Marquette Harbor Lighthouse
The first lighthouse was built in the city in 1853. The present lighthouse was constructed in 1866 and a second story added in 1909. The lighthouse is the oldest significant structure in the city and more importantly, the lighthouse is one of the most historic navigation beacons on Lake Superior and critical to the development of the Great Lakes iron ore trade. Until the opening of the major Minnesota mines in the 1890s, Marquette was the premier shipping port for iron ore on the Great Lakes and this Marquette beacon was vital for the safe navigation of ships entering Marquette. This light still shines through for today’s sailors.
In 2002, a 30-year lease was signed by the Marquette Maritime Museum, which is responsible for maintenance and control of the facility. As part of their operations, they also make the lighthouse available for scheduled tours. The lighthouse is open and tours are conducted from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. from mid-May through late October.
The Marquette Maritime Museum offers guided lighthouse tours of the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse. This is the only way to view this picturesque light. Tours run daily mid-May through mid-October, 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Group tours can also be arranged by calling the Museum. The tour consists of a walk through the Coast Guard grounds where visitors will get a brief history of the Life Saving Station and Coast Guard in Marquette, MI before reaching Lighthouse Point. Once there, visitors are treated to the history of the lighthouse and get to explore the grounds and the living quarters. The tour ends with a majestic walk down the front catwalk. This is the only place to get a photograph of the front of the lighthouse and also see Marquette’s historic shoreline.
What to Photograph:
The historic lighthouse, the Marquette Maritime Museum, and the town of Marquette with the old lower harbor ore dock.
Best Time for Photographers:
The only way to access the lighthouse grounds is on a tour, which are run mid-May through mid-October, 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
Where it is:
The Marquette Harbor Light is located on Lake Superior in Marquette, Michigan, a part of the Upper Peninsula.
Address: 300 N Lakeshore Blvd, Marquette, MI 49855
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
Cost:
Adults: $7 (Museum or Lighthouse) – $12 (both Lighthouse and Museum)
Children 12 & under: $3 (Museum or Light) – $5 (both)
Hours:
Open Tuesday thru Sunday (closed Mondays) from May 16 to mid – October
11am – 4pm
Facilities:
The lighthouse is located in the town of Marquette with a population of 21,000, which has all facilities available.
Links:
Location Contact Information:
Mailing Address
Marquette Maritime Museum
P.O. Box 1096
Marquette, Michigan 49855
906-226-2006
Marquette Harbor Lighthouse
Photo Gallery
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Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
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