Michigan’s Lighthouses in Keweenaw Peninsula: Historic Stops to Light Up Your Road Trip

Ready for an Upper Peninsula adventure? Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula is a lighthouse lover’s dream, dotted with historic beacons that once guided Great Lakes ships and now make for unforgettable road trip stops. From rugged Lake Superior shorelines to quiet bays, these ten lighthouses offer a blend of history, scenery, and family-friendly exploration – truly some of the best things to do in northern Michigan for those seeking “Upper Peninsula travel” experiences. Our Metro Detroit-based travel expert invites you to pack up the car, head north, and let these shining landmarks light up your journey. Each stop comes with local lore, stunning views, and a chance to walk in the footsteps of lighthouse keepers from over a century ago. Buckle up for a scenic drive through Michigan’s Copper Country, where every lighthouse has a story and an inviting slice of Keweenaw charm.

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Visit Copper Harbor, Facebook

Copper Harbor Lighthouse

9879 Woodland Rd, Copper Harbor, MI 49918
Website: Copper Harbor Lighthouse

Perched at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, the Copper Harbor Lighthouse is one of Michigan’s oldest lights – first established in 1849 and rebuilt in 1866. This stately yellow-brick lighthouse guarded the harbor during the copper mining boom and still stands watch over sparkling Lake Superior waters. Because it sits on the point inside Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, reaching the lighthouse itself requires a short boat ride (Noah’s Ark Charters offers ferry tours for visitors). If you prefer to stay on land, you can view the lighthouse from a designated scenic spot across the harbor within the state park. The surrounding park is rich with history (including a restored 1840s army fort) and offers picnic areas, trails, and campground facilities. Seasonal details: Tours typically run in summer; the park is open year-round (with a Recreation Passport required for entry). Whether you hop on a boat or gaze from shore, Copper Harbor Lighthouse rewards you with a glimpse into Michigan lighthouses history and panoramic vistas of Lake Superior’s northern horizon.

Eagle Harbor Lighthouse

670 Lighthouse Rd, Eagle Harbor, MI 49950
Website: Eagle Harbor Lighthouse

Overlooking the rocky inlet of Eagle Harbor, this classic red-brick lighthouse is often called one of the Keweenaw’s most picturesque beacons. Built in 1871 (replacing an 1851 structure), the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse features a distinctive dual-colored tower and has been lovingly preserved as a museum. It’s actually the only lighthouse in the Keweenaw where you can take an interior tour and even climb the tower for a bird’s-eye view (open during summer months, with modest admission fees supporting the local historical society). Inside, you’ll find exhibits on maritime history and the lives of past keepers. Outside, the grounds offer great photo ops of the light against blue water and sky. A short walk away are additional museums (on shipping, local history, and geology) also managed by the historical society, making this an educational stop for families. Nearby activities: After visiting the lighthouse, enjoy the small sand beach and park in Eagle Harbor or grab a treat at the general store in this quaint harbor village. With its neighborly ambiance and rich heritage, Eagle Harbor Lighthouse is a must-see highlight of any “Michigan lighthouses” road trip.

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Eagle River Lighthouse

5033 West Main Street, Eagle River, MI 49950
Website: Eagle River Lighthouse

Tucked in the tiny community of Eagle River, this lighthouse has the charm of a storybook cottage and a history dating back to 1854. The Eagle River Lighthouse once guided ships at the mouth of the Eagle River during the mining era. It was decommissioned in 1908 and eventually converted into a private residence – in fact, today it serves as a unique vacation rental and landmark along the Lake Superior coast. While you cannot tour the interior, you can admire the building from the roadside or the old steel bridge across the river. The former light’s square brick tower is shorter now (its lantern has been removed), barely peeking above the adjacent house roof as a reminder of its glory days. What visitors can expect: A quiet stop with historic vibes – park in the village and walk a few minutes to view the lighthouse from across the river for the best angle. Interpretive signs or a local historical marker might share a tidbit or two about its past. Eagle River’s scenic waterfront, nearby Jacob’s Falls, and the popular Fitzgerald’s Restaurant (famous for smoked meats) are additional draws, making this stop a pleasant mix of history and relaxation on your Keweenaw journey.

Sand Hills Lighthouse

6029 Five Mile Point Rd, Allouez, MI 49805
Website: Sand Hills Lighthouse

If your road trip crew appreciates a dash of romance and mystery, don’t miss the Sand Hills Lighthouse. Built in 1917 and boasting possibly the most unique lighthouse design in Michigan, Sand Hills is a grand sight – a 70-foot yellow-brick tower rising from a three-story mansion-like dwelling. Once serving to protect ships along a remote stretch between Eagle River and Ontonagon, this lighthouse was retired from service in 1939 and later reinvented as a bed-and-breakfast inn. The architecture alone is worth the detour: it looks more like a castle than a traditional lighthouse! Although it’s privately run as the Sand Hills Lighthouse Inn, the owners historically have welcomed respectful visitors to stroll the grounds and snap photos during certain hours (check for signs at the drive or updates on their website). Seasonal details: The B&B operates in summer, offering overnight stays where you can sleep in a keeper’s room and even climb the tower at sunset. If you’re not an overnight guest, you can still enjoy the serene beach across the road – a lovely spot to stretch your legs and hunt for driftwood. This stop is slightly off the main highway (follow Five Mile Point Rd. out of Ahmeek), but the combination of architectural beauty and Lake Superior solitude makes Sand Hills Lighthouse a favorite among savvy locals and photographers alike.

Mendota Lighthouse, Facebook

Mendota (Bete Grise) Lighthouse

13702 Bete Gris Road, Mohawk, MI 49950
Website: Mendota (Bete Grise) Lighthouse

Over on the peaceful shore of Lac La Belle’s outlet, you’ll find the Mendota Lighthouse, also known as the Bete Grise Light. This little yellow-and-brown brick lighthouse has a quirky backstory: originally constructed in the late 1860s to guide ships through the Mendota Canal, it was decommissioned before ever officially being lit (the canal project stalled). Years later, shipping picked up and the light was activated in 1895 – only to go dark again by 1956 as commerce declined. After decades dormant, a private owner lovingly restored Mendota Light and even re-lit it in 1998 with its original Fresnel lens, so it now shines as an unofficial navigational aid once more. Today, the lighthouse is a private residence (not open for tours), but you can view it easily from a public park across the narrow channel. In fact, a small pull-off and beach on Bete Grise Bay provide a perfect vantage point to admire the lighthouse across the water. What visitors can expect: A tranquil setting with lapping waves and often a loon or two gliding by. Bring binoculars for a closer look at the lighthouse’s classic red roof and white tower trim. The Bete Grise Nature Preserve and its gorgeous sandy beach are right nearby – a great bonus for a family picnic, swimming, or even launching a kayak to paddle around the bay. Mendota Light’s quiet beauty and unique history (including local legends about a “singing sands” beach) make this a hidden gem stop on your Keweenaw Peninsula lighthouse tour.

Jacobsville Lighthouse (Portage River Lighthouse)

38741 Jacobs St, Jacobsville (Lake Linden), MI 49945
Website: Jacobsville Lighthouse

At the far south end of the Keweenaw Peninsula – where the Portage River (Keweenaw Waterway) meets Lake Superior – stands the Jacobsville Lighthouse, a red-roofed brick light station loaded with maritime lore. Built in 1869–70, this lighthouse marked the “south entry” of the canal that allowed ships a shortcut across the Keweenaw. It’s sometimes called the Portage River Lighthouse, and while it no longer operates (it was deactivated in 1953), its legacy lives on. The lighthouse keeper’s dwelling later operated as the Jacobsville Lighthouse Inn (a bed & breakfast) for many years, though recently a new family has purchased the property and begun restoring it to its former glory. The lighthouse is privately owned and generally not open to the public, except on occasional open-house days or special tours. Don’t let that discourage you – you can still enjoy this stop! A public gravel turnaround/parking area at the end of Jacobsville Road offers an excellent view of the lighthouse and adjacent buildings. From there, you’ll see the light’s elegant white tower and attached keeper’s house set against the blue lake. Informational plaques (if present) or a quick read of the owner’s blog can fill you in on restoration progress. Nearby activities: This area, known as White City, has a sandy beach and township park perfect for skipping stones, fishing, or letting kids run on the shore while you soak up the atmosphere. Visiting Jacobsville Lighthouse is like stepping back in time to the Copper Country’s shipping heyday – a quiet, out-of-the-way stop that adds depth to your Keweenaw Peninsula road trip story.

Keweenaw Waterway Lower Entrance Light

White City Park (Portage River South Entry), Lake Linden, MI 49945
Website: Keweenaw Waterway Lower Entrance Light

Just around the bend from the Jacobsville Lighthouse (but very different in appearance) is the Lower Entrance Light, an active Coast Guard beacon that sits at the end of a long breakwater. This lighthouse is a simple yet striking structure: a white steel tower topped with a bright red lantern, perched on a stone base where the Portage Canal meets Lake Superior. Locals sometimes call it the “South Entry Light.” To visit, you’ll drive the same road toward Jacobsville, veering onto a short gravel lane into White City Park, a historic little beach park. From the parking area, it’s a short walk to the sandy beach and the breakwater. You can stroll out partway (with care, as rocks can be slippery) to get closer to the lighthouse and feel the breeze off the Big Lake. The contrast of colors – the red cap against blue water, and the dark rock pier – makes for stunning photos, especially at sunrise or sunset. What visitors can expect: This is a free, kid-friendly spot with picnic tables and sometimes remnants of old docks (hints of when this area was a bustling resort called White City in the early 1900s). There are no facilities aside from maybe a rustic outhouse, so plan accordingly. While you cannot enter the steel lighthouse tower (it’s an automated light), simply being here offers a sense of tranquility and connection to Lake Superior’s vastness. Watching waves crash against the breakwater or a Great Lakes freighter far on the horizon really brings home why these lighthouses were so important. It’s an off-the-beaten-path stop, but for lighthouse enthusiasts, seeing the South Entry Light up close is very rewarding.

Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance Light

18350 Highway M-203, Hancock, MI 49930
Website: Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance Light

On the opposite end of the Portage Canal (near Hancock and Houghton) stands the matching bookend to the South Entry Light – the Upper Entrance Light. This lighthouse guards the canal’s north entry into Lake Superior and is best viewed from within F.J. McLain State Park. The Upper Entrance Light is an 82-foot-tall modern tower set just off the shoreline on a concrete crib, painted white with a red band – a vivid marker against the sky. While the tower itself is not accessible (it’s out on the breakwater, surrounded by water), you can see it clearly from the park’s beach or picnic area. How to visit: Enter McLain State Park (a Recreation Passport is required) and follow signs to the day-use area or campground along the lake. From the sandy beach, you’ll have a panoramic view of Lake Superior and the lighthouse standing to the west. Many visitors enjoy walking along the beach to get a closer angle or taking photographs of the light at dusk when its beacon begins to flash. The park also offers hiking trails, playgrounds, and one of the U.P.’s best spots for watching sunsets – so bring the family and make an afternoon of it. Seasonal details: McLain State Park is open year-round, but services are limited in winter. In summer, it’s a popular campground, so you might find yourself among fellow lighthouse fans and rock hunters on the shore. The Upper Entrance Light, though unobtrusive, has faithfully guided boats since 1873 (with the current structure updated later) and remains an important navigation aid. Combine a little history with classic beach fun here – a perfect road trip respite about 15 minutes north of Houghton.

Gull Rock Lighthouse, Facebook

Gull Rock Lighthouse

Gull Rock Lighthouse, Grant Township, MI 49918
Website: Gull Rock Lighthouse

Last but certainly not least is the Gull Rock Lighthouse, perhaps the most dramatic and secluded of the Keweenaw lights. Perched on a tiny rocky islet only about the size of a football field, Gull Rock Lighthouse was built in 1867 to mark a deadly shoal in the narrow passage between Manitou Island and Keweenaw Point. In the age of steamships, captains would steer through this channel to seek shelter in the Keweenaw’s lee during storms, making Gull Rock’s guidance critical. The lighthouse itself is a classic little white keeper’s house with an attached square tower – isolated, weather-beaten, yet undeniably charming in its perseverance. Keepers and their families lived in this remote outpost for 46 years until the light was automated in 1913. Over time the building fell into serious disrepair (Lake Superior’s gales are not kind), but recent efforts by a non-profit group of local lighthouse lovers have begun to stabilize and restore Gull Rock Lighthouse. Today, the light remains an active navigational beacon and the Gull Rock Lightkeepers Association works with the Coast Guard to maintain it. For travelers, Gull Rock is usually seen from afar – on a clear day you might spot it from High Rock or Keystone Bay on Keweenaw’s tip, appearing as a speck on the water. The best way to see it up close is via a boat tour; some charters out of Copper Harbor will include a pass by Gull Rock (often paired with Manitou Island). Note: There is no landing at Gull Rock – you’ll view it from the boat, marveling at how a lighthouse was ever built on such a precarious perch. Seeing Gull Rock Lighthouse, even briefly, is a memorable experience that caps off your lighthouse road trip with a sense of awe. It’s a testament to the rugged determination of Michigan’s lighthouse keepers and the enduring fascination these lights inspire.

Manitou Island Lighthouse

Manitou Island Copper Harbor, MI 49950
Website: Manitou Island Lighthouse

For an adventurous side trip, consider the Manitou Island Lighthouse – a remote gem that truly embodies “Upper Peninsula travel” spirit. Manitou Island lies a few miles off the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, and its lighthouse has stood since 1862, helping vessels find safe passage around the peninsula’s end. The light station consists of a skeletal iron tower attached to a keeper’s house, and notably, it’s one of the oldest surviving iron lighthouse towers on the Great Lakes. Reaching Manitou Island is a challenge (and not part of the main driving route) – you’ll need a private boat or charter service. In summer, some charter tours from Copper Harbor (like the one by Noah’s Ark Charters) will circle Manitou Island and Gull Rock for lighthouse enthusiasts. The island itself is uninhabited and is now a nature preserve managed by the Keweenaw Land Trust, which allows day visits and even rustic camping for prepared explorers. Be aware: Lake Superior’s waters off Keweenaw Point can be unpredictable and landing on Manitou is weather-dependent. If you do make it out, you’ll be rewarded with an up-close look at the historic light tower (still an active aid, now solar-powered and maintained by the Coast Guard) and a pristine wilderness backdrop. Migratory birds frequent the island, and you might find agates on the shore. Most visitors, however, will view Manitou Lighthouse from the mainland or a tour boat, which is perfectly fine – even at a distance, its white tower stands out against the green island. This lighthouse’s story – authorized by President Lincoln during the Civil War and still shining today – adds a legendary touch to your journey. It reminds us that not all adventures come easy, but they’re often worth the effort!

16 Best Road Trips from Detroit: Weekend Getaways Worth the Drive

From Copper Harbor to Gull Rock, Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula lighthouses offer an illuminating journey through history, nature, and local culture. Each lighthouse has its own character – some are family-friendly museums, others are quiet sentinels best viewed from a picnic blanket on the beach. Together, they showcase the resilience of the Upper Peninsula’s maritime heritage and the beauty of northern Michigan landscapes. So why not turn your next free weekend or summer vacation into a lighthouse road trip? Pack up the kids, load up a playlist (perhaps with “Lake Superior” shanties), and head north. Whether you climb the tower at Eagle Harbor, skip stones at White City, or simply savor a Copper Harbor sunset with a lighthouse in view, you’ll create cherished memories. These historic stops will light up your road trip in every sense – guiding you to new sights, teaching a bit of local lore, and inspiring you with the glow of adventure. See you in the Keweenaw, and happy travels!

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