North Manitou Shoal Light

Established: 1935
Constructed: 1935
Active Beacon: Yes
Federal Ownership: Yes - future uncertain
Accessible to Public: No
Accessible for Climbing: No
Museum on Site: No

In 1898, a wooden light tower was built on the southern point of the North Manitou Island. The light was intended to mark the hazardous shoals throughout the area. When this light did not provide enough safety for passing boats a lightship was built in 1910 atop the dangerous shoals. In 1935, a permanent cement 75-foot light tower (called “the crib”) replaced the lightship.

A three man Coast Guard crew lived in the light tower building, working two weeks and then going ashore for one week's break. Off duty they would read, talk on the radio, play board games, and looked-forward to the mail boat visits. When the light was automated in 1980, its crew left. Still automated today, it can be seen as the ferry passes on its way to South Manitou Island.

Additional information: Great Lakes Education

Manitou Island Transit: 231-256-9061
Leelanau Peninsula Chamber: 231-256-2559
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: 231-326-5134
West Michigan Tourist Association: 800-442-2084
Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association: 313-436-9150