Muskegon South Pierhead Light

Muskegon South Pierhead Light is a navigation lighthouse on the south pier of Lake Michigan, featuring a cylindrical steel tower topped with a red lantern room. The structure rises approximately 14.5 meters above the water and guides vessels into Muskegon Harbor.

The original lighthouse from 1851 served the lumber trade flourishing in Muskegon Harbor before this steel tower was constructed in 1903. This replacement marked a shift toward more durable navigation structures as maritime traffic evolved.

The Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy maintains and preserves this maritime structure, which gained National Register of Historic Places status.

The lighthouse grounds are open to visitors from May through October, with guided interior tours running from June through September. Plan your visit during the warmer months and check ahead for exact operating hours to make the most of your time there.

In 1919, First Assistant Keeper Ransom Jakubovsky rescued passengers from the steamship City of Muskegon when it struck the pier during a fierce storm. This dramatic incident highlights how lighthouse keepers were often first responders in maritime emergencies.