At Big Bay Point, the lighthouse and its living quarters form one substantial red brick building. A square tower rises above steep rooflines, with a pale upper section and a red lantern roof. Trees, gardens, and glimpses of Lake Superior give the station a setting that feels sheltered, even beside this immense lake.
Quick Facts
| Location | Big Bay, Marquette County, Michigan; southern shore of Lake Superior |
|---|---|
| Address | 4674 County Road KCB, Big Bay, Michigan |
| First lit | 1896 |
| Tower | Square brick tower; approximately 60 feet tall, as described by the inn |
| Original lens | Third-order Fresnel |
| Automated | 1941 |
| Status | Active aid to navigation |
| Ownership | Privately owned |
| Present use | Bed-and-breakfast inn and reserved lighthouse tours |
| Visitor access | Inn guests or visitors with a paid tour reservation; no unrestricted grounds access |
History & Description
Big Bay Point’s light began service in 1896. Its square tower was built into a two-story brick duplex that housed the keeper and assistant keeper. This arrangement brought the station’s working and domestic spaces together: the beacon above, and the people responsible for it living immediately below.
A third-order Fresnel lens provided the original light. Automation followed in 1941, changing the daily work of the station. The lighthouse continues as an active aid to navigation; its lasting purpose is to help mariners along the rocky southern shoreline of Lake Superior.
The architecture is especially legible from the gardens. Broad brick walls support intersecting gables and prominent chimneys, while the tower’s gallery and lantern rise above the dwelling. White trim sharpens the roof edges and windows. These photographs show how the building’s practical components also create a memorable silhouette.
In 1986 the former quarters took on a new role as a bed-and-breakfast. The inn preserves the experience of staying within a historic light station, while reserved tours bring visitors through the house to the lantern area. Lodging and tour income help support care of the privately owned property.
Historical references: U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office · Big Bay Point Lighthouse Inn.
Visitor Information
Arrange your visit with the inn before arriving. This historic station is also an operating private residence and lodging business.
- Access
- The property welcomes inn guests and paid tour visitors. The owner does not allow general walk-in access to the grounds or private driveway.
- Guided tours
- The official site lists tours by appointment, June–September, for up to five people. Tours go through the keeper’s house to the lantern area, take about 25 minutes, and are listed at $10 per person for ages 10 and older. Check current availability before booking.
- Overnight stays
- Book through the official inn website. For 2026, it lists a May 8–November 5 lodging season. Tour availability follows its own schedule.
- Directions
- Use 4674 County Road KCB, Big Bay. The inn advises staying on the paved approach; if navigation sends you onto a two-track woodland road, return to the paved road.
- Contact
- bigbaypointlighthouse@gmail.com · Text 906-236-4322. The inn recommends email when arranging a visit.
- Photography
- On an authorized visit, look for the tower above the gables, the red brick and white trim, and views framed by the gardens and trees. Preserve the privacy of guests and neighboring properties.
Visitor information checked October 11, 2026. See the official public access and tour page for current reservations and policies.
Photo Gallery
Five original photographs by Todd. Select a photograph to view it larger.
Follow the Lake Superior Shore
Continue exploring Michigan’s northern light stations and Todd’s published lighthouse journeys.
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