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Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner Lighthouse

Occ R 4s🇺🇸Michigan's Western Lower Peninsula, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner Lighthouse

This lighthouse was established in 1881 and first lit the same year. The structure stands 15 meters tall, with its light positioned 16 meters above the water. It emits a red light. This light serves as the inner light for the south pier at Grand Haven, Michigan, marking the entrance where the Grand River meets Lake Michigan. The City of Grand Haven currently owns the pier, with maintenance handled by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Background
Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner Light is the inner light of two lighthouses on the south pier of Grand Haven, Michigan where the Grand River enters Lake Michigan. A lighthouse was first lit there in 1839. The lighthouse was put up for sale in 2009 under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act. The City of Grand Haven now owns the pier, but it is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Occ R 4s
Flash Type
Occ
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
4s
Focal Height
16m

Construction & History

Year Built
1881

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q16840779 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m

Location

City
Michigan's Western Lower Peninsula
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
43.0571°
Longitude
-86.2537°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner Lighthouse at night?+
Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner displays the characteristic Occ R 4s — 1 red flash every 4 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Grand Haven at 1.6 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include SPRING LAKE (2.3 NM ENE), KEENAN (2.4 NM NE), Norton Shores (5.6 NM N), Muskegon (11.1 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner 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 Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner 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.