Crisp Point stands where forest meets an open sweep of Lake Superior. A red lantern roof crowns its white tower, and the boardwalk leads through evergreens to the shore. The setting feels quiet, but the lighthouse’s story is one of navigation, rescue and determined preservation.
Quick Facts
| Location | 1944 County Road 412, Newberry, Michigan; remote shore west of Whitefish Point |
|---|---|
| Waterway | Lake Superior |
| First lit | May 5, 1904 |
| Tower height | 58 feet to the lantern’s ventilator ball |
| Construction | Cylindrical brick tower with lantern and gallery |
| Appearance | White tower, black gallery and red lantern roof |
| Original lens | Fourth-order Fresnel |
| Status | Seasonal private aid to navigation; relit in 2013 |
| Owner | Luce County |
| Preservation | Crisp Point Light Historical Society |
| Visitor access | Grounds open; seasonal tower and visitor center access depends on volunteers and weather |
History & Description
The point takes its name from Christopher Crisp, a keeper at the earlier life-saving station. The lighthouse entered service in 1904, adding a light to a shore already associated with rescuing mariners.
Government operation ended in 1992. Erosion later destroyed the original service room and threatened the tower. Luce County ownership and the Crisp Point Light Historical Society’s preservation work gave the station a new future. Shore protection, building repairs and a replica service room helped it survive.
In 2013, the lighthouse returned to operation as a seasonal private aid to navigation. Its working light and visitor role now share the tower, cared for by the Historical Society.
The photographs show a slender brick tower, a circular black gallery, a red lantern roof and a low brick entrance room. Exposed brick patches record its appearance at the time Todd photographed it. Lake Superior’s edge is close: rocks protect the shore, while stairs and boardwalks connect the grounds and beach.
Historical reference: Crisp Point Light Historical Society’s station history.
Visitor Information
- Drive to the point
- Use the Historical Society’s directions from Paradise or directions from Newberry. Follow the recommended County Road 500 and County Road 412 route rather than an unfamiliar GPS shortcut. Allow time for the unpaved approach.
- Seasonal opening
- The Society generally lists 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. hours for the tower, visitor center and restrooms, subject to volunteer availability and weather. Check its current announcements before departing, or call 906-658-3600.
- Winter access
- The buildings close for winter. The final seven miles of County Road 412 are not snowplowed, and part of the route becomes a snowmobile trail. Grounds being open does not mean the road is suitable for a winter drive.
- At the lighthouse
- Ask the volunteer keeper about tower access that day. The boardwalk, beach and shoreline views also make rewarding stops.
- Care for the site
- Take your rubbish away; there is no trash service. Camping is reserved for volunteer keepers. Respect signs and shore protection.
- Photographs
- Try the boardwalk for a tree-framed tower view, the beach for rocks and lake, and the gallery—when open—for the long sweep of coastline.
Visitor information checked October 11, 2026 against the Historical Society’s official website.
Photo Gallery
Photographs by Todd. Select a photograph to view it larger.
From our Etsy shop
Keep the Point in View
The white tower, red lantern roof and deep blue of Lake Superior make Crisp Point hard to forget. Bring that remote shoreline feeling home with a vintage-inspired lighthouse poster.
A keepsake of an Upper Peninsula adventure, or a thoughtful gift for someone drawn to Michigan’s beacons.
Shop the Crisp Point Poster →View available options and current pricing on Etsy.
Continue Along Lake Superior
Return to the Michigan directory →
Explore the regional lighthouse map →