The shoreline of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is rugged, remote, and dotted with sentinels that have guided ships for more than a century. More than 40 lighthouses still stand across the Upper Peninsula along Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron. The Lake Superior Circle Tour includes over 56 lighthouses on both the U.S. and Canadian sides. For anyone exploring the U.P., visiting these historic beacons offers a glimpse into maritime history and the chance to experience some of the most scenic spots in the region. Each lighthouse has its own story, and many are open for tours or even overnight stays.
Whitefish Point Light Station
Whitefish Point Light Station, built in 1861, is the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior. It was first lit in 1849, though the current tower dates to the 1860s. Located near the entrance to Whitefish Bay, this lighthouse marks the beginning of the treacherous shipwreck coast. You can visit the grounds and climb the tower during the season. The adjacent Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum tells the stories of the many vessels lost in these waters. Whitefish Point is a must-see for anyone interested in the maritime history of the Upper Peninsula.
Crisp Point Lighthouse
Perched on a remote stretch of shoreline, Crisp Point Lighthouse was constructed in 1903-04 and stands 59 feet tall. It is located 37 miles north of Newberry, Michigan, in Luce County. The road to Crisp Point is seasonal and weather-dependent, so you will want to check conditions before heading out. Once you arrive, you are rewarded with a solitary, windswept view of Lake Superior. The lighthouse is not as developed as some others, which adds to its appeal for those seeking a more rugged experience.
Marquette Harbor Lighthouse
Marquette Harbor Lighthouse was reconstructed in 1866 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It sits at the entrance to the harbor in the city of Marquette, the largest city on the Lake Superior shoreline in the Upper Peninsula. The lighthouse is easily accessible from the lakeside park and offers a great photo opportunity. While the interior is not always open to the public, the grounds are free to explore, and you can walk right up to the base of the tower.
Big Bay Point Lighthouse
Big Bay Point Lighthouse operates as a bed-and-breakfast, giving you the chance to actually sleep in a historic lighthouse. It also offers guided tours on Sundays at noon and 1 PM from June to September for $12 per person. Located near the small town of Big Bay, about 30 miles north of Marquette, this lighthouse stands on a bluff overlooking Lake Superior. Even if you do not stay overnight, the Sunday tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the keeper’s quarters and the tower.
Au Sable Light Station
Au Sable Light Station, built in 1874, stands 88 feet tall and is located within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, about 12 miles west of Grand Marais, Michigan. It is one of the most picturesque lighthouses on Lake Superior, with the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Pictured Rocks as a backdrop. You can reach it by hiking the North Country Trail or by taking a boat. Guided tours are available for $3, cash only, and are well worth the effort. The tower climb gives you a sweeping view of the lake and the national lakeshore.
Copper Harbor Lighthouse
Copper Harbor Lighthouse, built in 1866, is only accessible by boat. Tours are offered by Noah’s Ark Charters from the Copper Harbor Marina. This lighthouse marks the entrance to one of the most historic ports on the Keweenaw Peninsula. The boat ride itself is a highlight, with views of the rocky shoreline and the deep blue waters of Lake Superior. Once on the island, you can tour the keeper’s quarters and learn about the copper mining era that brought so many ships to this remote harbor.
Stannard Rock Lighthouse
Stannard Rock Lighthouse, built in 1877, is located 42 miles north of Marquette and is nicknamed “the loneliest place in North America.” This offshore lighthouse sits on a reef that was a major hazard to navigation. It is not open for typical public tours due to its extreme isolation, but boaters and kayakers sometimes visit the structure. For most visitors, the best way to experience Stannard Rock is from a distance or through the exhibits at the Marquette Maritime Museum, which shares the story of this remarkable engineering feat.
Sand Hills Lighthouse
Sand Hills Lighthouse, built in 1919, operates as a bed and breakfast. It was decommissioned in the 1950s but has been lovingly restored as a unique lodging option. Located on the Lake Superior shoreline between Eagle River and Eagle Harbor, this lighthouse offers a quiet, off-the-grid experience. Guests can stay in the keeper’s quarters and enjoy the sound of the waves. It is a perfect choice for lighthouse enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in the history of Lake Superior navigation.
Planning Your Lighthouse Tour
Many lighthouse tours in the Upper Peninsula are seasonal, operating from mid-May through early October. Some lighthouses are easily reached by car, while others require a hike, a boat ride, or a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Check the official websites or local tourism offices for the most up-to-date hours and access conditions. If you plan to visit Crisp Point, be prepared for a bumpy gravel road that can be impassable after rain. For boat-access lighthouses like Copper Harbor, book your tour in advance during peak summer months. A lighthouse road trip along the Lake Superior shoreline of the Upper Peninsula can easily fill a week. Start in the east at Whitefish Point, work your way west through Pictured Rocks and Marquette, and finish in the Keweenaw Peninsula for a truly memorable journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest lighthouse on Lake Superior?
Whitefish Point Light Station, built in 1861, is the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior. It was first lit in 1849, though that original tower was replaced by the current structure. The lighthouse continues to guide ships today and is open to visitors during the season.
Can you stay overnight in a Lake Superior lighthouse?
Yes, some lighthouses operate as bed-and-breakfasts. Big Bay Point Lighthouse and Sand Hills Lighthouse both offer overnight accommodations. Additionally, DeTour Reef Light, though located on Lake Huron, provides overnight stays for those seeking a truly unique experience on the water.
Are all Lake Superior lighthouses open to the public?
Not all are open to the public. Some, like Big Bay Point Lighthouse, are private and only accessible to registered guests or during scheduled Sunday tours. Others, such as Stannard Rock Lighthouse, are too remote for regular visits. Most of the easily accessible lighthouses like Whitefish Point and Au Sable Light Station offer regular tour hours during the summer.
When is the best time to visit lighthouses in the Upper Peninsula?
The prime season for lighthouse visits in the Upper Peninsula is from mid-May through early October. Many tours and gift shops operate only during this window. Fall color season, typically late September to mid-October, adds a stunning backdrop to the lighthouses, though some may have reduced hours as the season winds down.
Do I need a four-wheel drive to reach Crisp Point Lighthouse?
The road to Crisp Point Lighthouse is seasonal and weather-dependent. It is a gravel road that can become muddy and rutted after rain. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, and four-wheel drive can be helpful. Always check current road conditions with the Luce County Road Commission before attempting the drive.