Lighting the Way - 40 Mile Point Lighthouse

Michigan has over 3,000 miles of shoreline and fronts four of the five Great Lakes.  With this much coast, Michigan built lighthouses to guide ships sailing the Great Lakes.  Over the years, many of these lighthouses have fallen into disrepair, been destroyed, or were demolished.  Currently, Michigan has over 100 lighthouses with about 35 that are open to the public.  Some are privately owned (e.g. as a bed & breakfast) and some are museums.  Among the lighthouse museums is the one located at 40 Mile Point. 

LOCATION:  7323 US 23N Lighthouse Park, Rogers City, MI 49779

A brief History:

The 40 Mile Point Lighthouse was constructed in 1896.  It has a similar blue print to the Big Bay Point Lighthouse which was also built in 1896.  The Coast Guard took over maintenance of the lighthouse in 1944.   In 1996, the 40 Mile Point Lighthouse was declared surplus property and cited for disposal.    In 1998, the deed to the property was turned over to Presque Isle County.  Since then, the County and 40 Mile Point Lighthouse Society have been working together to restore and preserve the lighthouse and the other historic pieces located on the 2.4 acre park. 

The Lighthouse Park is open year around from 8:00 a.m. to sunset.  There is a large parking area, picnic tables, and restrooms.  The lighthouse museum is open for tours (closed on Mondays).  Admission is free and visitors can climb the tower stairs. 

40 Mile Point Lighthouse (built in 1896)

The 40 Mile Point Lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. 

S S Calcite (1912-1961)

This 436’ long, self-unloading vessel was one of the first of its kind to sail the Great Lakes.   The pilot house has found a home in the Lighthouse Park. 

Joseph S. Fay Shipwreck (built in 1871)

Trail to Fay Shipwreck

In 1905, this 216’ long wooden steamer ship was loaded with iron ore and heading for Ohio.  On October 19^th, heavy waves swept the ship toward shore.  It struck a sand bar where the ship was torn apart and washed to shore near the 40 Mile Point Lighthouse.   Visitors can see part of the remains (spikes and wooden beams) along the sandy shore of Lake Huron. 

Life Boat

Glawe School (1880’s-1960)

Glawe School was originally built on Ocqueoc Road and was moved to the Lighthouse Park in 1999.  The schoolhouse is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends from the last weekend in June to the last weekend in August. 

For more information about 40 Mile Point Lighthouse Park, click on the following link:

40 Mile Point Lighthouse

For a list of Michigan lighthouses open to the public, click on the following link:

Michigan Lighthouses Open to the Public

Food and Lodging can be found in the nearby towns of Alpena or Rogers City.