Sand Point Lighthouse

Sand Point Lighthouse is a picturesque historical landmark located in the city of Escanaba, USA. Built in 1867 on the northern shore of Lake Michigan, this classic yellow-brick lighthouse served for many years as a reliable sentinel for vessels entering Little Bay de Noc harbor. Its architectural design features a rectangular keeper’s residence topped by a square tower that once emitted a fixed white light visible for miles around.

Today, the lighthouse no longer performs its direct navigational function but has been transformed into a fascinating museum under the auspices of the Delta County Historical Society. It is considered one of the region's most significant cultural sites, symbolizing the era of the booming lumber and mining industries. Visitors come here to connect with the maritime past of the Great Lakes and see the unique fourth-order Fresnel lens that once saved sailors from treacherous sandbars.

The site is especially valued for its authenticity; the building was meticulously restored to its original appearance. Sand Point Lighthouse is not just a navigation tower, but a true monument to 19th-century federal infrastructure, preserving the spirit of the time and the stories of people whose lives were inextricably linked to the water.

To confirm the current tour schedule or arrange a group visit, you can use the contact details of the historical society that manages the site.

The highlight of your visit will be a tour of the interior of the original lighthouse building. You can peek into the keeper’s rooms, furnished in the style of bygone eras, and climb the tower to imagine how people stood their watch over a century ago. The museum displays rare photographs, documents, and artifacts detailing the daily life of Mary Terry and other keepers, as well as the development of the Escanaba port.

Panoramic view lovers should definitely linger by the lighthouse windows: they offer a magnificent view of Lake Michigan and modern port facilities. From the Sand Point grounds, you can clearly see the so-called crib light—a modern offshore lighthouse installed in 1939 that replaced its brick predecessor.

The surrounding area is perfect for relaxing: you can walk along the sandy beaches, have a photo session against the backdrop of historical architecture, or go birdwatching. In the summer, themed tours are often held, which will be of interest to both families with children and dedicated researchers of Great Lakes history.

The lighthouse is conveniently located at the southern end of Sand Point, right at the harbor entrance. If you are coming from downtown Escanaba, the drive will take only about 5–10 minutes. Head east on Ludington Street or US-2, then turn onto Beaumier Way Road. Free parking is available on-site for visitors.

For those preferring public transport, Delta County Transit buses serve the city's central areas. From there, you can reach the lighthouse by taxi or enjoy a pleasant 20-minute walk or bike ride along the scenic shores of Little Bay de Noc.

Travelers arriving from further away typically use Sawyer International Airport (MQT), located about 100 kilometers to the northeast. From the airport, it is best to rent a car and follow highway M-35, which leads directly into the city and offers magnificent views of Lake Michigan along the way.

The history of this navigational landmark began in 1864, when the USA Congress approved funding to ensure the safety of ships carrying iron ore. Construction in Escanaba was completed by the spring of 1868, and on May 13, the lighthouse's beam shone across the water for the first time. One of the most notable figures in its history was Mary Terry—one of the first female lighthouse keepers on the Great Lakes, who took over management after her husband's death and served faithfully for many years.

Over its decades of operation, the building endured several challenges. In March 1886, a serious fire destroyed wooden structures, requiring repairs that were costly for the time. By the 1930s, due to changes in the shoreline and dredging work, the old brick building could no longer effectively perform its duties. In 1934, a steel skeletal tower was erected nearby, and the original lighthouse was soon deactivated.

Interestingly, for nearly 70 years (from 1868 to 1938), the Sand Point Lighthouse remained a key landmark for ships loaded with lumber and ore. After a period of neglect, the building was meticulously restored by the Delta County Historical Society. Today, it serves not only as an unofficial navigational aid but also as an important monument telling the story of the region's economic boom and the development of shipping on Lake Michigan.

For a standard tour of the lighthouse and its museum exhibits, most tourists find 1–2 hours sufficient. This provides enough time to explore the keeper's living quarters, climb the tower, and examine the main historical artifacts related to iron ore mining and navigation.

If you are a maritime history enthusiast planning to carefully study every photograph and archival document in the Delta County museum, you should budget about 2.5 hours for your visit. Extra time may also be needed for a leisurely stroll along the adjacent beach and the grounds around Sand Point, which offer excellent photo opportunities.

Visits to the Sand Point Lighthouse are seasonal. The museum is typically open to tourists during the warmer months—from May to October. Standard operating hours during this period are daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, please note that the site may be closed to the general public during the winter months.

As the lighthouse may currently be temporarily closed, we strongly recommend checking for up-to-date information on the official website or contacting the Delta County Historical Society by phone before your trip to confirm the current schedule.

A walk around the lighthouse area allows you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this port city and discover its architectural heritage. The Little Bay de Noc shoreline offers not only historical views but also great spots for relaxation and tasting local cuisine.