Michigan City East Pier/Breakwater & Old Michigan City Light

Harriet Colfax

Michigan City's first light, built in 1835 was a simple "postlight" located approximately 100 feet west of the present lighthouse. In 1837, a structure was commissioned that would consist of a keeper's dwelling with a 40 foot high whitewashed tower topped with a lantern to house the light.

In 1858 a brighter light was needed to guide ships into the busy port. A lantern tower was located on the north end of the lighthouse that housed a fixed light with a 5th Order Fresnel Lens. In 1904, the lighthouse and keeper’s living quarters were remodeled. This same year, the lantern was moved to the newly constructed Pierhead Light where its beacon shone until it was replaced in 1980. Keepers continued to service the light and the fog signal, which was installed in the Pierhead Light in 1905. In 1933 the Michigan City Pierhead Light was electrified. On July 1, 1939 the U.S. Coast Guard took over the Lighthouse Service.

The 1858 building stood vacant for nearly 25 years. In 1964, it became the property of the city of Michigan City in and then leased to the Michigan City Historical Society to restore. In 1973, The Old Lighthouse Museum opened officially and a replica of the original lantern tower was placed on the building's roof. The Old Lighthouse Museum is open for tours April through October, every day except Monday. Hours are from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Directions: Take 421 North into Michigan City, through downtown and to the lakeshore. As 421 intersects with Lakeshore Drive, continue north into the park on Heisman Harbor Road in Washington Park. The lighthouse museum is on the left.

www.oldlighthousemuseum.org/
219-872-6133

LaPorte County Historical Society

Michigan City Area Chamber
219-874-6221

LaPorte County CVB
800-634-2650