Gull Rock Light Station

Gull Rock Light Station is a brick lighthouse tower standing on a small rocky island in Lake Superior, with white walls and a black lantern chamber at its top. The structure reaches about 14 meters in height and sits on one of the lake's most isolated locations.

This lighthouse was built in 1867 near Manitou Island to guide ships through hazardous waters. Its construction followed several vessel losses in this region due to poor navigation conditions.

This station on a tiny island serves as a symbol of Great Lakes maritime heritage for visitors. It represents how lighthouse keepers risked their lives to guide ships safely through treacherous waters.

Reaching this island requires a private boat or participation in a scheduled lighthouse tour. Planning ahead is necessary since weather and lake conditions control when visits are actually possible.

During powerful storms, waves completely cover the rocky island, leaving only the lighthouse tower visible above the water. This extreme environment made it one of the most demanding postings for lighthouse keepers in the Great Lakes region.

Location: Keweenaw County

Inception: 1867

Height: 14 m

Website: https://lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=730

GPS coordinates: 47.41720,-87.66388

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:10