Rising from the waters near North Manitou Island, Michigan, this Art Deco-style crib light has guided mariners through the Manitou Passage since 1935. The automated steel and concrete structure replaced an earlier lightship, standing as one of the last offshore light stations built on the Great Lakes. Still an active navigational aid, the light station is not open to the public and cannot be climbed. It’s best photographed from the Leland or Leland-to-North Manitou Island ferry during golden hour, when sunlight illuminates its distinctive square tower. Nearby, visitors can explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, hike North Manitou Island’s wilderness trails, or visit the charming fishing village of Leland’s Historic Fishtown.

Explore Nearby

• White Pine Trail State Park — State Park in Michigan
• Old Mission State Park — State Park in Michigan
• Historic Michigan Road Byway Alternate — Scenic Byway in Indiana
• Newport State Park — Dark Sky Site in Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Lake Superior Byway — Scenic Byway in Wisconsin