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Detour Reef Lighthouse

Fl WR 10s🇨🇦Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Detour Reef Lighthouse

Located in Lake Huron, this lighthouse marks the southern entrance to DeTour Passage, the gateway to Lake Superior. The automated light aids navigation for commercial freighters and recreational vessels. The DeTour Reef Light stands 19 meters tall with its focal plane at 22.5 meters. It emits a white and red light, guiding mariners through the passage that separates Michigan's Upper Peninsula from Drummond Island. Approximately 5,000 vessel movements are recorded annually through this waterway.

Why it matters: The DeTour Reef Light is recognized as a Michigan state historic site.

Background
The DeTour Reef Light is a non-profit-operated lighthouse marking the southern entrance of the DeTour Passage between the eastern end of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Drummond Island. The light is an automated active aid to navigation. It marks the northern end of Lake Huron. The passage is used by almost all of the Great Lakes commercial freighter traffic moving to and from Lake Superior, with approximately 5,000 vessel movements annually. It is said to be "the gateway to Lake Superior." In addition, many recreational boaters use the passage. The Light is located in Lake Huron, three miles (5 km) south of the nearest town, DeTour Village, Michigan.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl WR 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
WR
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
10s
Focal Height
22.5m

Construction & History

Heritage Status
Michigan state historic site

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5244123 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
19m

Location

City
Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula
Country
🇨🇦CA
Latitude
45.9492°
Longitude
-83.9034°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Detour Reef Lighthouse at night?+
Detour Reef displays the characteristic Fl WR 10s — 1 wr flash every 10 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. The wr color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Detour Reef Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Detour Reef Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is DRUMMOND ISLAND at 2.5 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include De Tour Village (2.7 NM N), CEDARVILLE (19.3 NM W), THESSALON MUNICIPAL (23.4 NM NE), CHEBOYGAN (29.6 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Detour Reef Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Detour Reef 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 Detour Reef Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Detour Reef 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.