The shoreline of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula holds stories of storm-tossed ships and the brave keepers who lit the way. Known as the Shipwreck Coast, this stretch of water has claimed hundreds of vessels over the centuries. Today, more than 40 lighthouses still stand along the Upper Peninsula coast, many of them open to visitors. Exploring these historic beacons and the museum dedicated to the lake’s maritime past gives you a deep appreciation for the power of Superior and the resilience of those who traveled its waters.
The Shipwreck Coast: A History of Danger and Loss
The waters off Whitefish Point are among the most treacherous on the Great Lakes. Over 550 ships have sunk along Lake Superior’s Shipwreck Coast, a testament to the sudden storms, shallow reefs, and challenging navigation that define this region. The most famous loss is the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank approximately 15 miles from Whitefish Point on November 10, 1975. All 29 crew members perished. The wreck lies in two pieces on the lake floor, a somber reminder of the lake’s power. This history is preserved and interpreted at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, located right at Whitefish Point.
Visiting the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum sits at Whitefish Point on Lake Superior’s Shipwreck Coast. Operated by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, the museum offers exhibits on shipwrecks, the iron ore trade, and life-saving equipment. A highlight is the recovered bell from the Edmund Fitzgerald, displayed as a memorial. The museum is open seasonally from May 1 to October 31, daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Plan your visit during these months to experience the full indoor and outdoor exhibits, including the historic light tower and keeper’s quarters.
Lighthouses of the Upper Peninsula to Explore
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is home to dozens of lighthouses that have guided ships for more than a century. Each has its own personality, from easily accessible towers to remote beacons that reward adventurous travelers. Here are four you should put on your itinerary.
Whitefish Point Light Tower
The Whitefish Point Light Tower has been in continuous operation since 1861, making it the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior. The light station was first lit in 1849, but the current 76-foot tower dates from the mid-19th century. It stands at the edge of the Shipwreck Coast and is the centerpiece of the Whitefish Point Light Station, which also includes the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. You can walk right up to the tower and photograph its classic design against the lake.
Point Iroquois Lighthouse
Built in 1870, Point Iroquois Lighthouse stands 65 feet tall and marks the narrow waters near the entrance to the St. Marys River. It is located on the eastern edge of the Upper Peninsula, just west of Sault Ste. Marie. The lighthouse is open for tours during the summer season, and you can climb to the top for panoramic views of Lake Superior and the Canadian shoreline. The keeper’s quarters have been restored and now serve as a small museum.
Au Sable Light Station
Au Sable Light Station was constructed in 1874 and rises 88 feet above the lake, making it one of the tallest lighthouses on the U.P. coast. It sits within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, near Munising. Access requires a hike of about 1.5 miles each way along the North Country Trail, but the reward is a beautifully preserved brick tower and stunning vistas of the Pictured Rocks cliffs. The light station is open for tours in summer, operated by the National Park Service.
Crisp Point Lighthouse
Crisp Point Lighthouse was built in 1903-1904 and stands 59 feet tall. It is one of the most remote lighthouses in the Upper Peninsula, located west of Whitefish Point on a stretch of shoreline with no paved roads. Getting there requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle, especially after rain. The unpaved road is rough and sandy, but those who make the journey are rewarded with a quiet, windswept setting and a chance to see the lake without crowds. This lighthouse is not easily accessible compared to others, so plan accordingly with a suitable vehicle and plenty of time.
Planning Your Lighthouse Tour
The Lake Superior Circle Tour features 56 lighthouses around the entire lake, including those in Ontario, Canada. For a focused Upper Peninsula trip, you can easily visit Whitefish Point, Point Iroquois, and Au Sable within a few days using paved roads. Crisp Point requires more careful planning. Most lighthouses are open seasonally, typically May through October. Check the official websites of each site before you go to confirm hours, fees, and any special events. The Upper Peninsula’s lighthouse history is best experienced on a clear day when the blue water contrasts with the white towers.
Beyond the four lighthouses detailed here, many others dot the coastline. The official tourism site for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula lists over 40 standing lighthouses across the entire region. Some are still active aids to navigation, while others operate as museums or private residences. A self-guided driving tour along Highway 28 and Highway M-26 offers great views and frequent stops at lighthouse parks. Remember to bring binoculars for spotting distant towers and a camera for the panoramic shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous shipwreck in Lake Superior near the Upper Peninsula?
The SS Edmund Fitzgerald is the most famous shipwreck, sinking approximately 15 miles from Whitefish Point in 1975. Its recovered bell is displayed at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. The wreck itself lies in deep water and is not accessible to the public, but the museum provides a thorough account of the tragedy.
How many lighthouses are there in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula?
There are more than 40 lighthouses still standing across the Upper Peninsula. The Lake Superior Circle Tour lists 56 lighthouses around the entire lake, which includes Canadian beacons. The exact number in the U.P. depends on counting active aids and historical structures, but you will find plenty to explore.
When is the best time to visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum?
The museum is open seasonally from May 1 to October 31, daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during late summer or early fall when the weather is pleasant and lake conditions are calm. Spring can be chilly, and fall offers dramatic skies and fewer crowds.
Can you climb all the lighthouses in the Upper Peninsula?
Not all are open for climbing. Whitefish Point Light Tower is not typically open for climbs, but you can tour the grounds. Point Iroquois and Au Sable offer climbs during summer tours. Crisp Point is generally not climbable. Always check the official website of each lighthouse for current access policies.
The intersection of shipwreck history and lighthouse heritage on Lake Superior makes the Upper Peninsula a compelling destination for anyone drawn to the power of the Great Lakes. From the somber exhibits at the Shipwreck Museum to the lonely tower at Crisp Point, these sites tell a story of danger, duty, and perseverance. Plan your trip along the Shipwreck Coast, and you will come away with a new respect for the lake and the people who have lived beside it for generations.