Alpena Light

Standing guard over Thunder Bay since 1877, Alpena Light is one of Michigan’s enduring beacons along the Lake Huron shoreline. The modest red steel tower replaced an earlier wooden structure and continues to serve as an active navigational aid maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Its distinctive skeletal design and vibrant color make it a favorite subject for photographers, particularly during golden hour when the light contrasts against Lake Huron’s deep blues. While the lighthouse is not open to the public for climbing, it can be easily viewed and photographed from the surrounding shoreline. Nearby, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and its Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center offer fascinating exhibits on the region’s rich shipwreck history.

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