Sand Hills feels as much like a substantial lakeside residence as a lighthouse. Its square tower rises from a broad, symmetrical yellow-brick building, framed by dense woodland and the open water of Lake Superior. Todd’s aerial photographs show the relationship clearly: the long approach through the trees, the station buildings, and the quiet sweep of shoreline.
Quick Facts
| Location | Five Mile Point Road · near Ahmeek, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Waterway | Lake Superior · Keweenaw Peninsula |
| First lit | 1919 |
| Tower design | Square yellow-brick tower integrated with the dwelling |
| Original optic | Fourth-order Fresnel lens |
| Automated | 1939 |
| Deactivated | 1954 |
| Ownership | Private |
| Access | Private property; do not assume public grounds or tower access |
History & Description
Completed in 1919, Sand Hills joined the chain of lights along Lake Superior’s Keweenaw coast. Its lantern originally held a fourth-order Fresnel lens. The lighthouse was automated in 1939, served briefly as a Coast Guard training facility during World War II, and was decommissioned in 1954.
The station subsequently passed into private ownership. In the 1990s, the historic building was converted into a bed-and-breakfast. That chapter is part of its history rather than a guarantee that lodging is available today.
The architecture gives Sand Hills a distinctive silhouette. Instead of a freestanding round tower, a tall square shaft rises between two broad wings. Warm masonry, restrained trim, and a small dark lantern contrast with the surrounding green canopy. A separate low building stands along the approach, while the lawn opens toward the lake behind the main station.
Visitor Information
- Setting
- The lighthouse stands on private lakeshore property off Five Mile Point Road near Ahmeek, on the western side of the Keweenaw Peninsula.
- Access
- Treat the grounds, driveway, and tower as private. Published tourism listings conflict about guest access, and older inn descriptions remain online. Do not enter beyond gates or posted boundaries without the owner’s permission, and confirm arrangements directly before planning a visit.
- Photography
- The surrounding forest can screen the building from land. These aerial views document its lakeside setting; they do not indicate public access to the property. Photograph only from locations where you have permission to be.
Historical reference: U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office. Visitor listings: Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association. Access information reviewed October 29, 2026.
Photo Gallery
Two aerial views of the lighthouse and its Lake Superior setting. Select a photograph to view it larger.