zoom_in Click to enlarge

Whitefish Point Light

▲ ▼

description Whitefish Point Light Overview

The Whitefish Point Light is a historic lighthouse situated on a peninsula extending into Lake Superior. Constructed in 1867, it played a vital role in guiding vessels away from hazardous shoreline conditions for over a century. The active beacon continues to operate and now functions as a maritime museum, primarily serving researchers, historians, and those interested in Great Lakes navigation and coastal heritage.

help Whitefish Point Light FAQ

Is Whitefish Point Light still an active lighthouse?

Yes, Whitefish Point Light is still an active aid to navigation on Lake Superior. The station was first lit in 1849, and the present iron tower dates from the Civil War era.

Why is Whitefish Point called the Graveyard of the Great Lakes?

Whitefish Point sits near the route ships take into and out of Lake Superior, where fog, storms, and traffic have caused many wrecks. The nearby Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum displays artifacts including the bell from the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in 1975.

Can visitors tour Whitefish Point Light?

Visitors can explore the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum complex at Whitefish Point in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Access to specific lighthouse structures can vary, but the site includes restored station buildings and maritime exhibits.

What makes Whitefish Point important for ship traffic?

Ships entering or leaving Lake Superior pass near Whitefish Point on the way to or from the Soo Locks. That location made the light one of the most important navigational marks on the lake.

swap_horiz

Looking for Whitefish Point Light alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward