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Michigan Island Lighthouse

Fl white🇺🇸Northern Wisconsin, USInactive

Location & Light Range

About Michigan Island Lighthouse

The Michigan Island Light Station, established in 1857, consists of a white tower standing 36 meters tall. Its focal plane reaches 19.5 meters above the water, providing a geographic range of 11 nautical miles. The light emits a white flash. The station is part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, situated in western Lake Superior. While a light was first lit in 1857, the current operational status is false.

Why it matters: The Michigan Island Light Station 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
19.5m
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
46.8711°
Longitude
-90.4970°

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 13.2 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Bayfield (14 NM WSW), Ashland (22.7 NM SW), White Pine (38.2 NM E), Silver Bay (39.6 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Michigan Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Michigan Island Lighthouse is currently listed as inactive. It may have been decommissioned, replaced by a different navigation aid, or temporarily taken out of service. Mariners should check the latest Notices to Mariners for current status.
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.