Beaver Head’s pale brick tower rises beside a substantial keeper’s house, its compact lantern set against the trees. The porch, connecting buildings, and wooded approach give the station a domestic character. This is Beaver Island’s southern lighthouse, distinct from the St. James harbor light at the north end.
Quick Facts
| Location | Southern Beaver Island, Lake Michigan, Charlevoix County |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Beaver Head Lighthouse / Beaver Island Head Light |
| Station in service | 1852–1962 |
| Present tower | 1858; 46-foot brick tower |
| Historic purpose | Marking the approach toward the Straits of Mackinac |
| Status | Decommissioned historic light station |
| Ownership | Charlevoix County and Networks Northwest |
| Preservation partner | Beaver Island Historical Society |
| Visitor access | Public tower access reported; confirm current arrangements before visiting |
History & Description
Growing nineteenth-century traffic between Chicago and the Straits of Mackinac created a need for a light in the Beaver Island archipelago. Beaver Head marked the western side of an important approach from Lake Michigan. The station served mariners from 1852 until 1962; the surviving tower dates to 1858.
Its 46-foot brick shaft and metal lantern form a compact landmark beside the dwelling. The photographs show the texture of pale masonry, contrasting rooflines, and a white porch. Together, tower and house make the station’s two roles visible: a navigational workplace and a home for the people who tended it.
The light was decommissioned in 1962, when a radio beacon took over its navigational role. Charlevoix Public Schools acquired the property in 1975 and used it for education. After that program ended, Charlevoix County and Networks Northwest purchased the property in 2019, preserving its public ownership.
Today the owners work with the Beaver Island Historical Society on preservation and future public use. Restoring the buildings and caring for the surrounding landscape continue the station’s story, even though its original light no longer guides shipping.
Historical references: Beaver Island Historical Society · U.S. Coast Guard fact sheet · Property ownership and educational history.
Visitor Information
Plan an island visit around the lighthouse’s southern location, rather than treating it as a quick stop near St. James harbor.
- Getting to the station
- The lighthouse is at Beaver Island’s southern end. Arrange transportation on the island; the site is separate from the harbor lighthouse at St. James.
- Tower access
- The Historical Society reports that the tower is open to the public. Pure Michigan lists summer access from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; confirm opening arrangements before your trip, particularly outside summer or during restoration work.
- Current information
- Contact the Beaver Island Historical Society at 231-448-2254 for site access updates. Its Main Street museum hours apply to the museums, not the lighthouse.
- What to look for
- The tower’s masonry, lantern and gallery, the attached quarters, and the different views from the grounds. The surrounding trees give each side of the station a different frame.
- Planning your visit
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and allow time to explore the exterior. Respect posted signs and any areas closed for preservation. Confirm tower and building access rather than relying on the appearance of an open site.
Visitor information checked October 11, 2026. See the Pure Michigan visitor listing and the Historical Society for current arrangements.
Photo Gallery
Five original photographs by Todd. Select a photograph to view it larger.
One Island, Two Guiding Lights
Discover the harbor light at Whiskey Point, where a white tower still marks the approach to St. James.
Explore Michigan lighthouses →