A white tower, a red-roofed dwelling, and a boardwalk to Lake Superior: Point Iroquois brings the working history of Whitefish Bay into a quiet shoreline setting near Brimley.
Quick Facts
| Location | Bay Mills Township, near Brimley, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Waterway | Whitefish Bay · Lake Superior, approaching the St. Marys River |
| Station established | 1855 |
| Present lighthouse | Built in 1870 |
| Tower height | 65 feet |
| Status | Inactive historic lighthouse |
| Ownership | U.S. Forest Service · Hiawatha National Forest |
| Setting | Shoreline grounds, boardwalk, and historic keeper’s dwelling |
History & Description
The Point Iroquois light station was established in 1855 as shipping grew through the entrance to the St. Marys River. Its position on Whitefish Bay helped mark the transition between open Lake Superior and the route toward Sault Ste. Marie.
The present lighthouse was built in 1870. Its tapering white brick tower and black lantern rise beside the attached keeper’s dwelling, whose red roof makes a striking contrast with the surrounding trees and lake.
The preserved station is part of Hiawatha National Forest. In 2022, the Forest Service announced an agreement with the Bay Mills Indian Community to manage the lighthouse and museum, bringing Anishinaabe history and culture into the interpretation of this shoreline.
The setting is as much a part of the visit as the tower itself. Todd’s photographs follow the boardwalk through shoreline vegetation, look back from the beach, and reveal the brickwork and lantern from below.
Visitor Information
- Getting there
- The lighthouse is on West Lakeshore Drive near Brimley, along the Lake Superior shore in Hiawatha National Forest.
- Grounds and shoreline
- Explore the station setting and follow the designated paths and boardwalk toward the shore. The Forest Service describes an accessible loop of approximately 0.2 mile through the woods and shoreline area.
- Interior visits and restoration
- Museum and tower access depend on operating schedules and restoration work. The Forest Service has published updates about renovations; check its Point Iroquois visitor information for current conditions before planning an interior visit.
- Photography
- The boardwalk offers leading lines toward the station, while the beach gives a wider view of the tower and dwelling. Stay on designated routes and respect any restoration barriers.
Photo Gallery
Eight views of Point Iroquois and its Lake Superior setting. Select a photograph to view it larger.