Tucked among the evergreens at Bete Grise, Mendota Lighthouse watches the channel between Lac La Belle and Lake Superior. Its pale walls, dark trim, and attached tower give the station a quiet presence in the Keweenaw landscape.
Quick Facts
| Location | Mendota Ship Channel, Bete Grise, Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Waterway | Lake Superior · Entrance to Lac La Belle |
| Earlier station | Built in 1869 |
| Present lighthouse | 1895 |
| Decommissioned | 1956 |
| Relighted | 1998, following private restoration |
| Property and access | Privately owned · Exterior viewing from permitted locations |
History & Description
The Mendota Ship Channel connects Lac La Belle with Lake Superior at Bete Grise. An early light station was built in 1869, but the first attempt at maintaining a useful navigation light here was short-lived.
The present lighthouse dates to 1895, when renewed interest in a light at the channel led to a replacement station. Its tower rises from the keeper’s dwelling, combining living quarters and the light in one compact building.
The Coast Guard decommissioned the station in 1956, and it passed into private ownership. A later restoration returned the building and its original fourth-order Fresnel lens to working condition. Mendota was relighted on July 5, 1998.
Todd’s photographs show the lighthouse in its wooded setting and the channel beyond. The aerial views reveal the relationship between the dwelling, shoreline buildings, and water, while the closer photograph highlights the gabled facade and lantern among the trees.
Visitor Information
- Exterior viewing
- Plan to view the lighthouse from permitted public locations near the Mendota Channel or from the water. Trees can partially obscure the building from some angles.
- Private property
- The lighthouse and its grounds are privately owned. Do not enter the grounds, land a boat, or approach the dwelling without permission. Do not assume that interior tours or tower climbs are available.
- Planning
- Use public shoreline access and follow local signs. For boat-based viewing, confirm the route and weather arrangements with an experienced local operator.
- Photography
- Include the surrounding trees to show the station’s setting, or use a longer lens from a permitted vantage point to isolate the lantern and gabled facade. Keep clear of private docks and shore facilities.
Photo Gallery
Four views of Mendota and its channel-side setting. Select a photograph to view it larger.
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