A white, square tower rises from a massive concrete platform in the Manitou Passage. Known locally as “The Crib,” North Manitou Shoal Lighthouse stands apart from the shoreline, marking shallow water along a busy Lake Michigan route.
Quick Facts
| Location | Off the southern end of North Manitou Island · Leelanau County, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Waterway | Lake Michigan · Manitou Passage |
| Completed | 1935 |
| Automated | 1980 |
| Structure | Steel lighthouse on a rock- and concrete-filled crib foundation |
| Stewardship | North Manitou Light Keepers |
| Status | Active navigation light |
| Access | By boat · Organized tours subject to availability and weather |
History & Description
Completed in 1935, North Manitou Shoal Lighthouse replaced a lightship that had marked the shoal since 1910. Its offshore position helped vessels navigate the shallow water south of North Manitou Island.
The steel station rests on a crib packed with rock and concrete. Above the broad foundation, a rectangular living-quarters block supports the square tower and lantern. This substantial base gave the lighthouse its familiar nickname, “The Crib.”
Coast Guard crews lived at the station until automation in 1980. Their work combined maintaining the light with the routines of life surrounded by open water. Today, North Manitou Light Keepers leads preservation of the station.
Todd’s photographs show the tower from the water, with changing views of the surrounding shoreline and lake. The white walls, dark lantern, and broad concrete platform make the station easy to recognize from a distance.
Visitor Information
- Offshore setting
- The lighthouse lies roughly eight miles from Leland and one mile off North Manitou Island. There is no road or walking access.
- Organized visits
- North Manitou Light Keepers offers a limited tour program and private arrangements. Check the official tour information for current availability, booking requirements, and departure details.
- Boarding and stairs
- Visits involve transferring from a boat and climbing multiple flights of stairs; conditions may require ladder access. Review the operator’s physical requirements before booking.
- Weather and viewing
- Wind and waves can prevent boarding or cancel a trip. A boat-based view may be possible when interior access is not. Confirm your operator’s route and plans in advance.
- Photography
- A wider frame captures the lighthouse’s isolated setting. From another angle, wooded hills and pale bluffs provide a backdrop to the tower. Keep equipment secure while aboard.
Photo Gallery
Four views of North Manitou Shoal Lighthouse. Select a photograph to view it larger.
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