Rising from the waters of Saginaw Bay, Michigan, Gravelly Shoal Light has guided mariners since 1939. This art deco–style crib lighthouse replaced an earlier lightship that marked the dangerous shallow shoals near the bay’s entrance. Its sturdy concrete and steel construction was built to withstand harsh Great Lakes winters, and the light remains active today, maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The lighthouse is not open to the public and cannot be climbed, as it sits offshore with no public access. It’s best photographed from a boat during golden hour on calm summer mornings. Nearby, visitors can explore Bay City State Recreation Area, the historic Tawas Point Lighthouse, and charming downtown Bay City.

Explore Nearby

• Sleeper State Park — State Park in Michigan
• Dash Point State Park — State Park in Washington
• Zehnder’s Holz Brucke Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Michigan
• Huron–Manistee National Forest — National Forest in Michigan