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Gravelly Shoal Lighthouse

Fl R 6s🇺🇸Michigan's Eastern Lower Peninsula, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Gravelly Shoal Lighthouse

Gravelly Shoals Light is an active aid to navigation situated on shallow shoals that extend southeast from Point Lookout. This automated lighthouse, built in 1939, stands 20 meters tall with its focal plane at 23 meters. It emits a red light, helping vessels navigate the western side of Saginaw Bay. The structure, designed in an Art Deco style, is located approximately 4.3 kilometers offshore. It has been operational since its construction in 1939.

Why it matters: The lighthouse was constructed to guide vessels through the deeper channel situated between the southeastern end of Gravelly Shoals and Charity Island.

Background
Gravelly Shoals Light is an automated lighthouse that is an active aid to navigation on the shallow shoals extending southeast from Point Lookout on the western side of Saginaw Bay. The light is situated about 2.7 miles (4.3 km) offshore and was built to help guide boats through the deeper water between the southeast end of Gravelly Shoals and Charity Island. Architecturally this is considered to be Art Deco style.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl R 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Focal Height
23m

Construction & History

Year Built
1939

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5597861 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
20m

Location

City
Michigan's Eastern Lower Peninsula
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
44.0167°
Longitude
-83.5333°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Gravelly Shoal Lighthouse at night?+
Gravelly Shoal displays the characteristic Fl R 6s — 1 red 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. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Gravelly Shoal Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Gravelly Shoal Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is AU GRES at 5.7 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include JERRY'S (15.3 NM NNE), TAWAS CITY (15.5 NM N), GREAT LAKES SHORES (15.5 NM WSW), SEBEWAING (17.2 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Gravelly Shoal Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Gravelly Shoal 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 Gravelly Shoal Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Gravelly Shoal 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.