahmeek
Located northeast of Houghton, this 1919 lighthouse was once home to three lightkeeper families. Today, it operates as a bed and breakfast with multiple suites, a library and manicured gardens. Although decommissioned in the 1950s, the building is well maintained and open to guests seasonally.Marquette Harbor Lighthouse – Marquette
Reconstructed in 1866, this striking red lighthouse overlooks Marquette Bay and is accessible through guided tours provided by the local maritime museum. The tour includes a walk to the lighthouse and offers insight into the area’s shipping history and shipwrecks.Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse – Gulliver
Often referred to as Michigan’s most haunted lighthouse, this 1895 structure includes a museum and access to the tower. The property is open during the summer and includes exhibits on its former keepers and maritime lore. -
Whitefish Point Light Station – Paradise
First lit in 1849, Whitefish Point is one of the Upper Peninsula’s most iconic lighthouses. The site includes the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, keeper’s quarters and the restored lighthouse tower. It sits along a shoreline historically referred to as the Graveyard of the Great Lakes. Overnight stays are available in the restored Coast Guard quarters, with reservations recommended well in advance.Crisp Point Lighthouse – north of Newberry
This remote and picturesque lighthouse, which opened in 1904, was once a lifesaving station and now stands as a testament to preservation efforts. The road to Crisp Point is seasonal and weather-dependent, but the tower is open to visitors when volunteers are on site.DeTour Reef Light – near Drummond Island
Located one mile offshore in Lake Huron, DeTour Reef Light, which was moved to its current location in 1931, offers boat-access tours and even overnight accommodations. Volunteers may serve as lightkeepers during the summer months, performing light maintenance and greeting guests.Point Iroquois Lighthouse – Brimley
Situated near the mouth of the St. Marys River, this 1870 lighthouse is open for self-guided tours during the warmer months. The tower provides views of Lake Superior and Ontario, and the museum details both Native American and maritime history.Au Sable Light Station – near Grand Marais
Located within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this 1874 lighthouse once warned freighters of dangerous offshore shoals. Visitors can access it via a 1.5-mile hike from Hurricane River Campground along County Road H-58. Free guided tours are offered in summer, including a tower climb with views of Lake Superior and nearby shipwreck remains. Originally known as “Big Sable Light,” it remains an active aid to navigation.
Volunteer as a Lighthouse Keeper
Several lighthouses in the Upper Peninsula offer volunteer lightkeeper programs. Responsibilities typically include basic upkeep, greeting visitors and sharing historical knowledge. Opportunities vary by location and season. Information can be found on the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association website or by contacting the lighthouse organizations directly.