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Detroit River Light Lighthouse

Fl (2) W 6s🇺🇸Detroit River/Lake Erie, MI, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Detroit River Light Lighthouse

Constructed in 1885, this sparkplug lighthouse stands 15 meters tall with a focal height of 17 meters. Its white tower is situated in Lake Erie, south of the Detroit River's mouth. The light emits a white flash with a geographic range of 10.4 nautical miles. The lighthouse is located approximately 0.4 nautical miles from the Canadian border. A lightship previously marked this location starting in 1875.

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

Background
The Detroit River Light, also known as Bar Point Shoal Light, was first established as a lightship in 1875. The current sparkplug lighthouse was built in 1885. It sits in Lake Erie, south of the mouth of the Detroit River, 1.75 nautical miles (3.24 km; 2.01 mi) from land and about 20 nautical miles (23 mi; 37 km) from the Ambassador Bridge in the Detroit River. It is about 0.4 nautical miles (0.74 km; 0.46 mi) from the border with Canada, and just under 24 nautical miles (44 km; 28 mi) from Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Its original 4th order Fresnel lens is on loan to the Michigan Maritime Museum.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) W 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
17m
Light Range
19NM (35.2 km)
Geographic Range
10.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1885
Heritage Status
Michigan state historic site

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5266004 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Color
white

Location

City
Detroit River/Lake Erie, MI
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
42.0007°
Longitude
-83.1407°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Detroit River Light Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 17 meters and a nominal range of 19 nautical miles (approximately 35.2 km), Detroit River Light is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Detroit River Light Lighthouse at night?+
Detroit River Light displays the characteristic Fl (2) W 6s — 2 white flashes 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 Detroit River Light Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Detroit River Light Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is LAKE ERIE METRO PARK at 3.8 NM to the NW. Other ports served include LAKE POINTE (4 NM NW), Grosse Ile (5.3 NM N), Amherstburg (6 NM N), GIBRALTAR (6.2 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Detroit River Light Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Detroit River Light 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 Detroit River Light Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Detroit River Light 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.