Located just north of Harrisville, Michigan in Alcona County, Sturgeon Point Lighthouse, built in 1870, sits on the Northeastern Coast of Michigan on Lake Huron. There are many lighthouses in Michigan, all with their own unique stories. The lighthouse is still in operation, and has been in continuous operation since 1869, however it has been automated since 1941. It is a shame that there aren’t more manned lighthouses in Michigan. I understand that it’s a hassle and less efficient, but there would be something cool about having crusty old lighthouse keepers making sure that boats don’t sail into the shallows that ride along the edge of the Great Lakes. If you want to climb this lighthouse, it costs $3. The tower is 70 feet, 9 inches tall and is 16 feet in diameter at its base.

In 1982, the Alcona Historical Society took over control of the lighthouse and began to restore it, repairing the damage caused by vandals over the years and putting on a fresh coat of paint. Due to budgetary constraints, this work was all done by volunteers. Sturgeon Point Lighthouse contains 3.5 order Fresnel lens made in Paris, France. The Fresnel lens still exists in the tower but it not lit, instead a LED light shines from it, managed by the coast guard. The keeper’s house has been transformed into a maritime museum, open on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day Weekend.