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Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
The Pierhead Lights of Pentwater
The North and South Pierhead Lights of Pentwater serve as beacons to guide pleasure boats into Pentwater’s harbor during the busy summer season.
Pentwater Lights History & Facts
Established in 1890 and 1873 respectively, the lights have undergone numerous changes throughout the years. Between 1856 and 1858, Charles Mears and his crew excavated a shallow channel that would allow boats to haul lumber from his mill out to Lake Michigan. The steamer DAYLITE became the first large vessel to navigate through the channel into Pentwater Lake. As more mills moved into the area, Mears and Michigan senators lobbied for harbor improvements, finally receiving the funds in 1867. These improvements included widening and deepening the channel, along with extending the piers. It was determined that a light was now needed to help guide vessels into the channel. A 12-foot timber-frame was built in 1873 on the south pier, and contained a red Sixth-Order Fresnel lens, visible for 8 1/2 miles. Local resident Francis McGuire became the first keeper of the Pentwater Light, and after four years, his wife Annie took over the job.
The Army Corps of Engineers replaced the timber piers with concrete in 1937, and the South Pierhead Light was replaced by a steel skeleton tower. Fifty years later, in 1987, a tower was erected on the north pier, and outfitted with a 300mm flashing green Tideland Signal optic; it also included a fog signal.
The current South Pierhead Light stands 25 feet tall, with the North Pierhead Light at 17 feet tall. Each is considered one of the few remaining pier range light systems located on the Great Lakes.
More West Michigan Lighthouses...
Grand Traverse Lighthouse
The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is situated at the end of the Leelanau Peninsula within, about eight miles north of the town of Northport.
Little Sable Point Lighthouse
Little Sable Point Lighthouse is located in the Silver Lake State Parks, home of the sand dunes along Lake Michigan.
Point Betsie Lighthouse in Frankfort
Standing tall and proud along the shores of Lake Michigan, Point Betsie marks the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage.
Pentwater Pierhead Lights
The North and South Pierhead Lights are located in Pentwater along Lake Michigan and are rare pier range light systems along the Great Lakes.
White River Light Station
Built in 1875, this lighthouse is more than a century old and has an enormous amount of history to explore inside its museum.
Ludington North Breakwater Light
Ludington’s North Breakwater Light is the number one lighthouse to see in Michigan! Take a trip along the breakwater path to see it up close!
Grand Haven Lighthouse & Pier
It’s a site to behold as visitors of the Grand Haven Lighthouse & Pier walk under a string of twinkling lights.
Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse
The North Pierhead Lighthouse, located in the Victorian Port City of Manistee, stands watch over Lake Michigan.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse
112-feet of lighthouse awaits you at the Ludington State Park! Take a tour and follow the winding staircase to the top!