Michigan has 129 lighthouses that span across the Great Lakes shorelines, but only the Fort Gratiot Light Station can hold the title of Michigan’s Oldest Lighthouse! The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is one of a few still operational lighthouses in Michigan that allows visitors to climb the ninety-four steps to the top of the tower and walk out on the gallery balcony to take in the amazing view of Lake Huron, Ontario, Canada, the Bluewater Bridge and Port Huron.
History of the Light Station
Why Fort Gratiot?
During the War of 1812, Fort Gratiot (the fort, not the city-jk!) was built by the U.S. Army to protect commerce and shipping vessels traveling along Lake Huron and the St. Clair River. Shortly after, the government realized that a light station was a much-needed addition to the area. In 1823, Congress approved the funds for a new and the first Michigan Light Station.
The first lighthouse structure constructed by Daniel Warren in 1825, was located close to today’s Blue Water Bridge. The lighthouse tower rose thirty-two feet above ground level but faced problems from the beginning. Three short years later and a three-day Great Lakes autumn storm, the original lighthouse tower collapsed in 1828.
The busy water way did not have to wait long for a replacement. In 1829, Congress approved a new light station to be built by Lucius Lyon at its present-day location. This lighthouse was much easier for the vessels to see as it towered sixty-five feet above Lake Huron.
Many modifications have been made to the light station over the years. Most notably in 1861, the height of the tower increased to its current height of eighty-six feet above ground level to provide better visibility out on the lake. In 1874, a brick duplex (The Lightkeeper’s Dwelling) was constructed for the Lightkeeper’s family and assistants.
The U.S. Coast Guard Station
The U.S. Coast Guard also has a long history at the Fort Gratiot Light Station. In 1931, the government purchased 3.5 acres of land surrounding the lighthouse and in 1932, the U.S. Coast Guard opened the Port Huron Coast Guard Station.
Today, a modern Port Huron Coast Guard Station is located just steps away from the original. The lighthouse is still standing tall and fully operational. The light in the tower automatically flashes one half second every 15 seconds and continues to guide the vessels traveling the Great Lakes!
Tour the Light Station
Visitors can explore the light station grounds without paying for the tour during the operation times, but we highly recommend joining a tour and exploring the history of the lighthouse and surrounding buildings. The tour begins at the gift shop located near the old U.S. Coast Guard station. Here you will find souvenirs, information about the light station and surrounding area and a nice bathroom.
The tour continues on to the old Fog Signal Building. Take the time to explore the artifacts that tell a historical story of the light station. It was exciting to see the old Fresnel Lens that was used in the tower from 1871 to 1932 to guide the water way. After 1932, the light was switched to an electric light.
Next stop on the tour was a short walk over to the Lightkeeper’s Dwelling. Take a step back in time and see the home of the Lightkeeper and his family and assistants. The duplex is decorated with furniture and intricate details displaying the daily life of the lightkeeper and his family.
The finale of the tour is climbing the lighthouse tower. Once inside, visitors will meet a volunteer that will guide you up the ninety-four iron steps to the top. We recommend good walking shoes and a sweatshirt on a cool, windy day. Enjoy the amazing view from the balcony!
The Fort Gratiot is just one of the Port Huron Museum locations to check out during your trip to Port Huron. Check out the links for more trips around Port Huron and Blue Water Thumbcoast!
Fort Gratiot Light Station Tour Information
*(Per Port Huron Museum Information- Check for updates)
2023 Summer Hours:
May 29 – September 17
Open 7 days a week.
10am – 5pm
Last entry for tours is 4 pm.
2023 Fall Hours:
September 18 – December 25*
Saturday & Sunday
10am – 5pm
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Last entry for tours is at 4pm.
Cost of guided site tour, including tower climb:
$10.00 – Adults
$7.00 – Students & Seniors (60+)
$25.00 – Family Admission (2 Adults and 4 Children)
Tower climb is only available as part of the guided tour.
Fort Gratiot Light Station
2802 Omar Street (at the East end of Garfield St.) Port Huron, MI 48060–(810) 982-0891 ext. 2 https://www.phmuseum.org/fort-gratiot-lighthouse/
