Holland Harbor Light

Holland Harbor Light is a red-painted lighthouse made of steel and wood standing 13 meters tall at the entrance of a channel connecting Lake Michigan with Lake Macatawa. The structure marks an important navigation point for boats moving between these two water bodies.

The original wooden structure was built in 1872 and later upgraded with a steel tower addition in 1907. The light system became automated in 1932, reducing the need for on-site staff.

The lighthouse reflects the maritime heritage of Dutch settlers who hand-dug the channel to Lake Michigan, transforming local water transport over generations.

Visitors can view the lighthouse from Holland State Park across the channel without needing to cross private property. The beacon is especially visible during late afternoon and evening hours when the light stands out against the sky.

Local citizens formed the Holland Harbor Lighthouse Historical Commission in 1970 to prevent abandonment when the Coast Guard considered deactivating it. This grassroots effort successfully preserved the structure from demolition.

Location: Holland

Inception: 1872

Height: 13 m

GPS coordinates: 42.77270,-86.21240

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:46