Michigan Lighthouses – Marine City to Port Austin

Did you know that Michigan holds the title for most lighthouses of any U.S. state? This summer I decided to make a goal to (eventually) visit all of them. With over 100 lighthouses, it may take me awhile! After a few weekend day trips, I was able to cross 6 lighthouses off of my list this year.

Marine City is one of my favorite towns to go to during the summer. I’ve seen the “Marine City Lighthouse” more times than I can count but it wasn’t until this year that I learned about it’s history. The lighthouse was originally built in 1908 just off of Peche Island, Ontario where the Detroit River opens into Lake St. Clair. In 1982, the Peche Island Rear Range Light was relocated to Marine City’s Lighthouse Park.

When you go to visit Peche Island Light, you can also stop in Marine City’s numerous shops, eat at Marine City Fish Company (my favorite seafood restaurant), or sit on a park bench along the St. Clair River and watch the freighters go by.

More information on the Peche Island Rear Range Light here.

Fort Gratiot Lighthouse (Port Huron)

The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, located in Port Huron, is Michigan’s oldest lighthouse. Originally built in the 1820’s, the lighthouse continues to be in use to this day. The lighthouse was closed for tours the day I visited, but the view of the Blue Water Bridge from the top of the tower would be worth the climb!

More information on the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and tours here.

Port Sanilac Lighthouse

The Port Sanilac Lighthouse has been in operation since 1886. The grounds were beautifully manicured and although the lighthouse is privately owned, tower tours are available to the public during select summer days. The guides were extremely knowledgeable about the light’s history and were able to answer any questions I had.

This was the first tower climb I did since elementary school . . . when I had a full-on panic attack halfway up the spiral staircase in Tawas Point Lighthouse. There were a few moments when I thought I wouldn’t make it to the top of Port Sanilac Lighthouse, but deep breathing and a fear of disappointing myself pushed me up the stairs and ladder! The views of the marina and of Lake Huron were absolutely amazing!

After your tower climb, head over the the Port Sanilac Marina to see the sailboats and eat at The View Waterfront Restaurant. To satisfy your sweet tooth, head 15 minutes south to Lexington and get ice cream from Lighthouse Creamery (my personal recommendation is a mint shake)!

More information on the Port Sanilac Lighthouse and tours here.

Harbor Beach Lighthouse is located offshore, accessible only by boat. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to fit a tour into my schedule this summer but I did have a chance to stop and view the lighthouse from the breakwater before the sun set on my way home from Port Sanilac Lighthouse. I’ll admit the breakwater was longer to walk than it appeared from shore, but it was very much worth it. Your orientation to the lighthouse, marina, Lake Huron, and the lakeshore changes every ten steps and gives you a new view to appreciate.

If you’re unable to make one of the tours but want to view Harbor Beach Lighthouse from the shore or breakwater, I recommend bringing binoculars or a camera with a long zoom lens!

More information on the Harbor Beach Lighthouse and tours here.

Point Aux Barques Lighthouse offers an incredible museum filled with historical items, including the lighthouse’s 3rd order, 5.5 foot tall Fresnel lens that was in operation for nearly 100 years. The Fresnel lens rotates within its glass case and viewers are able to see how the light reflects around the display area.

In addition to the Fresnel lens, you can view displays of other antiques and documents on the first floor of the museum. The second floor is staged with period furniture that gives you a glimpse into the lives of its lighthouse keepers and their families.

More information on the Point Aux Barques Lighthouse and tours here.

Also known as the “Castle on the Lake,” the Port Austin Reef Light was built 1.5 miles offshore to prevent ships and boats from grounding on the Port Austin Reef. The greens and blues of the water surrounding the light station might have been the most gorgeous collage of colors I have ever seen. They made it hard to get on the boat to head back to shore.

The Port Austin Reef Light Association has been renovating and repairing the station in accordance with guidelines from the National Register of Historic Places. The volunteers take such pride in the lighthouse and provide incredible tours of the structure floor by floor. Public tours of Port Austin Reef Light began in 2018, offering a unique opportunity to see the restoration process of a historical landmark.

More information on the Port Austin Reef Light and tours here.