Name and Location

The Gull Rock Lighthouse is located at 86VJC88P+VF, Copper Harbor, Michigan, USA (47.4171778° N, -87.6638727° W). It is situated on a rocky outcropping in the Lake Superior shoreline, approximately 3 miles northwest of Copper Harbor.

Construction and History

The Gull Rock Lighthouse was constructed in 1886, making it one of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes. The lighthouse was designed by architect J.W. Fagan and built using locally quarried limestone and sandstone. It served as an important aid to navigation for mariners and ships traveling through the treacherous waters of Lake Superior.

Architecture and Materials

The Gull Rock Lighthouse is a 51-foot-tall octagonal structure with a distinctive red-and-white-striped tower, topped with a lantern room containing the original third-order Fresnel lens. The lighthouse's architecture blends elements of Greek Revival and Italianate styles, characteristic of mid-19th century designs.

Light and Navigation

The Gull Rock Lighthouse features a focal height of 130 feet and a light characteristic of Fl (3) W 15s. It was automated in 1982 and has been replaced by modern navigation aids and automated systems.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds and take in the stunning views of Lake Superior, but entrance into the lantern room is not permitted due to safety concerns. Visitors can reach the site via Highway 26 (M-26) from Copper Harbor.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can behold breathtaking vistas of Lake Superior's shoreline, with the surrounding islands and rocky outcroppings stretching out towards the horizon. The site is part of the Upper Peninsula's natural beauty, with an abundance of wildlife and unique geological formations.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was officially commissioned in 1886 to aid navigation on Lake Superior. During World War II, it played a crucial role in guiding Allied ships through treacherous waters.

Further Information

The Gull Rock Lighthouse has been featured in various local and national publications, as well as online galleries showcasing its architectural beauty and stunning surroundings.