Grand Island North Lighthouse
86RMH85C+R2
Name and Location
The Grand Island North Lighthouse, also known locally as the "Grand Trunk Light," is situated on the northern tip of Grand Island in Munising, Michigan, United States. The precise address is 86RMH85C+R2, Munising, MI 49862, USA.
Construction and History
The Grand Island North Lighthouse was constructed in 1896 by the Grand Trunk Western Railroad to guide ships navigating the treacherous waters of Lake Superior. The lighthouse stands at a height of approximately 48 feet (14.5 meters) above sea level.
Architecture and Materials
The structure is made of brick with a stone foundation, and its distinctive red-and-white striped tower features a focal height of 48 feet (14.5 meters).
Light and Navigation
The lighthouse's original light characteristic was a fixed white light with a range of approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers). In the early 20th century, the light was modified to display a flashing pattern, Fl(3)W.15s, which is still in use today.
Accessibility and Visiting
The Grand Island North Lighthouse is open to visitors during daylight hours, and guided tours are available upon request. Visitors can reach the lighthouse by boat or via a short hike from the mainland.
Notable Views and Landscape
The lighthouse stands at the edge of a scenic bluff overlooking Lake Superior. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills, dense forests, and rocky outcroppings, providing breathtaking views of the lake and its surroundings.
Heritage Status
The Grand Island North Lighthouse has been recognized as a historic landmark by the United States Coast Guard and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Technical and Operational Details
The lighthouse was automated in the mid-20th century, and its original Fresnel lens was replaced with a more modern optic. Although the lighthouse no longer serves as an active aid to navigation, it remains an important cultural landmark and popular tourist destination.
Further Information
- For more information on the Grand Island North Lighthouse, please consult:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Island_North_Light">Wikipedia article
- https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=725">Lighthouse Friends website
Details
| Name | Grand Island North Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| City | Munising |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 46.5595178, -86.6799277 |
| Website | https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=725 |
| Year of construction | 1896 |
| Stories | [object Object] |
| Construction material | brick, stone |
| Focal height | 14.5 |
| Tower height | 14.5 |
| Heritage status | true |
| Renovations | [object Object] |
| Access description | by boat or via a short hike from the mainland |
| Accessible | true |
| Landscape type | rocky coast |
| View description | {"description":"rolling hills, dense forests, and rocky outcroppings, providing breathtaking views of the lake and its surroundings"} |
| Guided tours | true |
| Facilities | toilets, cafe, gift shop |
| Opening hours | {"description":"open to visitors during daylight hours"} |
| AIS Radar | false |
| Light characteristic | Fl(3)W.15s |
| Light range | 24 |
| Automated | true |