Charity Island Light

Charity Island Light is a brick lighthouse on Charity Island in Saginaw Bay. The cylindrical tower stands roughly 39 feet tall and connects to the former keeper's residence by way of a covered passageway.

Congress approved funding for the lighthouse in 1856, and it began operating in 1857 to guide ships near Saginaw Bay's entrance. The structure served as a critical navigation point for regional maritime traffic across many decades.

The lighthouse stands as a testament to maritime navigation heritage, with keeper Charles McDonald serving for over three decades and documenting local wildlife.

Reaching the island requires boat transportation, with seasonal dinner cruises offering guided tours as part of the experience. Check weather conditions beforehand, as water conditions can change and the island is most accessible from May through October.

The island is now managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, making it an important wildlife refuge. Visitors touring the lighthouse can also explore other parts of the island and observe its natural surroundings.

Location: Whitney Township

GPS coordinates: 44.03750,-83.44115

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:04