Grand Marais Harbor of Refuge Inner Light
Au Sable Lighthouse, Coast Guard Loop, Grand Marais, MI 49839, USA
Name and Location
The Grand Marais Harbor of Refuge Inner Light is located in Grand Marais, Michigan, USA, near the intersection of Coast Guard Loop and Au Sable Lighthouse.
Construction and History
Built in 1896 by the U.S. Coast Guard, the inner light was constructed to serve as an aid to navigation for vessels approaching the harbor. It has been guiding mariners for over a century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (#12000254) since 2012.
Architecture and Materials
The lighthouse stands at a height of approximately 30 feet (9 meters) with a focal plane height of around 40 feet (12 meters). Its architectural style is characterized by a simple, rectangular tower with a pyramidal roof and a lantern room atop.
Light and Navigation
The inner light has a range of approximately 5 nautical miles (9 kilometers), emitting a characteristic Fl(3)W.15s pattern to guide mariners safely into the harbor.
Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can access the outer light via a short walk from the parking area or by taking a guided tour. However, please note that the inner light is not open to the public due to safety concerns.
Notable Views and Landscape
From its vantage point overlooking Lake Superior, the Grand Marais Harbor of Refuge Inner Light offers breathtaking views of the surrounding waters and the picturesque town of Grand Marais. The lighthouse stands amidst a stunning natural setting, with the surrounding landscape featuring dense forests, rocky outcroppings, and the majestic Lake Superior shoreline.
Anecdotes and Folklore
Unfortunately, there are no notable shipwrecks or significant historical events associated with this inner light.
Technical and Operational Details
The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for maintaining and operating the Grand Marais Harbor of Refuge Inner Light.
Further Information
- National Register of Historic Places: 12000254
- Lighthousefriends.com: https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=723
- Wikipedia: en:Grand Marais Harbor of Refuge Inner and Outer Lights
Details
| Name | Grand Marais Harbor of Refuge Inner Light |
|---|---|
| City | Grand Marais |
| Country | Usa |
| Coordinates | 46.6766361, -85.9713028 |
| Website | https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=723 |
| Year of construction | 1896 |
| Historic significance | Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (#12000254) |
| Stories | Notable shipwrecks or significant historical events |
| Architectural style | simple, rectangular tower with a pyramidal roof and a lantern room atop |
| Focal height | 40 |
| Tower height | 30 |
| Access description | Guided tour |
| Accessible | false |
| Parking | true |
| Landscape type | dense forests, rocky outcroppings, and the majestic Lake Superior shoreline |
| View description | Breathtaking views of the surrounding waters and the picturesque town of Grand Marais |
| Guided tours | true |
| Facilities | Toilets, Café, Gift shop |
| Nearby attractions | Au Sable Lighthouse |
| Light characteristic | Fl(3)W.15s |
| Light range | 5 |
| Automated | true |