Name and Location

The Manitou Island Lighthouse is situated in Copper Harbor, Michigan, USA, on the shores of Lake Superior. Its official name is the Manitou Island Lighthouse, while locals affectionately refer to it as simply "Manitou". The lighthouse's address is 86VJCC97+V5, Copper Harbor, MI 49918, and its coordinates are (latitude: 47.4197006, longitude: -87.5870182).

Construction and History

Built in 1850, the Manitou Island Lighthouse represents a significant milestone in maritime history during the mid-19th century. The lighthouse has been guiding mariners since its construction.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architectural style is characterized by its distinctive red brick and white trim exterior, constructed using brick and wood materials. Standing 13 feet (4 meters) tall with a focal height of 130 feet (40 meters), the Manitou Island Lighthouse towers above Lake Superior.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse's light range extends approximately 15 nautical miles, with a characteristic pattern of Fl(3)W.15s, indicating its use as a navigational aid for mariners. While no longer used as an active navigational aid, the Manitou Island Lighthouse remains an important part of maritime history and cultural heritage.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse operates manually, allowing visitors to explore the tower and surrounding grounds. The site is open to the public, with guided tours available upon request. Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds by land or water.

Notable Views and Landscape

Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Superior and surrounding islands while exploring the lighthouse grounds. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills, forests, and rocky shoreline, offering stunning vistas of the lake.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Historical accounts suggest that the Manitou Island Lighthouse played a significant role in guiding vessels through treacherous Lake Superior waters during the 19th century. Several former keepers have shared stories about their experiences at the Manitou Island Lighthouse, highlighting its importance as a vital aid for mariners.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) as part of the Keweenaw National Historical Park. For navigation purposes, mariners can refer to relevant nautical charts (e.g., NOAA chart #14948).

Further Information

Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds by land or water. Opening hours and guided tour information are available upon request. On-site facilities include parking, restrooms, and picnic areas. The surrounding Copper Harbor area offers scenic hiking trails, historic sites, and picturesque views of Lake Superior.