Lake Huron Lighthouses: My Guide to Michigan’s Most Beautiful Beacons
There’s something magical about standing on the shore of Lake Huron with a lighthouse rising above the waves. As someone who’s spent years exploring Michigan’s coastlines, I can say that Lake Huron’s lighthouses are among the most beautiful and fascinating in the state. Whether you’re a history buff, a lighthouse chaser, or just looking for a scenic Michigan getaway, this guide is for you.
Why I Love Visiting Lake Huron’s Lighthouses
For me, each lighthouse has its own story—a mix of shipwrecks, storms, and the dedicated keepers who watched over the Great Lakes. Lake Huron’s beacons are scattered along sandy beaches, rocky points, and charming harbor towns. They’re perfect for family adventures, solo escapes, or romantic weekends.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- My favorite Lake Huron lighthouses and why they’re worth a visit
- Insider tips for planning your trip
- The best times to go and how to make the most of your journey
- Photo ops, historical tidbits, and hidden gems
My Must-Visit Lake Huron Lighthouses
Fort Gratiot Lighthouse (Port Huron)
Michigan’s oldest lighthouse, Fort Gratiot, is located in Port Huron along Michigan’s Blue Thumb Coast and is a must for history lovers. I love climbing the tower for panoramic views of the Blue Water Bridge and watching freighters pass by. The park is perfect for a picnic, and the museum is a great rainy-day stop. The park is also a perfect spot to do some Michigan rock-hunting.
Expert Tip: Arrive early for sunrise photos—the light is spectacular.
Port Sanilac Lighthouse
81 S Lake St, Port Sanilac, MI 48469
Built in 1886, this pretty lighthouse stand almost 60 feet tall, and the Port Sanilac Light is still operational. Although privately owned now they do offer tours of the property a few days a year, and it is encouraged that you visit the area from outside the fence throughout the rest of the year.
A virtual tour can also be viewed on their website.
Harbor Beach Lighthouse
1 Ritchie Dr, Harbor Beach, MI 48441
Photos are welcome at this lighthouse and even encouraged during your tour of this famous and award-winning Michigan landmark. Take a boat ride around and down the break wall and learn all about the history of this harbor light and even tour the lighthouse itself and learn from volunteers all about the life of a lighthouse keeper.
Harbor Beach is the largest man-made, freshwater harbor in the world, and is very picturesque.
Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse (Port Hope)
7320 Lighthouse Rd, Port Hope, MI 48468
This remote spot in Michigan’s Thumb feels like a step back in time. The museum is packed with maritime artifacts, and the rocky beach is ideal for beachcombing. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but that’s part of the adventure.
Ranked one of the ten oldest lighthouses in Michigan, the Aux Barques Lighthouse is still remotely operated by the US coast guard to this day. The lighthouse was built 1848 and translates from the French to “Point of the Little Boats.” This historic lighthouse is located nearly at the very tip of Michigan’s thumb and looks out on the whole of Lake Huron and takes part in active aids to navigation.
Local secret: Grab homemade ice cream at Grindstone General Store nearby. Don’t miss the yearly Heritage festival at this stunning Michigan Lighthouse on Port Hope. The festival offers music, refreshments, tours up the tower, and much more fun for the entire family
Port Austin Reef Lighthouse
Port Austin, MI 48467
Nicknamed the castle on the lake, the Port Austin Reef Lighthouse is located about 1.5 miles offshore from Port Austin. The lighthouse is open to tourists in the summer from Labor Day to Memorial Day and is accessible by boat.
Charity Island Lighthouse
Big Charity Island, Au Gres, MI
The Charity Island Lighthouse is located 10 miles off the coast of Caseville in Saginaw Bay.
Enjoy a boat ride to the island, immediately following that boat ride is a short walk through a gorgeous forest to the lighthouse. The island itself is home to not only a stunning lighthouse but a rentable lighthouse keeper house, an archaeological site, bald eagles, and rare shoreline plants.
Visiting on a date with a loved one? The island offers a lovely dinner cruise complete with beer and wine purchases. They also offer cruises for bird watchers in the spring as the island is home to many species of birds. You can find more about visiting Charity Island here.
Tawas Point Lighthouse (East Tawas)
Known as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Tawas Point is a favorite for birdwatchers and beach lovers. I always recommend climbing the lighthouse for sweeping views of Tawas Bay. The state park is perfect for camping, swimming, and sunset strolls.
Don’t miss: be sure to take some time to explore both East Tawas, with a charming downtown shopping area and Tawas City with beautiful public beaches on Lake Huron for swimming and splashing.
Sturgeon Point Lighthouse
6071 E Point Road, Harrisville, MI 48740
If you’re looking for a hidden gem along Lake Huron, Sturgeon Point Lighthouse is one of my favorite discoveries. Just north of the charming harbor town of Harrisville, this classic white-and-red lighthouse sits on a peaceful stretch of shoreline and is surrounded by history and natural beauty.
Built in 1869 to warn sailors of a dangerous reef that juts 1.5 miles into Lake Huron, Sturgeon Point is a true Cape Cod-style lighthouse and a sibling to Tawas Point. The 70-foot, 9-inch tower is still maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, and the original Paris-made Fresnel lens is a showstopper for lighthouse fans. The grounds are open year-round, making it a perfect spot for a summer picnic or a quiet winter walk.
The keeper’s house, now a maritime museum (open Memorial Day through mid-September), is filled with shipwreck artifacts and stories from Lake Huron’s dramatic past. Don’t miss the Old Bailey Schoolhouse, a restored one-room school, and the detailed signage about infamous shipwrecks in the area.
Insider tip: Bring water shoes for exploring the rocky shoreline, and plan to spend extra time in Harrisville, Greenbush, and Oscoda—you’ll find some of Michigan’s most beautiful beaches just minutes away.
Whether you’re a lighthouse lover, a history buff, or just craving a peaceful lakeside escape, Sturgeon Point is a must-stop on your Lake Huron adventure.
Middle Island Lighthouse
Alpena, MI 49707
Middle Island Lighthouse sits 10 miles offshore from Alpena, perfectly positioned between Thunder Bay Island and Presque Isle Harbor. Built in 1905, this 78-foot tower’s light can be seen for over 17 miles and is reached by a 15-minute boat ride from Rockport Harbor (an abandoned limestone quarry worth exploring on its own).
While the Coast Guard owns the lighthouse itself, the island and its historic keeper’s duplex and fog signal building—now a 10-bed lodge—are privately owned. Tours are currently suspended, but keep an eye out for updates; an overnight stay here is a true Michigan bucket-list experience.
Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse
Alpena County, MI
One of Michigan’s oldest lighthouses, Thunder Bay Island Light was built in 1832 from local limestone and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located 13 miles offshore on Thunder Bay Island, this still-operational lighthouse sits adjacent to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve.
Tours aren’t offered, but you can catch a glimpse of this historic beacon by boat—a must for lighthouse enthusiasts and maritime history fans.
Old Presque Isle Lighthouse
5295 E Grand Lake Rd, Presque Isle, MI 49777
As far as dreamy, romantic lighthouses go, this is one for the books. Set on a remote point along the shores of Presque Isle Harbor, this beautiful lighthouse is a Michigan-must.
Built in 1840, the pretty lighthouse is one of the oldest in Michigan and is said to be haunted.
The lighthouse is no longer operational but serves as a museum, and tours are available.
If you visit, bring your camera and plan to spend some time exploring the grounds and gift shops.
Plan on ringing the giant bell on grounds (it once hung in the clock tower of Old City Hall at Lansing, Michigan’s capital). Weighing in at 3500 pounds, the bell is bigger than the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia!
Yes, the lighthouse is open for tours daily from Memorial Day to mid-October.
New Presque Isle Lighthouse
4500 E Grand Lake Rd, Presque Isle, MI 49777
At 108′, this is one of the tallest lighthouses in Michigan, it’s the tallest lighthouse tower accessible by the public on the Great Lakes. It was built in 1870 and has been completely restored; visitors can explore the spacious grounds and climb the 130 steps to the top from memorial day through Labor Day.
40 Mile Point Lighthouse
County Park Rd, Rogers City, MI 49779
Perched along the northern shoreline of Lake Huron in Presque Isle County’s Lighthouse Park, 40 Mile Point Lighthouse is a true hidden gem. Unlike most lighthouses, it isn’t at a river mouth or harbor—its unique name comes from its location exactly 40 miles south of Mackinac.
The park and lighthouse grounds are open year-round from 8 am to sunset, making this one of the few Michigan lighthouses you can visit even in winter. While the museums and tours run from Memorial Day through mid-October, the snowy landscape here is especially beautiful if you’re up for a cold-weather adventure.
Looking for a hands-on experience? Consider volunteering as a lighthouse keeper. You’ll help with everything from sharing local history with visitors to painting and general upkeep—and you can even book an overnight stay through the Lighthouse Keepers Program for a truly memorable Michigan getaway.
Poe Reef Lighthouse
Huron Shores Roadside Park, US. 23, Cheboygan, MI 49721
Built in 1928 to guide ships through a dangerous passage, this 71-foot tall white-and-black square tower sits on Poe Reef off the coast of Cheboygan. The only way to truly see this light up close and personal is in a private boat, as the crib is closed to visitors.
Cheboygan Crib Light (Cheboygan River Front Range Lighthouse)
606 Water Street, Cheboygan, MI 49721
Standing proudly along the Cheboygan River, the Cheboygan Crib Light—also known as the Cheboygan River Front Range Lighthouse—is one of the area’s most distinctive beacons. Built in 1880 and beautifully restored in 2004, this square-shaped lighthouse with its bright red accents is a true local landmark.
The lighthouse is open to the public on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day, offering a chance to step inside and soak up the maritime history. Tours and ongoing preservation are managed by the dedicated volunteers of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, whose passion keeps this piece of Michigan’s history shining bright.
Want a more hands-on experience? Volunteer opportunities are available, and volunteers even get special access to the historic Cheboygan Crib Light—perfect for anyone who wants to help preserve these amazing landmarks and get a behind-the-scenes look.
Round Island Lighthouse
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
If you’ve ever taken the ferry to Mackinac Island, you’ve seen the iconic red-and-white Round Island Lighthouse—one of Michigan’s most photographed beacons. Standing three stories tall on the west shore of 378-acre Round Island, this 1895 lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and even made a cameo in the movie “Somewhere in Time.”
Round Island Lighthouse has weathered some of the Great Lakes’ fiercest storms, including a major blow in 1972 that damaged its southwest corner. Restoration efforts continue, but for now, tours are on hold. Enjoy the view from your ferry ride—it’s a classic Michigan sight you won’t forget.
Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse
Bois Blanc Island, MI 49775
This unique light is located on Bois Blanc Island near Mackinac Island is privately owner and has been restored. It is not open to the public; however, you can see it quite clearly from a boat on the lake.
Mackinac Point Lighthouse
526 N Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
Built in 1892, Mackinac Point Lighthouse stands at the meeting point of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, guiding ships through the Straits of Mackinac for over a century. Located in Michilimackinac State Park, this 49-foot limestone tower and its restored buildings are open for daily tours in season.
Don’t miss the fog signal whistle demonstration (offered several times a day) or the “Shipwrecks of the Straits” film, which brings the lighthouse’s history to life. While you’re here, explore the park’s trails, historic sites, and the Native American Cultural History Trail for a deeper look at the region’s heritage.
DeTour Reef Lighthouse
Light House Rd, DeTour Village, MI 49725
Sitting a mile offshore in northern Lake Huron, DeTour Reef Lighthouse is a standout destination for lighthouse lovers and families alike. This 83-foot active beacon marks the gateway between Lake Huron and Lake Superior via the St. Mary’s River.
Built atop a massive crib in 23 feet of water, the lighthouse features a striking, Classical Revival-style structure. Guided tours are available—take a ferry from Drummond Island, strap into a safety harness, and climb the tower for unforgettable views of both Michigan and Canada.
How to Plan Your Lake Huron Lighthouse Road Trip
Best Route
I usually start in Port Huron and head north along US-23, stopping at each lighthouse and exploring the small towns along the way. You can do the full route in a long weekend, but I recommend taking your time—there’s so much to see!
When to Go
Late spring through early fall is the best time for lighthouse visits. Many towers are open for climbs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Summer brings festivals and events, but early fall offers crisp air and fewer crowds.
Tips for Your Trip
- Check hours: Not all lighthouses are open daily; check official sites for hours and tour info.
- Pack layers: Lake Huron breezes can be chilly, even in summer.
- Bring your camera: The photo ops are endless—especially at sunrise and sunset.
- Support local: Stop at small-town diners, shops, and museums along the way.
Unique Lighthouse Experiences
Stay Overnight as a Lighthouse Keeper
Several Lake Huron lighthouses offer the chance to stay overnight and be a volunteer keeper. Each program is unique—some are free, some have a fee, and all offer a truly memorable Michigan experience. Check with each lighthouse for details and availability.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Lighthouses
Some lighthouses, like DeTour Reef and Charity Island, require a boat ride to visit. If you’re up for the adventure, these trips are unforgettable and offer a new perspective on Michigan’s maritime history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you climb all the lighthouses?
Most Lake Huron lighthouses offer tower climbs during the summer, but some are closed or have limited access. Always check ahead for hours and restrictions.
Are the lighthouses family-friendly?
Absolutely! Many have museums, picnic areas, and kid-friendly activities. Just be mindful of steep stairs in the towers.
What’s the best lighthouse for photographers?
It’s hard to pick just one, but I always get my favorite shots at Tawas Point and Presque Isle at sunset.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Lake Huron’s lighthouses is one of my favorite Michigan adventures. Each visit feels like discovering a new piece of the state’s history—and the views never get old. Whether you’re planning your first lighthouse road trip or returning for another round, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your journey.
If you have a favorite Lake Huron lighthouse or a tip I missed, let me know in the comments or tag me on social—I love hearing your stories!