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Michigan Island Lighthouse

Fl white🇺🇸Northern Wisconsin, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Michigan Island Lighthouse

A white, 36-meter tower stands on Michigan Island in northern Wisconsin. Originally built in 1857, the lighthouse was first lit in the same year. Its light reaches 11 nautical miles and projects white flashes. The focal height of the light is 31 meters. The Michigan Island Light Station is part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is a National Register of Historic Places contributing property.

Background
The Michigan Island Light Station is located on Michigan Island in western Lake Superior, within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Two lighthouses stand on the grounds: the older tower, built in 1856, and its much taller successor, erected on the site in 1929. The latter remains in operation.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl white
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
white
Flash Count
1 flash
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
31m
Geographic Range
11NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1857
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places contributing property

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q6837577 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
36m
Tower Color
white

Location

City
Northern Wisconsin
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
46.8667°
Longitude
-90.5000°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Michigan Island Lighthouse at night?+
Michigan Island displays the characteristic Fl white. 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 Michigan Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Michigan Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is LA POINTE at 13 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Bayfield (13.8 NM WSW), Ashland (22.5 NM SW), White Pine (38.3 NM E), Silver Bay (39.7 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Michigan Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Michigan 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 Michigan Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Michigan 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.