Title: Top 7 Lighthouses In Lake Michigan That Freeze In Winter!
What can be more intriguing than a lonely lighthouse standing tall amid a rocky lake shore, unmoved as the rowdy tides hit its base? The same lighthouse covered in white snow and icicles in the winter, is hauntingly beautiful. Lake Michigan, one of the five great lakes of the world, carries more than 100 lighthouses in its 3200 miles of shoreline. In the winter the snow transforms these lighthouses into beautiful and intriguing structures and shapes. Read on to learn about the top 7 most intriguing lighthouses in Lake Michigan, frozen in the winter.
1. Point Betsie Lighthouse – Frankfort
Construction of Point Betsie began in 1854. It consisted of five concentric brick rings encircling the tower beneath the lantern, each successively larger in diameter than the lower ring, acting as a supportive structure for the gallery. A decagonal cast iron lantern adorned the gallery.
Once upon a time, it acted as the entrance to the southern end of the Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve. Though the passage is no longer in use, Point Betsie still serves as an active navigation aid. The tower and its keeper’s house, painted white, have a brick red roof. The keeper’s house is even available for rent to the public. The lighthouse is usually open to the public from May to October.
2. Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse – Manistee
The Manistee North Pierhead lighthouse has a history leading up to 1869. The great fire of 1871 destroyed its light. Since then, the initial structure of the lighthouse changed many times. Since its establishment, Manistee’s local station has served local residents, visitors, and Great Lakes vessels.
3. Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse – Ludington
Ranked the #1 lighthouse to visit in Michigan, Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse was built in 1924. This four-sided, white pyramidal tower has four porthole windows on each of the three decks. The shape deflects the strong currents of the lake. There are 53 steps to climb to the top open to the public for tours daily from 10 am-5 pm.
4. Muskegon South Breakwater Light – Muskegon
Constructed in 1851, The Muskegon Breakwater Light is a square pyramidal steel tower mounted on a square steel equipment room. Its entire structure is brick red. It is located on the southern end of the Muskegon breakwater in the mouth of the Muskegon Channel in Muskegon, Michigan. It is accessible via the breakwater and has been open to the public since 2008.
5. Grand Haven South Pier Inner and Outer Lights – Grand Haven
Situated where the Grand River enters Lake Michigan, Grand Haven’s South Pier’s inner and outer lights are famous for their antique beauty. Cherry red in color, the inner light is 51 feet tall while the outer light is about half as tall. Both the lights were lit in 1905. The structures mostly lie abandoned in the present with restricted public access. However, the area surrounding the lights is a popular haunt of the local as well as tourist population.
6. St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lights – St. Joseph
The lighthouse was Built in 1832. St. Joseph’s North Pier’s inner and outer lights are at the entrance to the St. Joseph River on Lake Michigan. Access to the lights is currently prohibited. However, visitors and locals enjoy walking the pier to see the lights up close.
7. Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse – Munising
Built in 1868, the Grand Island East Channel lighthouse was meant to lead boats from Lake Superior. The channel east of Grand Island leads boats safely into the Munising Harbor. In 1907, the lights were removed from the lighthouse. Since then it stood neglected. Restored back to its former glory in year 2000, it’s a popular tourist location today.
Also read,
