Exploring the lighthouses of the Great Lakes is a favorite past-time in Michigan. With so many of these historical structures along beautiful beaches, it is no wonder why these iconic guardians captive our attention.
The St. Joseph Lighthouses are located at the mouth of the St. Joseph River on Lake Michigan in the southwest corner of the state.
The original lighthouse was built in 1832 and then replaced in 1859. After many upgrades and improvements over the years, the lighthouse was unfortunately torn down in 1955. And turned into a parking lot. All that remains is the Pierhead Light and the Inner Light.
In May of 2008, these lights were deemed unnecessary but the Coast Guard and the ownership was up for grabs through an application process. In 2013, the lighthouse was officially transferred to the city of St. Joseph with the intention of preserving what was left of the historical lights.
Today visitors can take a walk on the fully restored catwalk out to the two lights.
The Inner Light is a 24 sq. foot steel octagon tower and the Outer Light is a 35-foot tall tower. Tours are available during the summer, weather permitting.
I personally love this location for catching a sunset over Lake Michigan. The views are fantastic and it is less crowded than the more popular lighthouses in the area.
In cold winters, the lights become encased in thick ice, creating beautiful ice sculptures.
For more information, visit St. Joseph Lighthouse.