St. Helena Island Light

St. Helena Island Light is a lighthouse located on an island in the Straits of Mackinac, serving as a navigation aid for vessels on the Great Lakes. The structure rises approximately 21.5 meters and sits on the northern shore of the island, marking a key passage through these busy waterways.

Construction of this lighthouse began in 1872 and it started operations in 1873 to aid navigation in a vital shipping passage. Early automation in the 20th century brought changes to how the structure functioned over time.

The Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association manages educational programs about maritime heritage and coordinates preservation efforts for this historical structure.

The island is only accessible by boat, and visits are typically limited to the warmer months when water conditions are suitable. Planning with local boat operators is essential since regular services are not guaranteed year-round.

The lighthouse once used a specialized Fresnel lens for its beacon, which has since been replaced with a modern acrylic optical system. This shift in technology shows how lighthouse operations adapted to newer equipment over the decades.

Location: Mackinac County

Inception: 1873

Height: 21.5 m

GPS coordinates: 45.85509,-84.86364

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:02