Round Island Passage Light

Round Island Passage Light is a lighthouse in Mackinac County, Michigan that rises from a concrete platform supported by a timber crib foundation built into the lake bed. The tower uses an automated light system to guide ships through the Round Island Channel, a busy passage for vessel traffic.

The lighthouse began operations in 1948 to help vessels navigate the Round Island Channel safely after construction was delayed by World War II. Its creation reflected growing shipping traffic in this part of Lake Huron during the post-war period.

Bronze Indian head reliefs decorate each side of the five-story tower, representing the Native American heritage of the Mackinac Island region.

This is an active navigational aid that operates automatically and is best viewed from a distance or by boat in the surrounding waters. The fog signal activates when needed to alert passing vessels to the location of the passage.

The foundation contains an internal system with rocks of varying sizes layered throughout to provide extraordinary stability in the shifting lake bed. This engineering approach allows the structure to withstand the harsh conditions of Lake Huron for decades.

Location: Mackinac County

Inception: 1947

Height: 18 m

Made from material: reinforced concrete, box crib

GPS coordinates: 45.84330,-84.61500

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:25