Granite Island Lighthouse
Granite Island Lighthouse, Lighthouse in Marquette County, US
Granite Island Lighthouse is a historic structure built from granite blocks with white limestone trim on corners and windows. The site consists of a keeper's residence, a bell tower, and the light tower, which together formed a working maritime station.
The station began operation in 1869 and helped ships carrying copper and iron ore navigate safely through Lake Superior. The light was a critical reference point for the mining trade in this region.
The lighthouse reflects maritime traditions that shaped this region. Its design shows how people once lived and worked to guide ships safely through the waters.
The site is located on an island accessible only by boat, and visiting is subject to certain conditions. Before planning a trip, check whether tours are available and what access restrictions apply.
A nearby university now uses the island as an Internet relay station and operates a weather monitoring facility there. This modern scientific use shows how historical sites continue to serve important functions.
Location: Marquette County
Inception: 1868
Height: 12 m
GPS coordinates: 46.72083,-87.41194
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45
Historic lighthouses around the world tell the story of the way ships have been guided for hundreds of years. From the rocky coast of Norway to the cliffs of the Pacific, these towers have helped sailors since ancient times. The Tower of Hercules in Spain has been shining over the sea since the second century. The lighthouse at Cape Hatteras in North Carolina watches over the dangerous sands of the Atlantic with its easy-to-spot black and white stripes. Each lighthouse shows the time and place it was built. Some sit on high cliffs exposed to the wind, like Heceta Head in Oregon, whose light reaches out over the ocean. Others mark important points, like Fanad Head in Ireland, which shows where a fjord begins, or Jeffreys Hook in New York, under the George Washington Bridge. These structures show how builders used their skills to work with the land, the weather, and the materials they had nearby. Today, these towers still light the sea routes and attract visitors curious about their design and history. Whether it’s the limestone at Cape Otway in Australia or the bricks at Cape Bojeador in the Philippines, each lighthouse remains a landmark on the coast and a living link to the sea’s traditions.
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