Logo

lighthouse-index

Spectacle Reef Lighthouse

86QQQVC5+HX

Name and Location

The Spectacle Reef Lighthouse stands tall in Presque Isle County, Michigan, United States, at coordinates 86QQQVC5+HX. Locals affectionately refer to it as the "Spectacle Reef Light."

Construction and History

The Spectacle Reef Lighthouse was constructed in 1896 during the Late 19th-Century Era, a time when maritime trade and commerce were booming. Its sturdy design and impressive height (approximately 55 feet) were meant to guide ships safely through the treacherous waters surrounding Presque Isle County.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architectural style is characterized by its rectangular tower with a lantern room and an attached dwelling for the keeper. The structure is built using brick and mortar, ensuring its durability against the harsh Lake Huron environment.

Light and Navigation

Standing at approximately 55 feet tall, the Spectacle Reef Lighthouse has a focal height of around 130 feet above sea level. This impressive height allows its light to be visible for an extended distance, helping mariners navigate the treacherous waters surrounding Presque Isle County. The original light was a fixed white light with a range of approximately 15 nautical miles.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is not open to the general public for visits. However, visitors can admire its architecture and history from afar or through guided tours with local authorities.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Huron and the surrounding Presque Isle County coastline. The nearby Lake Huron shoreline offers stunning views, hiking trails, and opportunities for water sports.

Anecdotes and Folklore

There are no notable anecdotes or folklore stories available about this lighthouse.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is no longer an active aid to navigation. Its original light was a fixed white light with a range of approximately 15 nautical miles, but it is currently not functioning as originally intended.

Further Information

For further reading on the history and significance of the Spectacle Reef Lighthouse, please refer to: https://www.lighthousefriends.com">LighthouseFriends.com and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectacle_Reef_Lighthouse">Wikipedia.org.

Details

NameSpectacle Reef Lighthouse
City
CountryUnited States
Coordinates45.7714165, -84.1400393
Websitehttps://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=708
Year of construction1896
Storieslegacy lives on in the form of its striking architecture and historical significance
Architectural stylerectangular tower with a lantern room and an attached dwelling for the keeper
Construction materialbrick and mortar
Focal height130
Tower height55
Access descriptionGuided tours with local authorities
Accessiblefalse
Landscape typenatural beauty with rich maritime history
View descriptionpanoramic view of Lake Huron and the surrounding Presque Isle County coastline
Guided tourstrue
Nearby attractionsLake Huron shoreline offers stunning views, hiking trails, and opportunities for water sports
Light characteristicfixed white light with a range of approximately 15 nautical miles
Light range15
Automatedfalse