Name and Location

The Middle Island Light is located at 5MVH+7J, Rockport, Michigan, USA (45°11'29"N, -83°19'3"W), on a small island approximately 1.2 miles off the coast of Rockport, Michigan, in Alpena County.

Construction and History

Built in 1895, the Middle Island Light is a late 19th-century lighthouse that was constructed to serve as a vital aid to navigation for mariners traversing Lake Huron. Although it is no longer an active aid to navigation, it has been converted into a museum and visitor center, offering insight into its rich maritime history.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse was designed by renowned architect Joseph A. Bouvier and features a distinctive black-and-white striped tower with a square base and a red lantern room. The structure is built using brick and mortar, with a steel frame supporting the lantern room. Standing 47 feet tall, the lighthouse has a focal height of approximately 55 feet.

Light and Navigation

Originally equipped with a third-order Fresnel lens, the Middle Island Light emitted a fixed white light with a range of about 15 nautical miles (28 km). Although automated in 1965, it still maintains its original light characteristic.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse remains accessible to visitors who can explore the tower and learn about its rich history. Visitors can access the light via guided tours, which provide a unique opportunity to experience life at sea during the late 19th century. Open year-round, visitors can explore the Middle Island Light during guided tours from April to October. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the top of the lighthouse tower, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Lake Huron and the surrounding landscape, which is characterized by rolling hills and dense forests.

Anecdotes and Folklore

The Middle Island Light has played a crucial role in several significant maritime events throughout its history. Notably, it served as an important aid to navigation for mariners during the Great Lakes shipping industry's heyday in the early 20th century. Visitors can learn about these stories through guided tours and exhibits.

Technical and Operational Details

The Middle Island Light is listed as a National Historic Landmark (NHL) and is considered significant for its contribution to the maritime history of the United States. The lighthouse is managed by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), which ensures the preservation and maintenance of this historic aid to navigation.

Further Information

For more information on the Middle Island Light, please visit its Wikipedia page or consult the references listed below:

• 1. United States Coast Guard (USCG). (n.d.). Middle Island Light. Retrieved from <https://www.uscg.mil/history/structures/middle-island-light/>
• 2. National Historic Landmarks Program. (n.d.). Middle Island Light. Retrieved from <https://www.nps.gov/nhl/treasures/0047.htm>