Granite Island Light

Lake Superior · Michigan

Perched on a rocky island in Lake Superior near Marquette, Michigan, Granite Island Light has guided mariners since 1868. The stone tower and attached keeper’s dwelling exemplify classic Great Lakes lighthouse architecture, built to withstand brutal Upper Peninsula winters. Though the light remains active as a navigational aid, the island is not open to the public. Photographers get the best shots from the water during golden hour or from the Marquette shoreline at sunset, when the lighthouse silhouettes dramatically against the sky. Summer months offer the calmest conditions for boat-based viewing. Nearby, visitors can explore Marquette’s Presque Isle Park, the Upper Harbor breakwater, and the region’s renowned hiking trails.