Where Lake Huron narrows into the St. Clair River, Fort Gratiot’s white tower gives the shoreline a familiar silhouette. The surrounding red-roofed buildings preserve the scale of a working station: a place of lamps and lenses, keeper households and waterfront duties. Michigan’s oldest lighthouse site still connects that history with passing vessels.
Quick Facts
| Location | 2802 Omar Street, Port Huron, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Waterway | Lake Huron · entrance to the St. Clair River |
| Station established | 1825 |
| Present tower | 1829; raised in 1862 |
| Tower height | 82 feet |
| Construction | Round brick tower with lantern and gallery |
| Status | Active navigation light and historic visitor site |
| Ownership | St. Clair County |
| Tours | Port Huron Museums |
| Tower climb | 94 iron stairs; guided tour and suitable weather required |
History & Description
The first Fort Gratiot lighthouse was built in 1825, near the present Blue Water Bridge. Poor construction and storms brought that tower down in 1828. Its replacement opened farther north in 1829, improving visibility from approaching ships.
The surviving tower began at 65 feet and reached 82 feet in 1862. The height increase reflects the growing demand for dependable signals as Great Lakes shipping expanded.
Its round brick shaft tapers toward a circular gallery and lantern. White masonry contrasts with dark railings and red roofs. The keeper’s duplex dates to 1874; other surviving buildings record later chapters of the station’s work.
St. Clair County received the retired station property in 2010. Tower restoration followed in 2011–2012, and tours returned in summer 2012. Today preservation and interpretation share the site with a continuing navigation light.
Historical references: St. Clair County Parks · Port Huron Museums · University of North Carolina Lighthouse Directory.
Visitor Information
- Find the station
- 2802 Omar Street, Port Huron, MI 48060. Get directions →
- Grounds
- The county lists free park access daily, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Guided station and tower tours require tickets.
- Published fall 2026 schedule
- September 12–December 20: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., with last tour entry at 4 p.m. Check Port Huron Museums before travelling for updated hours and closures.
- Admission
- Published rates are $12 per adult or $30 for a family of two adults and up to four children. Children four and under enter free; student and senior discounts are listed. Confirm current pricing with the museum.
- Climbing the tower
- The 94-stair climb is available only with a guided tour and is suspended in severe weather. The tower is not wheelchair accessible. From the gallery, views include Lake Huron, the river entrance, Blue Water Bridge and Ontario.
- Contact
- 810-216-6923. Group visits require advance arrangements.
Visitor information checked October 12, 2026 against the county and museum websites.
Photo Gallery
Photographs by Todd. Select a photograph to view it larger.
From our Etsy shop
Keep a Little Blue Water Close
Fort Gratiot’s timeless white tower meets a glowing sky in this vintage-inspired poster. Bring a favorite Port Huron landmark to your wall, or give a lighthouse enthusiast a reminder of Michigan’s Blue Water shore.
Shop the Fort Gratiot Poster →View available options and current pricing on Etsy.
Keep Exploring Michigan’s Lights
Return to the Michigan directory →