Standing guard over Lake Huron since 1848, Pointe aux Barques Light is one of Michigan’s oldest lighthouses. Located in Port Hope, this active beacon marks the dangerous rocky shoreline where countless ships met their fate in the 19th century. The original tower was replaced in 1857 with the current brick structure that continues guiding mariners today. While the tower is not open to the public for climbing, the surrounding Lighthouse County Park offers excellent vantage points. Golden hour provides the best photography, with dramatic lakeside sunsets illuminating the tower. Nearby, visitors can explore the Thumb area’s shipwreck diving sites, Turnip Rock, and the charming harbor town of Port Austin.

Explore Nearby

• Port Crescent State Park — State Park in Michigan
• Sleeper State Park — State Park in Michigan
• Zehnder’s Holz Brucke Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Michigan