At the meeting of the Thunder Bay River and Lake Huron, Alpena’s small red lighthouse carries a large presence. Its slender legs and elevated lantern give it a silhouette unlike the familiar masonry towers of the Great Lakes. Here, the harbor entrance—not an isolated headland—is the center of the story.
Quick Facts
| Location | North breakwall, Thunder Bay River mouth, Alpena, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Station established | 1875; the first light was a temporary pole-mounted lantern |
| Present tower first lit | June 26, 1914 |
| Tower design | Four-legged steel framework with an enclosed watchroom and octagonal lantern |
| Historic lens | Fourth-order Fresnel lens, since replaced by a modern optic |
| Status | Active aid to navigation |
| Ownership / operation | Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy; U.S. Coast Guard maintains the navigational equipment |
| Historic designation | National Register of Historic Places, 2006 |
| Visitor access | Public waterfront views; tower generally closed to tours |
History & Description
A pole-mounted lantern marked Alpena’s river entrance in 1875. Wooden towers followed in 1877 and, after a destructive fire, in 1888. Each helped vessels find the harbor.
The surviving steel tower began service on June 26, 1914. Its cylindrical watchroom, octagonal lantern, and circular gallery stand on four legs. Originally black, the tower became red in the 1950s for better daytime visibility. Locals call it “Little Red” or “Sputnik.”
A fourth-order Fresnel lens once concentrated the lamp’s light toward the horizon. Modern equipment now performs that work; the historic lens is displayed at Grand Traverse Lighthouse in Northport. The contrast is part of Alpena’s appeal: a compact, century-old structure continues to serve a working harbor.
The station entered the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. In July 2013, the federal government transferred the lighthouse to the Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy for preservation. The Coast Guard retains responsibility for the beacon and fog signal. Historic stewardship and navigation thus continue side by side.
Historical references: Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy history · Lighthouse ownership and preservation.
Visitor Information
Plan this stop as a waterfront viewing and photography visit. The lighthouse stands on the north breakwall; the public viewing area is across the river entrance.
- Where to go
- The Alpena Municipal Marina and south breakwall near Bay View Park offer mainland views. Approach via Prentiss Street off South Harbor Drive.
- Parking & facilities
- Public parking is available around Bay View Park, with nearby public restrooms. The address 250 Prentiss Street identifies the yacht club near the viewing area, not the lighthouse itself.
- Tower access
- The tower is not regularly open for general tours. The Conservancy may arrange limited special group visits; contact it through the official tours page before planning on entry.
- The north breakwall
- Access to the tower involves private property and a rocky breakwall. Use the public waterfront viewpoints and respect posted restrictions.
- Photography
- A wider view includes the surrounding water and breakwalls; a closer composition emphasizes the tower’s steel framework. The gallery below shows how the setting changes between clear daylight and warm, hazy light.
Access information checked October 11, 2026. Confirm arrangements with the official visitor information before traveling.
Photo Gallery
Four original photographs by Todd. Select a photograph to view it larger.
Continue Along Michigan’s Shore
Explore more lights in the Northeast Lake Huron region, or browse Todd’s published lighthouse journeys.
Explore Michigan lighthouses →