Name and Location

The South Manitou Island Lighthouse, also known locally as "Manitou", is located on South Manitou Island in Michigan, USA (coordinates: 45.0075631° N, -86.0938658° W), within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Construction and History

Built in 1870 during the Late 19th Century, this lighthouse was one of the earliest to be constructed on Lake Michigan. It has been guiding mariners since its construction and played a significant role in maritime history.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architecture is characteristic of the Late 19th Century, with a Cylindrical Tower and a Square Keeper's Quarters. The structure was built using local limestone and brick, with a height of approximately 60 feet (18 meters) and a focal height of about 55 feet (16.7 meters).

Light and Navigation

The original light source was a Third-Order Fresnel Lens, which emitted a characteristic pattern of flashes every 15 seconds.

Accessibility and Visiting

Although no longer operational as an aid to navigation, the South Manitou Island Lighthouse has been converted into a museum and visitor center. Visitors can access the museum and visitor center, but climbing the tower is not permitted due to safety concerns.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. On a clear day, visitors can see for miles in every direction, taking in the serene beauty of the natural world.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Unfortunately, no specific stories or anecdotes about former keepers are available.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is no longer manually operated, having been automated in the past. The original light source was a Third-Order Fresnel Lens, which emitted a characteristic pattern of flashes every 15 seconds.

Further Information

• * National Register of Historic Places
• * Wikipedia: South Manitou Island Lighthouse