Name and Location

The Tawas Point Lighthouse is located at 686 Tawas Beach Road, East Tawas, Michigan, USA, situated on Lake Huron.

Construction and History

The original lighthouse was built by the United States government in 1852. The tower was equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens and a fixed white light that could be seen for up to 15 miles (24 kilometers). The current tower was rebuilt in 1895 using steel and iron.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architecture is characterized by its distinctive red-brick facade, featuring a unique "turret" design. The structure stands at an impressive 61 feet (18.6 meters) tall, with a focal plane of 63 feet (19.2 meters). The original construction materials were brick and stone.

Light and Navigation

The Tawas Point Lighthouse serves as an important aid to navigation for mariners traveling through Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay. Its original light characteristic was a fixed white light, but it has been modified over the years to include various patterns and intensities. Today, the lighthouse is equipped with an automated light system that uses a flashing red light.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the Tawas Point Lighthouse grounds, which offer stunning views of Lake Huron and the surrounding landscape. The nearby Tawas Point State Park provides additional recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, and swimming. Guided tours are available during the summer months, offering insight into the lighthouse's rich history.

Notable Views and Landscape

The grounds of the lighthouse offer stunning views of Lake Huron and the surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was automated in 1969, replacing its original manual operation system. Additionally, it has been equipped with Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Radar installations to enhance navigation safety.

Further Information

The Tawas Point Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The coordinates for the lighthouse are 44.2538434° N, -83.4495511° W. You can view the location on a map here: https://www.google.com/maps/@44.2538434,-83.4495511,3a,37.5y,74.45h,92.75t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m2!2d-83.4495511!3d44.2538434">https://www.google.com/maps/@44.2538434,-83.4495511,3a,37.5y,74.45h,92.75t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m2!2d-83.4495511!3d44.2538434.