Gray's Reef Light Station

When Gray's Reef Light Station was built in 1936, it replaced a series of lightships that had been anchored since 1891. Chester Greiling, 31, was the builder of the 65-foot tower.

Construction of Gray's Reef took two years, because of its distance from shore and dangerous storms. The crib structure was built at St. Ignace and then towed more than 20 miles out to the site. The original third-and-a-half order Fresnel lens was replaced by a 190mm optic lens.

Located 24 miles west of the Straits of Mackinac, this is one of several light stations the guide ships in the area. White Shoal, Waugoshance and Skillagalee lights are all visible from this area.

Gray's Reef was automated in 1976. Today the station is not manned, except for once each summer when the Coast Guard uses it to monitor the vessels participating in the Chicago to Mackinac Yacht Race.

Access to this light is limited to boat travel. Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry offers a three hour scenic westward cruise, which takes passengers past White Shoal, Gray's Reef, Waugoshance Light and St. Helena Island light. Cruises include close-in viewing opportunities, although weather concerns can often dictate which can be visited. On board narration is provided by the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association and/or Great Lakes Lighthouse Museum. A portion of the proceeds will go toward their preservation efforts. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes heart-breaking, but always fascinating, the colorful anecdotes, stories, and legends surrounding these marvelous icons will amaze and captivate.

This is one of four Straits area beacons visible from the restaurant, Leg's Inn in Cross Village.

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry: 800-828-6157
Mackinaw Area Tourist Association: 800-666-0160
West Michigan Tourist Association: 800-442-2084
Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association: 313-436-9150