Ontonagon Light

Ontonagon Light is a lighthouse with cream-colored brick construction and a square light tower positioned at its west end, featuring multiple double-hung sash windows with stone lintels throughout. The structure reflects typical Great Lakes navigation architecture from the 1800s and remains one of the region's preserved maritime buildings.

Congress approved funding for this lighthouse in 1850 to support growing shipping on the Great Lakes, with construction beginning in 1853. The facility became an essential navigation aid during Michigan's copper and ore trade expansion.

The structure occupies land with deep spiritual significance for Native American communities, who held strong connections to the Ontonagon Boulder, a major copper formation that was eventually relocated to Washington DC. This site bridges maritime commerce with the area's older heritage.

The site opens to visitors from mid-May through mid-October and offers guided tours through the local historical museum, with convenient waterfront access and scenic views of the shoreline. Arriving early in the day helps avoid crowds during the busy season.

Keeper James Corgan served here for 36 years and successfully protected the building when a major fire devastated much of Ontonagon in 1896. His dedication preserved this structure through one of the area's most challenging events.

Location: Ontonagon

Inception: 1853

Height: 10 m

GPS coordinates: 46.87361,-89.31861

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:44