Name and Location

The St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse is located at 4G84+CJ, St. Joseph, MI, USA, situated on Lake Michigan's shores.

Construction and History

The St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse was constructed in 1907, replacing an earlier structure built in 1851. The original lighthouse was destroyed by a storm in 1893, prompting the construction of the current tower. The lighthouse was designed in the octagonal style and features a white-painted exterior with a distinctive red band at the top.

Architecture and Materials

The St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse stands at a height of 16 feet (4.9 meters) with a focal height of 65 feet (19.8 meters). The lighthouse was designed in the octagonal style and features a white-painted exterior with a distinctive red band at the top.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse is operated by the United States Coast Guard and uses an Iso White light with a characteristic of Fl(3)W.15s, visible for 7 nautical miles (13 kilometers). The light's period is 2 seconds, and it is conspicuous from all directions due to its height and location.

Accessibility and Visiting

Although the lighthouse is not open to the public for climbing or exploration, it can be viewed from a distance along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Visitors can access the surrounding area through the St. Joseph North Pier, which offers scenic views of the lake and the lighthouse.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse is situated on a pier extending into Lake Michigan, surrounded by the city of St. Joseph's scenic shoreline and beach areas. The nearby landscape features rolling hills, sandy beaches, and beautiful sunsets.

Anecdotes and Folklore

• One notable event in the lighthouse's history is the shipwreck of the SS Eastland in 1915, which led to significant changes in maritime safety regulations.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 under criteria A and C, acknowledging its significance in maritime history and its architectural design. The United States Coast Guard operates the lighthouse.

Further Information

Visitors can access the surrounding area through the St. Joseph North Pier, which offers scenic views of the lake and the lighthouse. No entrance fee or guided tours are required. The city of St. Joseph offers various attractions, including beaches, parks, and historic sites. Nearby towns like Benton Harbor and Stevensville also feature their own unique charm and attractions.