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Grays Reef Lighthouse

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

Location & Light Range

About Grays Reef Lighthouse

Grays Reef Light stands 20 meters tall with its focal plane at 25 meters. This structure emits a red light. It is located 3.8 miles west of Waugoshance Island in northeastern Lake Michigan. The lighthouse serves the western Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

Why it matters: This light is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Background
The Grays Reef Light is a lighthouse located in northeastern Lake Michigan, 3.8 miles (6.1 km) west of Waugoshance Island in Bliss Township, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl R 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
10s
Focal Height
25m

Construction & History

Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5598372 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
20m

Location

City
Michigan's Western Lower Peninsula
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
45.7667°
Longitude
-85.1500°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Grays Reef Lighthouse at night?+
Grays Reef 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 Grays Reef Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Grays Reef Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Beaver Island at 15.4 NM to the W. Other ports served include Brevort (15.8 NM NNE), MACKINAW CITY (17.9 NM E), Harbor Springs (21.8 NM SSE), Mackinac Island (22.9 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Grays Reef Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Grays Reef 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 Grays Reef Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Grays Reef 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.