Standing on the southern tip of Belle Isle in the Detroit River, this historic lighthouse guided maritime traffic through one of America’s busiest inland waterways. Built in the mid-19th century, the modest iron tower served as a critical navigational aid for vessels navigating between Lakes Huron and Erie.

Though no longer active and closed to public access, the lighthouse remains a beloved landmark within Belle Isle Park. Visitors cannot climb the tower, but the surrounding shoreline offers excellent vantage points. Golden hour provides the best photography, with the Detroit skyline as a dramatic backdrop.

Nearby, explore the Belle Isle Aquarium, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum — all within the island’s 982-acre urban park.

Explore Nearby

• Belle Isle Park — State Park in Michigan
• William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor — State Park in Michigan
• Woodward Avenue (M-1) – Automotive Heritage Trail — Scenic Byway in Michigan
• Ackley covered bridge — Covered Bridge in Michigan
• Zehnder’s Holz Brucke Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Michigan