Seul Choix Light

Seul Choix Light is a white brick lighthouse on Lake Michigan that rises 23 meters with an Italianate design featuring decorative brackets. The structure houses a third-order Fresnel lens and operates as a museum where visitors can explore the tower and learn about its maritime function.

The lighthouse was completed in 1892 following a design by architect Orlando Metcalfe Poe commissioned by the United States Lighthouse Board. The structure became a vital navigational aid for generations of sailors crossing Lake Michigan.

The name Seul Choix comes from French and means 'only choice,' referring to the single safe harbor available to mariners in this area. This linguistic connection reflects the crucial role the location played for ships navigating Lake Michigan.

The lighthouse is open from Memorial Day through mid-October with daily guided tours until 5:30 PM. Plan your visit on clear days when you can best see the surroundings and views of the lake from inside the tower.

The original third-order Fresnel lens still operates and sends white flashes every six seconds that can reach ships up to 16 nautical miles away. This engineering feat from the 1800s allows visitors to see a working system from the era it was built.

Location: Mueller Township

Inception: 1892

Architects: Orlando Metcalfe Poe

Architectural style: Italianate architecture

Height: 23 m

GPS coordinates: 45.92139,-85.91194

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:42