Sand Point Light

Sand Point Light is a lighthouse in Escanaba with a square brick tower standing 13 meters tall and topped by an octagonal lantern room with red roofs. An attached keeper's house sits beside the tower, creating a compact station right at the waterfront.

Construction of the lighthouse began in 1864 after Congress approved funding to guide ships carrying iron ore from Lake Superior mines. The station quickly became essential for navigation, marking the entrance to Little Bay de Noc for maritime traffic.

Mary Terry operated the lighthouse from 1868 to 1886 as one of the first female keepers on the Great Lakes until her death in a fire.

The site is visible from the water and sits directly at Escanaba's harbor, making it easy to explore from the waterfront. Visitors should know the location is accessible by walking along the harbor area, though the building itself is only open during specific seasons.

The original Fresnel lens in the lantern room dates back to the lighthouse's founding era and still functions as a navigation aid today. This rare example of preserved lighthouse equipment gives visitors a glimpse into 1800s maritime technology.

Location: Escanaba

Inception: 1867

Height: 13 m

GPS coordinates: 45.74444,-87.04444

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:44