At Cedar River, the surviving evidence of a lighthouse station is a home behind the trees. Red brick, a shingled upper story, and a steep roof remain visible through the foliage. The tower has disappeared, but the keeper’s residence carries another part of the maritime story: the daily life of the people who tended the lights.
Quick Facts
| Location | Cedar River, Menominee County, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Waterway | Western shore of Green Bay, Lake Michigan |
| Station first lit | November 20, 1889 |
| Keeper’s residence | Built around 1890–1891 |
| Building | Red brick lower story with a shingled upper story |
| Original tower | Wooden pierhead tower; no longer standing |
| Historic optics | Fourth-order Fresnel lens in the former lighthouse |
| Station changes | Range lights added in 1891; old light and ranges discontinued in 1922 |
| Status | Keeper’s residence survives; former staffed light station |
| Ownership | Private ownership |
| Visitor access | Grounds and dwelling closed; view only from a lawful public vantage point |
History & Description
Cedar River’s entrance served both the lumber trade and vessels seeking shelter on Green Bay’s western shore. A shallow bar made the approach difficult. Harbor improvements and a new pierhead light helped mariners identify the entrance; the station’s first light was displayed on November 20, 1889.
The keeper’s house followed around 1890–1891 on shore near the harbor. Its brick lower story and shingled upper story provided a domestic counterpart to the exposed wooden tower. Range lights added in 1891 helped vessels follow the harbor channel. Keeping the station meant maintaining these lights as well as living beside the river.
In 1908 the principal tower was moved ashore beside the dwelling, while the range lights were repositioned. In 1922 the old light and ranges were discontinued, and an unattended acetylene beacon on a steel tower took over at the west pier.
The original wooden tower no longer stands. The privately owned residence survives as a reminder of the staffed station. In Todd’s photograph, branches obscure much of the facade, but the brickwork, upper shingles, roof, and entrance remain recognizable. The image records a historic building within its present surroundings.
Historical references: Seeing the Light: Cedar River · Cedar River station history.
Visitor Information
Expect a brief exterior viewing opportunity rather than a lighthouse tour. Vegetation can limit what is visible from the road.
- Location
- The residence stands just south of the Cedar River mouth. From M-35, No. 20.50 Lane leads east toward the house. View the residence location →
- Property access
- The house and grounds are private and closed to visitors. Stay on public land, follow posted notices, and obtain permission before entering the property.
- What remains
- The keeper’s home is the subject of this guide. There is no historic lighthouse tower beside it to climb or tour.
- Photography
- Frame what is visible from a lawful public vantage point. Leave foliage and fences undisturbed; the greenery is part of the present view.
- Trip context
- Cedar River lies on M-35 between Escanaba and Menominee. Todd visited while heading south after his Escanaba-area lighthouse charter.
Location and access checked October 11, 2026 against historic lighthouse directories. Follow current property notices when visiting.
Photo Gallery
Todd’s published Cedar River photograph. Select it to view it larger.
A Keeper’s Home Hidden in the Greenery
Finding Cedar River took a little searching. Read Todd’s account of the overgrown view, the quick photo stop, and completing his Michigan Lake Michigan lighthouse list.
Read the Cedar River journal entry →