Standing on the eastern shore of North Manitou Island, this 1899 lighthouse guided vessels through the Manitou Passage for decades before being decommissioned. The cream-brick tower and attached keeper’s dwelling reflect the classic Victorian architectural style typical of Great Lakes lighthouses from that era.
The lighthouse is not open to the public and cannot be climbed, though its weathered exterior makes a compelling photography subject. Golden hour light during summer months offers the best shots, with Lake Michigan providing a dramatic backdrop.
North Manitou Island is accessible only by ferry from Leland, Michigan. Nearby attractions include the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, South Manitou Island and its shipwrecks, and miles of backcountry hiking trails.
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
