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Gull Island Lighthouse

Fl White 6s🇺🇸Saint James Township, USOperational

A 22-meter triangular skeletal steel tower is situated at the northern extent of Gull Island in Lake Michigan. The structure holds two diamond-shaped daymarks, patterned with a red and white checkerboard. Its light source is positioned 23.5 meters above the lake surface. The illumination is White, flashing once every 6 seconds (Fl W 6s), with a visible distance of 13.9 nautical miles. The existing tower supplanted an original hexagonal skeletal framework. The island itself is designated as a bird sanctuary, with restricted access to the lighthouse facility. The U.S. Coast Guard oversees the functioning light, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers the island.

Why it matters: This navigation aid warns mariners of Gull Island's northern edge and assists passage in the shipping channels west of Beaver Island, 6.5 km away.

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl W 6s
Focal Height
23.5m
Geographic Range
13.9NM

Significant events: Replacement of original tower

Nearest Port
Beaver Island(6.5 km)
USCG No.
7-21530
ARLHS No.
USA-1115
Tower Height
22m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Tower Color
red and white checkerboard pattern
Material
steel

Structure: A 22m triangular skeletal tower carrying two diamond-shaped daymarks colored in a red and white checkerboard pattern.

City
Saint James Township
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Michigan
Sea Region
Lake Michigan, marking the northern tip of Gull Island, about 15 mi (25 km) west of Beaver Island
Latitude
45.8400°
Longitude
-85.5871°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify Gull Island Lighthouse at night?+
Gull Island displays the characteristic Fl White 6s. 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Gull Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Gull Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Beaver Island at 6.3 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Brevort (25.4 NM ENE), MANISTIQUE (28.4 NM WNW), CHARLEVOIX (34.3 NM SSE), Harbor Springs (35.7 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Gull Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Gull Island 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 Gull Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Gull Island 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.