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Tawas Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇺🇸USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tawas Lighthouse

Also known as: Tawas (Tawas Point Fog Horn)

This modern navigational light was established in 2016, continuing a long tradition of maritime guidance at Tawas Point. The active light was moved by the Coast Guard to its current location on the tip of Tawas Point, about 800 meters southwest of the original station established in 1899. The current structure is a 14-meter tall square skeletal tower made of steel. It emits a white flash every 4 seconds and has a geographic range of 11.6 nautical miles. While the tower is closed to the public, the site remains open, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of the area and its maritime history.

Why it matters: This light marks the tip of Tawas Point, a significant landmass on Lake Huron, ensuring safe passage for vessels in the area.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
14m
Geographic Range
11.6NM

Construction & History

First Lit
2016

Significant events: station established 1899, light added in 2016, Coast Guard moved the active light to this location in September 2016

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Material
steel

Structure: A 14m square skeletal tower.

Location

Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Michigan
Sea Region
Tip of Tawas Point on Lake Huron, 1/2 mi (800 m) southwest of the original lighthouse
Latitude
44.2485°
Longitude
-83.4600°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Tawas City(1.9 km)
USCG No.
7-11240
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tawas Lighthouse at night?+
Tawas displays the characteristic Fl White 4s. 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 Tawas Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tawas Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is JERRY'S at 1.1 NM to the NE. Other ports served include TAWAS CITY (2.2 NM NW), OSCODA (11.2 NM NNE), AU GRES (14.5 NM SW), GREAT LAKES SHORES (25.4 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tawas Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tawas 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 Tawas Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tawas 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.