May 19, 2012
The Port Huron Museum and St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Commission are proud to announce the Grand Opening of the historic Fort Gratiot Light Station!
After completion of the first phase renovation, the five acre grounds, Light Tower and Duplex Building (a former two family building), and Fog Signal Building Gift Shop, are now ready for visits by the public.
This is to be celebrated after 11 years of application and since the Light Tower closing on August 2008 for renovation.
The grand re-opening is only the next step for his important 1829 historic regional landmark, the oldest lighthouse in Michigan and second oldest on the Great Lakes, after the 1821 Marblehead Light on Lake Erie. All partners are planning to make this local treasure become a major Blue Water attraction overlooking one of the busiest waterways in the world.
Attendance is Free.
Tower Tours: $5
December 1, 2012
Fort Gratiot Light Station Artist-in-Residence, Lezley H. Straub will be on hand to demonstrate her original watercolors talent in the Duplex building. She will also show the process of hand drawing a coloring book for all Port Huron Museum sites and the local area. Get a sneak peak at her newest works! Her original artwork will be available to be “tested” by visitors at a coloring station.
December 15, 2012
Saturday, December, 15th and Sunday, December 16th are the last days that the Fort Gratiot Light Station and Lighthouse will be open for tours in 2012.
These will be last evenings for the Candlelight tours of the light station for they year. Come visit and take the rare opportunity to tour the Lighthouse in the evening and take in the night time view from 5-8pm
Site will close at 5:00 pm on December 16th and will remain so until May 4, 2013, except for Overnights and tours for 20 or more, which are available all year, by reservation.
December 28, 2012
Join the Port Huron Museum at the Fort Gratiot Light Station Duplex Building in the new Education Center rooms to learn about how waves work. Program offers the science of water and waves with hands-on experiments and demonstrations. A tour of the Light Station and tower (weather permitting) included.
May 11, 2013
Join the Motor City Ghost Hunters as they return to continue the exploration of the 1829 Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. This group of paranormal enthusiasts volunteer their time and talents to explore historical landmarks and even private homes in search of paranormal activity, using a variety of techniques and equipment.
See how contemporary investigating techniques and technology are used to gather evidence of the presence or absence of paranormal activity.
A program for adults will be at the Fort Gratiot Light Station. Explore the historic 1829 Fort Gratiot Lighthouse with the Motor City Ghost Hunter team. Is there any paranormal activity at this old guiding light structure? This oldest lighthouse in Michigan has been a pivot point for many tragedies and triumphant events, including the most devastating Great Lakes Storm of 1913?
Discover new advances in investigating, equipment usage, research, history and paranormal evidence at one of our area’s major attractions.
Cost of the program is $40.00 per person for the presentation with the Motor City Ghost Hunters.
Payment is due within two weeks of registering.
In combination with this event, the Museum will also be offering an overnight at the Fort Gratiot Light Station Duplex building (a former two family residence) to Ghost Hunter program participants for $100 per room. This price includes up to 4 people per room, additional participants $25. Each room accommodates a maximum of 6 guests. Must be 21 to reserve the room. Overnight starts from 1:00 am – 9:00 am, after the Ghost Hunt.
Payment is due within two weeks of registering.
For more details, please contact: Anita Varty. Tour Manager, at 810-982-0891 ext. 118, Email: avarty@phmuseum.org. Sorry, no refunds.
June 1, 2013
The Port Huron Museum 5k Tourist Trot is an out and back course beginning on the Fort Gratiot Light Station grounds and passing by museum landmarks including the HURON Lightship and the Thomas Edison Depot.
For more information visit click here.
July 4, 2013
For the very first time in Michigan, The Blue Water SandFest will host a Master sand sculpting competition along the beaches of Lake Huron. The event will also feature a Pro-Am “State Championship” competition. You don’t want to miss this spectacular display of unbelievable works of art made from sand and water.
Event Activities: Master Sand Sculpting Contest, Pro-Am (State Championships) Contest, Amateur Contest, Live Music, Sand Sculpting Demonstrations and Lessons, Quick Sand©, Vendor Village and much more.
The event is hosted at the Fort Gratiot Light Station County Park2802 Omar Street, Port Huron, Michigan 48060 – Click here for Map
For more information on Blue Water Sand Fest check out their website here.
November 9, 2013
The Port Huron Museum is having a Holiday Open House, Saturday, November 10 and Sunday, November 11, 2012, 11 am to 5 pm. Come visit the Light Station. See the improvements that have been made to this local 1829 lighthouse attraction and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. Be sure to stop at the old Fog Signal building which now contains a fully stocked gift shop.
- Free refreshments
- Beautiful Display of Christmas trees decorated by local artists
- Festive holiday decorations throughout the Light Station grounds, including the Tower
- Raffles of Gift Shop items
- Special Gift Shop offer: with every purchase of $30, or more, receive a free gift (approx. $10 value)
Are you looking for those special one-of-a-kind gifts for your holiday shopping list and also for yourself? The Gift Shop offers a local supply of premium unique gifts for adults and children; gifts that you are proud to give and that are received with pride.
- Colorful imprinted T-shirts and souvenir items
- Room decorations, collectibles, fabric throw covers, wall hangings, and historical wall maps - most with lighthouse themes
- Clothing: sweaters, jackets, sweat shirts, hoodies, and hats
- Decorated mugs, glasses, and plates.
- Lighthouse and Great Lakes history books and DVD’s
- Posters showing Michigan lighthouses or historical shipwrecks
- Children’s books and DVD’s to stimulate minds – wide age range; with fascinating stories for use as “show and tell” subjects
- A large variety of children’s science based projects, kits, games, puzzles, and toys that will help eager learning and fun
For more information about the Fort Gratiot Light Station, click here.
For current information about Port Huron Museum, events, exhibits, and the latest edition of the quarterly Museum Newsletter, visit the Museum website: www.phmuseum.org
Candlelight Tours of the Fort Gratiot Light Station from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. This includes a rare opportunity for a nighttime Lighthouse tower climb, weather permitting, for $5.00, FFGL member tours are free.
Shop will remain open and hot chocolate and cookies will be served to tour and shopping visitors.
November 16, 2013
Candlelight Tours of the Fort Gratiot Light Station from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. This includes a rare opportunity for a nighttime Lighthouse tower climb, weather permitting, for $5.00, FFGL member tours are free.
Shop will remain open and hot chocolate and cookies will be served to tour and shopping visitors.
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