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Whitefish Point Lighthouse Lighthouse

Fl W 20s🇺🇸Whitefish Bay/Lake Superior, MI, USOperational

The Whitefish Point Lighthouse began operations in 1861, with its current tower standing 23 meters tall. Its focal height reaches 24 meters above the water. This Michigan state historic site is situated on the southeastern shores of Lake Superior, marking the entrance to Whitefish Bay. It is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The light emits a white color.

Why it matters: Whitefish Point is known as the "Graveyard of the Great Lakes" due to numerous shipwrecks. All vessels entering or exiting Lake Superior must pass near this point.

Background
The Whitefish Point Light is a lighthouse located in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Michigan. Located on the southeastern shores of Lake Superior, it sits at the edge of Whitefish Point leading to Whitefish Bay. Constructed in 1849 by congress, it is the oldest operating lighthouse in the Upper Peninsula. All vessels entering or exiting Lake Superior pass near Whitefish Point. The area is infamously known as the "Graveyard of the Great Lakes" due to the high number of shipwrecks in the area, most famously the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. The lighthouse is part of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum complex, which contains numerous relics from shipwrecks of the Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve, including the bell of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. The lighthouse itself was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and again as a Michigan State Historic Site in 1974.
Characteristic Signature
Fl W 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
20s
Focal Height
24m
Light Range
15NM (27.8 km)
Year Built
1861
Heritage Status
Michigan state historic site
Tower Height
23m
City
Whitefish Bay/Lake Superior, MI
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
46.7711°
Longitude
-84.9575°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How far offshore can Whitefish Point Lighthouse Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 24 meters and a nominal range of 15 nautical miles (approximately 27.8 km), Whitefish Point Lighthouse is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Whitefish Point Lighthouse Lighthouse at night?+
Whitefish Point Lighthouse displays the characteristic Fl W 20s — 1 white flash every 20 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 Whitefish Point Lighthouse Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Whitefish Point Lighthouse Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Sault Sainte Marie at 29.9 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Sault-Sainte-Marie (30 NM ESE), Brevort (45.4 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Whitefish Point Lighthouse Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Whitefish Point Lighthouse 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 Whitefish Point Lighthouse Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Whitefish Point Lighthouse 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.