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Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer Lighthouse

Fl R 10s🇺🇸Michigan's Western Lower Peninsula, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer Lighthouse

This red, 13-meter tower stands at the outer end of the south pier where the Grand River meets Lake Michigan. Its focal height is also 13 meters, and it emits a single white flash. The light has a geographic range of 15 nautical miles. This structure serves as the outer of two lights marking the Grand Haven south pier entrance.

Why it matters: A lighthouse has existed at this location since 1839, and the structure was offered for sale in 2009 under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.

Background
Grand Haven South Pierhead Entrance Light is the outer 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
Fl R 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
15NM

Location

City
Michigan's Western Lower Peninsula
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
43.0569°
Longitude
-86.2561°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Color
red

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
LLNR 18965
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q16840774 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer Lighthouse at night?+
Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer displays the characteristic Fl R 10s — 1 red 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer 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 (2.4 NM ENE), KEENAN (2.5 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 Outer Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer 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 Outer Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer 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.