Sand Point (Baraga) Lighthouse

The Sand Point (Baraga) Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse situated on Light House Road in Baraga Township, Michigan, United States.

History

• Construction of this tower began in 1857 and was completed by the Great Lakes Engineering Works in 1858.

Architecture

The lighthouse stands at a height of 40 feet (12 meters) above the lake's surface, with a focal height of 53 feet (16 meters).

• The tower is constructed from stone and features a distinctive octagonal shape.
• The lantern room is housed within a cylindrical structure, which houses a Fresnel lens that projects a beam of light out to sea.

Light Characteristics

The Sand Point Lighthouse emits a fixed white light with a range of approximately 10 nautical miles (18.5 kilometers).

• The light's pattern is reported to be a three-second flash every minute.

Current Status

The lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since its original installation.

The tower is no longer used as a residence and is not open to the public for tours or overnight stays.

Location and Accessibility

The Sand Point Lighthouse is located on Light House Road in Baraga Township, Michigan.

• The site is accessible via a gravel road that leads from Highway 45.
• Visitors can park at the base of the tower and view it from a short distance.

Heritage Status

The Sand Point (Baraga) Lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

It is also recognized as a Michigan State Historic Site.

Notable Historical Events

The lighthouse played an important role during the Great Lakes shipping era, guiding vessels safely into and out of the harbor.

The lighthouse was an essential aid to navigation for ships traveling through the area.