Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Ile Aux Galets Lighthouse

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

Location & Light Range

About Ile Aux Galets Lighthouse

A 18-meter tall tower with a focal height of 17.5 meters, this lighthouse first became operational in 1888. Its light displays a white color. The structure is situated on Ile Aux Galets, a low-lying island in northeast Lake Michigan. This location lies between Beaver Island and the mainland, about 7 miles northwest of Cross Village. Originally known as Skillagalee Island Light, the station's name has seen variations over time, with both Ile Aux Galets and Skillagalee being officially used in different periods.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It warns vessels away from the reefs and shoals of Waugoshance Point.

Background
Ile Aux Galets Light, also known as Skillagalee Island Light, is located on Ile Aux Galets (more commonly known as Skillagalee Island), a gravelly, low-lying island in northeast Lake Michigan, between Beaver Island and the mainland, approximately 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Cross Village in Emmet County, Michigan. Along with nearby Grays Reef, Waugoshance, and White Shoal Lights, it warns shipping away from the reefs and shoals of Waugoshance Point, which pose an imminent hazard to navigation. United States Lighthouse Board records initially used both names when referring to the lighthouse, but by 1889 Skillagalee started to be used exclusively. Around 1910, Ile Aux Galets started to be used again, and it is listed by that name on modern light lists published by the United States Coast Guard.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Focal Height
17.5m

Construction & History

Year Built
1888
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5997383 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18m

Location

City
Michigan's Western Lower Peninsula
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
45.6760°
Longitude
-85.1729°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Ile Aux Galets Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near US, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ile Aux Galets Lighthouse at night?+
Ile Aux Galets 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 Ile Aux Galets Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ile Aux Galets Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Beaver Island at 15 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Harbor Springs (17.2 NM SSE), MACKINAW CITY (19.8 NM ENE), PETOSKEY (20 NM SSE), Brevort (21.3 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ile Aux Galets Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ile Aux Galets 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 Ile Aux Galets Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ile Aux Galets 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.