A tall white tower watches over the rocky shore near the tip of Michigan’s Thumb. Pointe aux Barques combines an active Lake Huron beacon with a preserved station and maritime museum.
Quick Facts
| Location | Lighthouse County Park, near Port Hope, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Waterway | Lake Huron |
| First lighthouse | 1848 |
| Present tower | 1857 · 89 feet |
| Status | Active aid to navigation |
| Ownership | Huron County |
| Light operation | U.S. Coast Guard |
| Museum | Pointe aux Barques Maritime Museum |
History & Description
The first lighthouse here opened in 1848. Weather damage and a dwelling fire led to its replacement in 1857 by the brick station that survives today.
The 89-foot tower is attached to the keeper’s house. Its white masonry, dark lantern, and narrow profile stand out against the trees and open lake. The Coast Guard continues to operate the light remotely.
A life-saving station joined the site in 1876. Its buildings were later moved away for preservation, then returned to Lighthouse Park in 2017. Together, the light and rescue station tell complementary stories of navigation and survival on Lake Huron.
Todd’s photographs show the tower from the lawn, the ramp beside the station buildings, and the exposed rocky shoreline. The close view highlights the scale of the brick tower, while the wider compositions place it among trees, grasses, and wildflowers.
Visitor Information
- Find the station
- Visit Lighthouse County Park at 7320 Lighthouse Road, Port Hope, Michigan, off M-25.
- Museum and tower
- The museum operates seasonally, and tower access follows its published schedule. Check the Pointe aux Barques Maritime Museum’s current calendar, hours, and admission information before traveling.
- Plan your visit
- Allow time for the museum, station grounds, and lake views. Follow posted park rules and any signs controlling access to historic buildings.
- Shoreline photography
- The lawn offers a full station view; the shore adds rock formations and water to the foreground. Wear secure footwear near uneven rocks and stay back from waves and slippery edges.
Photo Gallery
Six views of Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse and its Lake Huron setting. Select a photograph to view it larger.
Keep Exploring
Explore Harbor Beach Lighthouse →