Point Iroquois Lighthouse
13042-13260 W Lakeshore Dr, Brimley, MI 49715, USA
Name and Location
The Point Iroquois Lighthouse stands tall on the shores of Lake Superior in Brimley, Michigan, United States.
Construction and History
Built in 1895 by the United States Lighthouse Service, the Point Iroquois Lighthouse was constructed from native stone and brick. The original light source was a first-order Fresnel lens, which was later replaced with an electric beacon.
Architecture and Materials
The structure is cylindrical, rising 56 feet (17 meters) above the ground. It has been lovingly restored to preserve its stunning architecture.
Light and Navigation
Originally operated by a keeper who would need to climb the tower to maintain the light source, the lighthouse was later automated in 1969 with the conversion to an electric beacon, eliminating the need for human intervention. Today, the lighthouse is no longer used as a navigation aid but remains an important part of Michigan's maritime history and technology.
Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can reach the Point Iroquois Lighthouse by car or foot along West Lakeshore Drive in Brimley. The museum offers guided tours, and on-site facilities include picnic areas and restrooms. Open hours vary depending on the season; please check with the managing authority for more information.
Notable Views and Landscape
The surrounding area is characterized by rugged terrain and dense forests, with the nearby Westons Iroquois Beach offering scenic views of Lake Superior and the surrounding landscape.
Anecdotes and Folklore
N/A
Technical and Operational Details
The lighthouse was originally operated by a keeper who would need to climb the tower to maintain the light source. In 1969, with the advent of automation, the light was converted to an electric beacon, eliminating the need for human intervention.
Further Information
The Point Iroquois Lighthouse has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974 and serves as a museum and tourist attraction.
Details
Name | Point Iroquois Lighthouse |
---|---|
City | Brimley |
Country | United States |
Coordinates | 46.4842788, -84.6323399 |
Website | https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=566 |
Year of construction | 1895 |
Events | shipwrecks or rescues |
Historic significance | Michigan's maritime heritage |
Architect | United States Lighthouse Service |
Construction material | native stone and brick |
Tower height | 56 |
Heritage status | true |
Renovations | lovingly restored |
Access description | by car or foot along West Lakeshore Drive |
Accessible | true |
Landscape type | rugged terrain and dense forests |
View description | breathtaking views of Lake Superior and the surrounding landscape |
Guided tours | true |
Facilities | picnic areas, restrooms |
Opening hours | {"description":"vary depending on the season","reference":"check with the managing authority"} |
Nearby attractions | Westons Iroquois Beach |
AIS Radar | false |
Automated | true |