A white tower, red-brick quarters, and a forested shoreline give Au Sable Point its distinctive presence. Seen from the water’s edge, the buildings appear above a sandy bank; from the grounds, the tower rises over paths and wildflowers. This is a light station best understood as a whole—a place to work, live, and keep watch.
Quick Facts
| Location | Au Sable Point, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Lake Superior, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Built / first lit | 1873–1874 / August 19, 1874 |
| Tower height | 86 feet, as measured by the National Park Service |
| Historic lens | Third-order Fresnel lens, preserved in the tower |
| Status | Active navigational beacon; preserved historic station |
| Ownership / care | National Park Service; Coast Guard maintains the modern beacon |
| Walking approach | 1.5 miles each way from Hurricane River Campground |
| Tower visits | Seasonal ranger-guided climbs; limited capacity |
History & Description
Au Sable’s light began shining on August 19, 1874. A shallow sandstone reef, fog, and storms made this stretch of Lake Superior hazardous for vessels following the coast. The beacon gave mariners a warning where the shoreline concealed danger beneath the water.
The 86-foot tower was anchored in bedrock, with its foundation extending 23 feet underground. Its third-order Fresnel lens gathered the lamp’s light into a fixed white beam. A fog signal provided an audible warning when visibility failed.
The attached dwelling became quarters for two assistant keepers’ families after a separate head keeper’s residence was built in 1909. Automation ended regular staffing in 1958; the National Park Service acquired the station in 1968. Today the historic lens remains in the tower, while a smaller solar-powered beacon on the gallery railing continues the navigational work.
The photographs show more than a tower: porches, windows, paths, and separate buildings form a small working landscape. The brick quarters make the human scale of lightkeeping visible beside the tall white shaft.
Historical reference: National Park Service history of Au Sable Light Station.
Visitor Information
The approach is part of the visit. Plan for a three-mile round-trip walk, plus time for the grounds, photographs, and a tower tour when available.
- Getting there
- Park near the bridge at Hurricane River Campground on H-58. Walk east through the campground and follow the historic access road 1.5 miles to the station.
- Tower tours
- NPS lists free, first-come climbs June 7–October 15, 2026. Capacity and weather limit access. Check the current tour schedule before setting out.
- The climb
- NPS lists 98 steps. Expect a spiral stair, small hatch, and confined spaces. Secure shoes are required; children must exceed 42 inches, and those under 16 need an adult.
- Park admission
- A Pictured Rocks entrance pass is required. A private-vehicle pass is $25 for seven days and covers its occupants; accepted America the Beautiful passes also cover entry. The park is cashless. See official fees and passes.
- On the approach
- No bicycles on the road. Pets may use the road and grounds; only service animals enter buildings. Watch for staff vehicles.
- What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes, water, and layers for lake breezes. Leave time for the return walk, particularly if you stay to photograph evening light.
Visitor information checked October 11, 2026. Seasonal arrangements can change; consult the National Park Service visitor page for your travel dates.
Photo Gallery
Eight original photographs by Todd. Select a photograph to view it larger.
From our Etsy shop
Bring a Little Lake Superior Home
Keep the glow of Au Sable Point close with a vintage-inspired lighthouse poster. Rich sunset colors, the familiar white tower, and a meadow of wildflowers capture the charm of this Lake Superior landmark.
A reminder of a favorite shoreline—or a thoughtful gift for someone who loves lighthouses.
Shop the Au Sable Point Poster →View available options and current pricing on Etsy.
More of Michigan’s Lighthouse Coast
Continue through the Lake Superior & Isle Royale region, or browse Todd’s published lighthouse journeys.
Explore Michigan lighthouses →