A white tower and red roofs rise above the sandstone shore at Jacobsville. Portage River Lighthouse preserves the story of the Keweenaw’s original southern waterway entrance in a wooded Lake Superior setting.
Quick Facts
| Location | Jacobsville, Houghton County, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Waterway | Keweenaw Bay · Lake Superior |
| First station | 1856 |
| Present station | Rebuilt in 1869 |
| Tower height | 51 feet |
| Discontinued | 1920 |
| Ownership | Private ownership |
| Access | Designated gravel viewing area · Property access on scheduled open-house days |
History & Description
The first Portage River lighthouse was completed in 1856 as shipping expanded with the Keweenaw’s copper and sandstone industries. It marked the waterway entrance from Lake Superior.
Deterioration prompted a replacement in 1869. The rebuilt station combined a 51-foot sandstone tower with a brick keeper’s dwelling linked by a passageway. The tower’s pale exterior and red lantern remain distinctive features of the shoreline.
The light was discontinued in 1920 when the Keweenaw Waterway Lower Entrance Light took over the navigational role nearby. The old station eventually passed into private ownership.
Today, the owners are restoring the property. Todd’s elevated photographs show the station’s relationship to the rocky shore and surrounding forest, while the ground-level view focuses on the keeper’s dwelling.
Visitor Information
- Finding the station
- The lighthouse is at 38741 Jacobs Street in Jacobsville, with a Lake Linden mailing address.
- Viewing area
- The owners permit exterior viewing from the designated gravel area at the road’s end beside the fence. Stay in that area and respect neighboring properties.
- Property access
- This is private property and an active restoration site. Entry is generally limited to scheduled open-house days. Check the owners’ official visitor information before visiting; do not enter through the gate without authorization.
- Views from the water
- A boat trip offers a different perspective on the sandstone shoreline and lighthouse. Check local tour availability and lake conditions when planning a water-based visit.
Photo Gallery
Four views of the Portage River light station at Jacobsville. Select a photograph to view it larger.
Keep Exploring
Explore Keweenaw Waterway Lower Entrance →