DeTour Reef Light, Offshore lighthouse in DeTour Passage, Michigan, United States
DeTour Reef Light is a lighthouse standing on a concrete foundation in the water where Lake Huron meets the passage toward Lake Superior. The white square tower with its red roof sits about 19 meters above the water and marks a critical shipping route through this narrow passage.
The lighthouse was built in 1931 to replace an earlier station from 1847 as shipping traffic through the passage grew. The structure reflects the era when this region became a busy corridor for vessels moving between the lakes.
The DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society maintains this National Register of Historic Places structure, preserving maritime heritage through educational programs and tours.
Access to the lighthouse by water can be challenging depending on weather and season, so check ahead before planning your visit. Tours and viewing opportunities are best arranged through official channels that have current information about conditions.
The structure was automated in the 20th century and no longer requires a resident keeper, which is unusual for lighthouses of its design and era. This change allowed the building to shift from being a working station with staff to a preserved landmark that people can visit and learn about.
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