Round Island Light Station

It is virtually impossible to travel to Mackinac Island from Mackinaw City by ferry without seeing Round Island Lighthouse off to the east.

Construction began in 1895 at a cost of $15,000 on this beacon that sits in the middle of the Straits of Mackinac. The light was first lit May 15, 1896. It once marked the dangerous shoals around the channels between Mackinac Island and Round Island. The 2.5 story wooden keepers house is attached to a 53-foot tall tower. A brick oil house and brick outhouse were also built at that time. The entire tower is painted red and is capped by a black cast-iron parapet.

Automated in 1924, the keepers and their belongings were removed from the station. The Round Island Lighthouse was deactivated in 1947 and it wasn't until 1996 that the light shone once again. The original fourth order Fresnel lens is no longer used, however. It now features a 300mm solar powered optic lens.

In 1947, a new tower was built on the pier on Mackinac Island and Round Island Light was no longer necessary. Round Island became part of the Hiawatha National Forest in 1958 and as part of the inventory the lighthouse became park property also. The light sat vacant for 20 years over which time the Park Service gutted the interior. But they did nothing to preserve the tower or the keeper's dwelling and it began to deteriorate.

A storm on October 20, 1972 was so forceful that one lower corner of the building was completely broken away. That opened up the structure to vandals who continued to destroy the once prominent beacon. Residents of the area feared the entire structure would collapse -- not to mention the poor impression it provided to those traveling to Mackinac Island. Private historical organizations, including the Friends of the Round Island Lighthouse, the Hiawatha National Forest and the Mackinac Island Historical Society, began to research revenues for the lighthouse's restoration.

In 1973 rip rap was spread around the base of the structure to help prevent further deterioration. The following year, the light was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Local fund raising efforts collected $12,000 for the project. But, historians believed it would cost in excess of $100,000 to restore the structure. Finally, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation appropriated $125,000 in 1977 for the project.

The Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association and Boy Scout Troop 323 from Freeland, Michigan volunteered their knowledge and muscle to help the work move along. While the exterior of Round Island Light looks as good as new, work is still needed on the interior of the structure. The troop removed more than three tons of plaster and debris in their first year of work on the light.

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry offers a three hour scenic easttward cruise, which takes passengers past Round Island Light, Round Island Passage Light, Bois Blanc Light, oe Reef, Fourteen Foot Shoal and Cheboygan Crib 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.

Mackinaw Area Tourist Bureau: 800-666-0160 W
West Michigan Tourist Association: 800-442-2084
Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association: 313-436-9150