Climb the Tower - Point Iroquois Light

Aaah, the history and mystery of lighthouses seem to beckon us to stop whenever we are near one.  Point Iroquois Light in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is the one we are revisiting today.  

Point Iroquois Light

Miniature Replica of Point Iroquois Light near Brimley, Michigan

BACKGROUND:  Point Iroquois was named for the Iroquois warriors massacred there by the Ojibwe in 1662.  By 1856, the first Pt Iroquois Light was lit to guide ships safely between Whitefish Bay and the St. Mary's River.  Its wood and rubble-stone tower was 45 feet high.  However, the structure was not constructed well.  In 1870, the first light station was demolished and the current light station was built.  The new 65’ brick tower had a fourth order Fresnel (the “ess” is silent) lens.   In 1963 its light was deactivated and the light station was left unoccupied for years.  It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 30, 1975. 

It took several years to complete the renovation but it was accomplished through the co-operative efforts between the Bay Mills/Brimley Historical Society and the Forest Service (Hiawatha National Forest). In an effort to interpret local history, they furnished the assistant keeper’s quarters to show how it might have looked in the 1950’s.    

Assistant Keeper's Quarters - Living Room

Assistant Keeper's Quarters - Kitchen

Inside the two-story house is a gift shop offering lighthouse-themed items and books.  We wander through several rooms with a variety of informational displays regarding keeper’s duties, Fresnel lenses, and nautical history. 

Gift Shop

Fresnel Lens Display

The attached white brick tower has a spiral stairway consisting of 72 steps to the top of the tower.  Michigan has over 100 lighthouses but only about 20 will allow you to climb the tower.

Tower Rules

Doorway to Tower Stairs

Tower Stairs

Hatch at Top of Tower

From the top of the tower, we have a panoramic view of Lake Superior, the coastline of Whitefish Bay, and any freighters that may be passing by the point.  One thing you should know - the lantern room is small and the glass-enclosed space gets very warm especially on a sunny summer's day.

View from Lantern Room/Top of Tower

Before we leave the lighthouse grounds, we take a short walk (.2 mile) on the interpretive boardwalk trail that leads to the beach along Lake Superior.  Some people are searching for rocks along the shore.   In my youth, I was a “rock hound” too.  Once in awhile I’ll search the shores for these souvenirs but not today … maybe on our next visit. 

Boardwalk Trail

Trail to Lake Superior Beach

LOCATION & CONTACT INFORMATION:  The lighthouse is located about 20 miles west of Sault Ste. Marie in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula  (USA) - from the intersection of M-28 and I-75 drive 7.5 miles west on M-28 to M-221/ Brimley. Turn right (north) and drive 2.5 miles on M-221 to Lake Shore Drive (FR 42). Turn left (west) on Lake Shore Drive and drive 6.5 miles to the lighthouse.   

Telephone:   (906) 437-5272

HOURS OPEN:  The museum, gift shop, and tower are open every day from May 15 - October 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  There isn’t a fee to tour the building or climb the tower; however, donations are always appreciated.  There are restrooms and picnic tables on the grounds. 

The town of Brimley (population in 2010 was 1,337) is about 8 miles from the lighthouse.  It is a small town offering a few lodging and dining options. 

Sault Ste. Marie (population 14,098 in 2013) is about 20 miles from the lighthouse.  The “Soo” has a large variety of restaurants and lodging options ranging from large national chain establishments to cozy B&B’s.

Since opinions, preferences, and budgets vary, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews for eating and sleeping options.

If you are interested in other nearby lighthouses, I invite you to view my blog posts by clicking on the following links:
Crisp Point Light: from Doomed to Resumed
Whitefish Point - Light, Lodging & Lake Superior

If you are staying in Sault Ste. Marie, I invite you to view my blog posts on the Soo Locks and historical landmarks by clicking on the following links:
A Look at the Locks
Historic Sites at the "Soo"