Thumbcoast Articles

Lighthouse Road Trip: Michigan’s 140-Mile Thumbcoast

Follow the beacons on a self-guided lighthouse tour along the Thumbcoast, spanning 140 miles of the Michigan’s sunrise side. Just an hour north of Detroit, this journey follows the St. Clair River at the southern end before transitioning to the vast waters of Lake Huron to the north. With 10 lighthouses in nine locations—including one unofficial beacon—this route offers a glimpse into the region’s rich maritime history, with some lights accessible year-round and others available for summer excursions.

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1. Colony Tower – A Unique Lighthouse-Like Landmark

Begin your adventure with our unofficial but historically significant Colony Tower along M-29 in one of the world’s largest freshwater deltas. This unique landmark recently had its light restored and was added to the historic registry. The surrounding area, shaped by the St. Clair River’s winding channels, is a haven for paddling, fishing, hiking, and boating.

Built in 1925 by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Works, the 136-foot steel-framed tower originally held a 60,000-gallon water tank for a residential community. Designed to resemble a lighthouse, it reflected the early 20th-century trend of blending function with aesthetics. From 1925 to 1937, its beacon guided boaters and pilots until high operating costs led to its shutdown.

Recognized as a Michigan Historic Site in 1994, the tower’s light was relit in 2017, restoring its place as a distinctive part of the St. Clair River landscape. Click here to watch a video of Phillips Sign & Lighting climbing the tower to install a new LED beacon, visible from 10 nautical miles!

_{Source: Historical Marker Database}

2. St. Clair Flats South Channel Lights – Preserving the Past

Next, head to Harsens Island, where, on a clear day, you can spot the St. Clair Flats South Channel Lights—two offshore lighthouses with an iconic past; click here for driving directions to the lookout point. These historic beacons, built in 1859, once guided ships through Lake St. Clair’s busy waterways. While there are no official tours, those with personal watercraft can venture closer to these structures, which continue to undergo preservation efforts.

The Save Our South Channel Lights organization, an all-volunteer nonprofit, is dedicated to raising awareness and securing support for their restoration. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, these lighthouses remain a vital part of the region’s maritime heritage, and ongoing efforts aim to ensure their preservation for future generations.

To reach Harsens Island, take a car ferry from Algonac, which operates year-round. Once on the island, you’ll find a few charming spots to explore, including restaurants and a gift shop. Use our custom digital map for waypoints to guide you through the island’s highlights.

3. Peche Island Rear Range Light – A Saved Treasure

Marine City is home to the Peche Island Rear Range Light, a historic lighthouse built in 1905 off Peche Island, Ontario, designed to guide ships through the Detroit River entrance. The lighthouse was relocated to Marine City in 1982 after being decommissioned, preserving its legacy. It stands 60 feet tall and is a beloved landmark, visible year-round. The surrounding area is highly walkable, featuring boutique shops, a hotel, a beach, and restaurants along the picturesque St. Clair River. Fun fact: The name “Peche” comes from the French word for “fish,” reflecting the lighthouse’s connection to the nearby Isle Aux Peches, or “Island of Fish.”

_{Source: City of Marine City}

4. Huron Lightship – A Floating Lighthouse

Arriving in Port Huron, visit the Huron Lightship, the last operating lightship on the Great Lakes. Lightships are floating lighthouses anchored in areas too deep, expensive, or impractical to build a traditional lighthouse. These ships displayed a light at the top of a mast and sounded signals and sent radio beacons in areas of fog. The Huron Lightship served for over 50 years, spending 36 years stationed at Corsica Shoals, six miles north of Port Huron. It was retired in 1970 and is permanently moored at Pine Grove Park along the St. Clair River. Dedicated as a National Historic Landmark in 1990, the Huron Lightship now hosts an extensive collection of artifacts and model ships. Open for tours during warmer months, it welcomes visitors on Saturdays and Sundays starting May 3, 2025, with extended hours throughout the summer.

_{Source: Port Huron Museums}

5. Fort Gratiot Light Station – Michigan’s Oldest Lighthouse

Also in Port Huron, Fort Gratiot Light is Michigan’s oldest lighthouse. It is in operation and viewable year-round, with seasonal tower climbs starting May 3, 2025 on Saturdays and Sundays and extended hours throughout the summer. Be sure to check out the onsite gift shop for unique maritime-themed finds.

The original Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, built in 1825, was located where the Blue Water Bridges stand today, but it collapsed into the river during a severe storm in 1828. A new lighthouse was constructed in 1829 by Lucius Lyon, a future U.S. Senator, and was raised to 82 feet in the 1860s. Today, it’s a beacon for one of the world’s busiest waterways. Visitors can climb 94 steps to the top for breathtaking views of Canada, Lake Huron, and Port Huron.

The beach at the lighthouse is perfect for watching freighters up close and for rock hunting, but be aware that the water currents here are powerful, and swimming is not recommended.

_{Source: Port Huron Museums}

6. Port Sanilac Lighthouse – An Hourglass Tour on the Shore

The Port Sanilac Lighthouse, established in 1886, is a historic beacon guiding mariners along Michigan’s shoreline. Located on a charming residential street, the lighthouse is privately owned, but visitors can enjoy guided tours during the summer in partnership with the Sanilac County Historic Village and Museum. The tours include a climb up the 50 steps of the winding staircase to reach the top. The property is viewable from the street year-round, allowing visitors to admire the lighthouse and its unique hourglass-shaped tower.

The light utilizes a Fresnel Lens as a fourth-order lighthouse, providing a reliable light source visible for 14 nautical miles. The current LED Beacon Light flashes white every 2.5 seconds, a sequence that aids in both warning mariners and helping them identify their location at night. The lighthouse continues to serve as an essential aid to navigation, with its beacon automatically turning on at dusk and off at dawn.

_{Source: Port Sanilac Lighthouse}

More to Explore: Port Sanilac

• The Alli Bar is a local favorite for year-round nightlife with live music and a creative repurposed antique vibe.
• Sanilac County Historic Village and Museum has 17 historic buildings to explore and seasonal live theatre at the Barn Theatre.

Area Info

7. Harbor Beach Lighthouse – The Sparkplug of Lake Huron

Further north, the Harbor Beach Lighthouse stands offshore in Lake Huron, offering a striking silhouette with its distinctive sparkplug shape. This historic lighthouse was built in 1877 to help mariners navigate the waters of Lake Huron and has since become a beloved landmark. It is visible year-round from Trescott Pier, allowing visitors to admire its unique structure and rich history from the shore.

For those seeking a closer look, summer tours by boat depart from the Harbor Beach Marina starting June 7, 2025, providing an up-close view of this remarkable light. The guided tours hosted by the Harbor Beach Preservation Society offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of a lightkeeper. These guides are happy to answer questions, share stories, and even take photos to capture the experience. Be sure to bring your camera, as the “portlight” photo opportunity on the gallery deck is a must-see and a wonderful way to commemorate your visit.

8. Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse – A Trailblazing Keeper’s Legacy

Nestled along the shores of Lake Huron, the Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse is a historic landmark offering year-round access. Visitors can explore this iconic site, with limited tower climbs available in the summer. Starting May 24, 2025, guests can ascend the lighthouse tower on select days, with only 10 opportunities throughout the summer—so be sure to check the schedule before making the trip.

The Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse, built in 1857, ranks among the ten oldest lighthouses in Michigan. This active lighthouse is remotely maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, continuing its vital role in guiding vessels along the waters of Lake Huron. The surrounding Thumb Bottomland Preserve, a site rich in maritime history, is home to 105 known shipwrecks. These wrecks testify to the dangerous shoals that made this area notorious for shipwrecks, emphasizing the lighthouse’s importance in navigating these perilous waters.

Pointe aux Barques is also notable for being the site of Michigan’s first female lighthouse keeper, Catharine Shook, marking a significant chapter in the state’s maritime history.

_{Source: Pointe aux Barques Maritime Museum}

9. Port Austin Reef Light – Castle on the Lake

The journey concludes in Port Austin, where the Port Austin Reef Light, often called the “Castle on the Lake,” underwent renovations in 2023-2024. This offshore lighthouse, built in 1878, stands about 1.5 miles from the mainland. Visitors can currently view the lighthouse from shore on a clear day or by personal watercraft, with tours expected to resume in 2025. Boat tours to Turnip Rock also pass nearby, offering another opportunity to glimpse this historic beacon. However, private boaters should navigate carefully because the lighthouse sits on a shallow reef.

The lighthouse consists of two joined structures. The six-story light tower, measuring 16 feet on each side, features a galley, entrance foyer, oil room, three bedrooms, a watch deck, and a lamp room. The 34-foot-square fog signal building is attached to the tower and is crucial in guiding mariners through foggy conditions.

_{Source: Port Austin Reef Light Association}

Plan Your Lighthouse Adventure

This scenic route is a fantastic way to experience Michigan’s maritime past in any season. Whether you’re exploring historic towns, enjoying boat excursions, or simply taking in the breathtaking views, the Thumbcoast lighthouses make for an unforgettable journey along the St. Clair River and Lake Huron.

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_{^{Article by Katie Stepp, Blue Water Area Convention & Visitors Bureau}}