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Grand Traverse Lighthouse

Fl W 6s🇺🇸Michigan's Western Lower Peninsula, USInactive

The Grand Traverse Light was first lit in 1852. The present tower was constructed in 1858 to replace an earlier structure built in the same year. This white lighthouse stands 14.5 meters above the water. Its light emits a white flash characteristic. The structure is located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula in Michigan.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public as a museum.

Background
Grand Traverse Light is a lighthouse in the U.S. state of Michigan, located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, which separates Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. It marks the Manitou passage, where Lake Michigan elides into Grand Traverse Bay. In 1858, the present light was built, replacing a separate round tower built in 1852. The lighthouse is located inside Leelanau State Park, 8 miles (13 km) north of Northport, a town of about 650 people. This area, in the Michigan wine country, is commonly visited by tourists during the summer months.
Characteristic Signature
Fl W 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
14.5m
Year Built
1852
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place
Open to public
museum
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Tower Color
white
City
Michigan's Western Lower Peninsula
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
45.2102°
Longitude
-85.5501°
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How do mariners identify Grand Traverse Lighthouse at night?+
Grand Traverse 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 Grand Traverse Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Grand Traverse Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is CHARLEVOIX at 13.4 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include LELAND (14.4 NM SW), Suttons Bay (14.4 NM SSW), EAST JORDAN (17.9 NM E), Elk rapids (19.5 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Grand Traverse Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Grand Traverse Lighthouse is currently listed as inactive. It may have been decommissioned, replaced by a different navigation aid, or temporarily taken out of service. Mariners should check the latest Notices to Mariners for current status.
How can I track vessels near Grand Traverse Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Grand Traverse 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.