A red tower rises from a white base at the end of Menominee’s north pier. The lighthouse marks the river entrance where Michigan and Wisconsin meet the waters of Green Bay.
Quick Facts
| Location | North pier at the mouth of the Menominee River, Menominee, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Waterway | Green Bay · Lake Michigan |
| Station established | 1877 |
| Pier improvements | Concrete pier completed in 1927 |
| Design | Red cast-iron tower above a white base |
| Ownership | City of Menominee |
| Visitor access | Pier exterior views · Seasonal interior tours offered through the historical society |
History & Description
A light station was established at Menominee in 1877 to guide vessels into the river. The harbor served a growing commercial waterfront, and the lighthouse moved farther offshore as the pier developed.
Harbor improvements continued into the twentieth century. The wooden pier was replaced with concrete in 1927, giving the station a more substantial approach and foundation.
The red tower, white base, and dark lantern create a distinctive silhouette. Todd’s photographs show the round windows in the base, the gallery railings, and the tower from directly below, as well as the long approach from shore.
The City of Menominee acquired the lighthouse in 2008. Preservation and improvements have supported public appreciation of the site, and the Menominee County Historical Society offers seasonal interior tours.
Visitor Information
- Finding the pier
- The lighthouse is reached from the waterfront near the foot of Harbor Street in Menominee. Follow public access routes and posted notices to the north pier.
- Interior tours
- The Menominee County Historical Society describes summer interior tours. Confirm current availability and arrangements before visiting; do not assume the tower is open whenever the pier is accessible.
- Pier conditions
- Stay ashore when waves wash over the pier or ice makes footing uncertain. Watch for wet surfaces, changing weather, and other pier users.
- Photography
- Use the pier as a leading line toward the red tower. A close view brings out the round windows and railings, while a wider frame places the lighthouse against Green Bay.
Photo Gallery
Six views of the lighthouse, pier, and interpretive signs. Select a photograph to view it larger.
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