Bois Blanc Light

Bois Blanc Light is a Lake Huron lighthouse made of yellow brick with a square tower and a one-and-a-half-story dwelling built directly onto it. The structure sits on an island and remains visible only from the water.

The first structure was built in 1829 as the second lighthouse on Lake Huron but collapsed in 1837 from rising water levels and storms. The brick tower that stands today was constructed afterward as its replacement.

The name comes from French, referencing basswood trees whose light-colored bark was once used by Native Americans for making canoes and snowshoes. This heritage remains woven into the natural and local history of the area.

The lighthouse grounds remain privately owned and cannot be accessed on foot, but visitors can view it from a boat. Summer ferry cruises operated by services like Shepler's Ferry pass regularly by the island during the season.

During a severe winter storm in 1837, Emily Ward rescued the lighting equipment moments before the tower collapsed. Her quick action saved the essential components of the light for the future.

Location: Mackinac County

GPS coordinates: 45.81100,-84.42200

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:06