Beaver Island Head Light, Lighthouse in Peaine Township, Michigan, US
Beaver Island Head Light is a lighthouse at the southern end of Beaver Island, Michigan, marking the entrance to Paradise Bay in Lake Michigan. The structure consists of a cylindrical brick tower connected to a keeper's house.
The lighthouse was built in 1858 and served as a crucial navigation aid for vessels on Lake Michigan for over a century. It was decommissioned in 1962 and is now preserved as a historical site.
The lighthouse embodies maritime life in the Great Lakes region, reflecting how shipping shaped communities here. Former keepers recorded weather and ship activity in daily logs that revealed their deep connection to the water.
The tower is open to visitors from spring through fall, with the opportunity to climb to the observation deck. Plan your visit during warmer months when weather is more stable and access is easier.
The lighthouse beam was powerful enough to be visible to ships up to 13 nautical miles away, making it a reliable landmark for captains navigating treacherous waters. This long-distance visibility was essential for safe passage through the lake.
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