Michigan Island Light

Michigan Island Light consists of two adjacent lighthouses standing on an island in Lake Superior. The newer tower rises 36 meters above the water, and both structures dominate this remote location.

The first lighthouse was built in 1856, but due to a construction error it was placed on Michigan Island instead of Long Island. A new tower was added in 1929 to meet growing maritime demands on the lake.

The lighthouse's transition from manual operation to automation in 1943 marks the evolution of maritime navigation technology in the Great Lakes region.

Access to the island is only by boat, with guided tours departing from Bayfield when weather permits. Visitors should prepare for changeable weather and limited visiting hours during summer months.

The site preserves two distinctly different lighthouses: the original 20-meter structure from 1856 and its 36-meter successor from 1929. This dual configuration shows how maritime needs changed over the decades.

Location: Ashland County

Inception: 1857

Height: 36 m

Part of: Apostle Islands Lighthouses

GPS coordinates: 46.87137,-90.49729

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:43