Lighthouses

Are you a fan of history? Do you enjoy tales of the Great Lakes? Explore or learn more about the various historical lighthouses lining Marquette County's Superior coastline. Each unique beacon has its own characteristics and stories to tell and can make a fun stop along the day’s adventure. 

BIG BAY POINT LIGHTHOUSE

4674 Co Rd KCB, Big Bay, 49808

Standing halfway between Marquette and Keweenaw Portage Entry sits Big Bay Point. Big Bay Lighthouse guided steamships along the rocky coasts of Lake Superior and is listed as part of the National Register of Historic Places. While still an operational aid to navigation, it also serves as a bed-and-breakfast, Big Bay Lighthouse B&B offers its visitors* trails for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing.

*Please note that the lighthouse is privately owned and does not allow public access on the property unless for registered guests or those on guided tours. Tours are given every Sunday at noon and 1 PM from June - September. These are $12/person and are first come first serve with six spots available for each tour.

HURON ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE

Forest Dr, Skanee, 49962

A great trip for history buffs, the Huron Islands are eight rocky islands within Lake Superior. Built in 1868, the Huron Island Lighthouse is a granite school-styled structure isolated on one of the Huron Islands just 3 miles off Michigan’s Coast. The Huron Island Lighthouse is listed as part of the National Register of Historic Places.

MARQUETTE HARBOR LIGHTHOUSE

300 N Lakeshore Blvd, Marquette, MI

The oldest significant structure in Marquette, Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, which was built in 1853, has offered safe passage for many sailors and continues to today. The Lighthouse was rebuilt in 1866 and later expanded in 1909. Currently operating on the same grounds, the Marquette Maritime Museum and the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse share the tale of the Great Lakes iron ore trade, making it a great visit for history enthusiasts. The Marquette Harbor Lighthouse is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Presque Isle Harbor Breakwater Light

Upper Harbor Lighthouse, Marquette, 49855

Planning a trip to Presque Isle Park? Be sure to check out Presque Isle Harbor Breakwater Light, located at the end of breakwater stones, before you enter the park. The Lighthouse is still currently active, using its red beacon to guide iron ore freighters into the harbor.

STANNARD ROCK LIGHTHOUSE

Marquette County, MI

Discovered by Captain Charles C. Stannard, Stannard Rock is a massive and treacherous reef formation located 42 miles north of Marquette in Lake Superior— Nicknamed the loneliest place in North America. Stannard Lighthouse was built in 1877 to protect sailors from crashing into the dangerous reef. The lighthouse is owned by Superior Watershed Partnership and used for international (US/Canada) climate research. SWP Staff uses data collected through monitoring to devise climate adaptation plans for regional coastal communities. Stannard Rock is protected under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.

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