Round Island Lighthouse and Round Island Passage Lighthouse

Any visitor to Mackinac Island has seen these lighthouses multiple times. The ferries run between them on the Straits of Mackinac. We've been coming to the island annually for many years and these are all photos taken from the ferry or the island, and in all kinds of weather 😊

Round Island Lighthouse operated from 1895-1947 and had keepers until 1924 when it was automated. It fell into disrepair and was partially destroyed in a storm. Some restoration began in the 70s and the rest of it was completed in the 90s. The light was re-lit in 1996.

Round Island Passage Lighthouse was installed in 1948 and has always been automated.

One year we found a worker on the light. You can also see the Native American heads in relief near the top.

Big Mac in the background.

Another lighthouse (Waugoshance) stands about 15 miles west of Mackinaw City and is close to being reclaimed by the lake. It was built in 1851 and deactivated in 1912. During World War II, the navy conducted drone strikes nearby, some of which damaged the lighthouse. Recent attempts to restore the light were abandoned. This photo hangs in the Mission Point Resort Museum.

Thankfully, Round Island Light was restored and together with the Passage Light continue to guard the shipping lanes and entertain all passengers to Mackinac Island.

And don't miss McGulpin Lighthouse and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse,

both found on the Island.

 

Cheboygan Michigan Lights ~ 9/19/21

On our way home from Mackinac Island, we made a quick detour to Cheboygan to check out its lighthouses.

The River Front Range Lighthouse is found right in town at 606 Water Street (not its original location). It was first lit in 1880.

Here's a view of it from the other side of the Cheboygan River.

The Cheboygan Crib Light used to sit about 2000 feet off shore in Lake Huron, was built in 1884, and stands 33 feet tall. When it outlived its usefulness to the Coast Guard, it was donated to the city instead of being demolished. In 1984 it was moved to its current location at the mouth of the Cheboygan River in Gordon Turner Park.

The lighthouse is on a nice little beach with a long pier.

We walked back fast to the lighthouse after reading this 😊

It's a lovely spot with a beautiful view of Lake Huron.

Visit Cheboygan, Michigan, sometime to get a look at these historic lights.