Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Au Sable Lighthouse

Fl W 6s🇺🇸Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Au Sable Lighthouse

Construction of the Au Sable Light was completed in 1874, with its first illumination that same year. The lighthouse stands 27 meters tall, with its light positioned 30.5 meters above the water. Its distinctive tower is painted orange. The light emits a white flash. It is located west of Grand Marais within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Why it matters: This structure is recognized as a Michigan state historic site.

Background
Au Sable Light is an active lighthouse in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore west of Grand Marais, Michigan off H-58. Until 1910, this aid to navigation was called "Big Sable Light" (not to be confused with Big Sable Point Light near Ludington, Michigan on Lake Michigan or Little Sable Point Light south of Pentwater, Michigan).

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Focal Height
30.5m

Construction & History

Year Built
1874
Heritage Status
Michigan state historic site

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q4818964 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
27m
Tower Color
#f68855

Location

City
Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
46.6731°
Longitude
-86.1392°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Au Sable Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near US, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Au Sable Lighthouse at night?+
Au Sable displays the characteristic Fl W 6s — 1 white flash every 6 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Au Sable Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Au Sable Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is MUNISING at 26.2 NM to the SW. Other ports served include MANISTIQUE (43.6 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Au Sable Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Au Sable Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Au Sable Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Au Sable Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.