Poverty Island

Poverty Island is located 27 miles southeast of Escanaba and is one of a chain of islands stretching from Wisconsin's Door Peninsula to Michigan's Garden Peninsula.

The 60-foot tower and keeper's dwelling were first built in 1874 and sit about 100 feet from the south shore. The original fourth order Fresnel lens was automated in 1957 and then deactivated in 1976. No light shone on the island until a small 300mm light, powered by a solar panel, was attached to a pole at the top of the tower in 1982.

The keeper's dwelling and other buildings have been abandoned long ago and are in poor condition. The white paint of the conical brick tower has nearly worn away.

Upper Peninsula Tourism & Recreation Association: 800-562-7134
West Michigan Tourist Association: 800-442-2084
Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association: 313-436-9150