Point Iroquois Light, Lighthouse in Bay Mills Township, Michigan
Description
Point Iroquois Light is a white brick tower situated on a bluff marking the boundary between Whitefish Bay and the western end of the St. Marys River. The structure houses a museum displaying period artifacts, navigational equipment, and the original fourth-order Fresnel lens that once projected light across Lake Superior.
History
A wooden lighthouse was built in 1856 and operated until 1870, when the current white brick structure was constructed to better guide vessels through these waters. The replacement reflected growing shipping traffic on the Great Lakes and the need for more reliable light signaling technology.
Culture
The name references the Iroquois people who inhabited these Great Lakes waters, connecting this lighthouse to the region's indigenous heritage. Today, visitors experience how this structure has become woven into the local identity and sense of place along Lake Superior.
Practical
The site is accessible from May through October, and visitors should know that the stairs are steep and narrow, particularly when multiple people are climbing at once. Wearing comfortable shoes and allowing time for the climb and viewing from the top is recommended.
Did you know?
Visitors often spot a family of black bears near the site, as they roam the wooded areas of this coastal region regularly. These wildlife encounters add an unexpected element of nature to the visit and remind people of the wild setting beyond the tower.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Bay Mills Township).
Soo Locks
21.7 kmSault Ste. Marie International Bridge
20.9 km
Sault Ste. Marie Canal
21.8 km
Bay Mills Community College
3.8 km
Brimley State Park
9.6 km
Whitefish Island
21.5 km
Sault Ste. Marie International Railroad Bridge
20.9 km
Delirium Wilderness
21.1 km
Ile Parisienne Light
19.2 km
Gros Cap Reefs Light
3.4 km
International Bridge Walk
20.9 km
Soo Lock Visitors Center
21.7 km
Adams Building
21.9 km
Sault Ste. Marie Canal office building
21.8 km
Poe Lock
21.7 km
The Machine Shop
21.9 km
Soo Theatre
21.8 km
New Fort Brady Historical Marker
20.9 km
Ronald J. Calery Community Action Center
21.8 km
War Memorial Hospital
21.7 km
W.F.G. (Bud) Weber Park
21.7 km
Sault Ste. Marie Canal superintendent's house
21.5 km
Washington Elementary School
20.9 km
Superior District Library
21.8 km
Lake Superior State College Historical Marker
20.6 km
New Fort Brady
20.9 km
Central Methodist Church Historical Marker
21.8 km
Sault Ste. Marie Canal workshop
21.9 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes