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Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance Lighthouse

Fl W 15s🇺🇸Michigan's Western Upper Peninsula, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance Lighthouse

A white, 21-meter tower stands 25 meters above sea level. Since 1950, this lighthouse has emitted a white flash, offering a geographic range of 15 nautical miles. Its construction in 1950 marked a new era for navigation at the waterway's northern entry. The light guides vessels entering the Portage River from Lake Superior. The structure is situated at the north end of the Portage River within McLain State Park.

Why it matters: This lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

Background
The Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance Light is a lighthouse located at the north end of the Portage River in McLain State Park in Hancock Township, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
25m
Geographic Range
15NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1950
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
LLNR 15120
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q28376357 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
21m
Tower Color
white

Location

City
Michigan's Western Upper Peninsula
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
47.2345°
Longitude
-88.6304°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance Lighthouse at night?+
Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance displays the characteristic Fl W 15s — 1 white flash every 15 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 Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is MARKHAMS at 5.7 NM to the S. Other ports served include HOUGHTON (7.1 NM SSE), Baraga (28.1 NM SSE), Ontonagon (35.7 NM SW), White Pine (48.7 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance 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 Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance 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.