Grand Island Harbor Rear Range Light

Grand Island Harbor Rear Range Light is a lighthouse located near Munising, Michigan on Grand Island. The tower features a black lower section, white upper section, and black lantern room, and served for many decades at this remote Great Lakes location.

The lighthouse began operating in 1868 with a wooden tower and keeper's house, which were later replaced by a steel structure in 1914. This replacement became necessary as the original wood structure deteriorated from age and the harsh conditions of the lake environment.

The lighthouse served as an essential navigational aid for ships traveling between White Fish Point and Copper Harbor in Lake Superior.

The lighthouse is reached via a hiking trail from Highway M-28 that passes through remote, wooded terrain. The tower itself is not open to the public, but the grounds surrounding the structure can be visited and explored.

The steel conical tower is among the tallest riveted plate light structures built in the Great Lakes and represents an early example of engineering for remote lighthouse construction. This method of assembly using riveted steel panels allowed builders to create a durable structure that could withstand harsh weather on the exposed island.

Website: https://lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=570

GPS coordinates: 46.43687,-86.69128

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:43