Presque Isle Harbor Breakwater Light

Presque Isle Harbor Breakwater Light is a 12-meter tall lighthouse with an octagonal concrete base and a three-story steel tower positioned at the harbor entrance. The active red beacon and fog signal system help iron ore freighters navigate safely through Lake Superior waters into the Upper Harbor.

Built in 1941, the structure marked the completion of a breakwater extension project that improved harbor safety. This expansion was part of broader harbor improvements that solidified Marquette as a major iron ore shipping center in the region.

The structure displays Streamline Moderne design, a style that became popular for transportation buildings during the 1940s. These architectural features still shape how the harbor looks today and tell visitors about an era when modern design met practical function.

The lighthouse stands at the end of a breakwater extension and is partially visible from land, though it is mainly viewed from a distance. Visitors should know the structure is actively operating and cannot be entered, but it can be seen clearly from several vantage points around the harbor.

The first level of the tower contains three storage rooms accessible by vertical ship ladders that lead up to the steel tower and light cupola. These specialized ladders were typical of maritime structures from that era and reflect shipboard design practices of the time.

Location: Marquette

Inception: 1941

Architectural style: Streamline Moderne

Height: 12 m

GPS coordinates: 46.57417,-87.37444

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:11