A compact white tower stands close to Lake Huron’s rocky shore. Old Presque Isle’s garden, anchor, and small keeper’s house bring the scale of early lighthouse life into an intimate harbor setting.
Quick Facts
| Location | 5295 East Grand Lake Road, Presque Isle, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Waterway | Presque Isle Bay · Lake Huron |
| Built | 1840 |
| Historic role | Harbor entrance light |
| Tower | Stone and brick construction |
| Status | Inactive historic light |
| Ownership | Presque Isle Township |
| Access | Park and museum · Seasonal building visits and tower climbs |
History & Description
Built in 1840, Old Presque Isle marked the entrance to the bay and harbor. It served until the taller New Presque Isle Lighthouse took over for the 1871 shipping season.
The tower combines a tapering stone lower section with brick above. Its original lantern did not survive; a replacement was added in the 1960s. The present keeper’s house also replaced an earlier dwelling on the same foundation.
Presque Isle Township acquired the property in 1995 for use as a park and museum. The surviving station offers a close look at an early Great Lakes light.
Todd’s photographs move from the lawn and rocky shore to the museum interior. Exposed beams, a furnished loft, and the view through a tower window give the gallery a sense of the station’s human scale.
Visitor Information
- Finding the old light
- The station is at 5295 East Grand Lake Road, beside Presque Isle Harbor. The New Lighthouse is a separate stop approximately one mile north.
- Seasonal visits
- Interior visits and climbs operate seasonally. The museum society’s October 2026 update lists the Old Lighthouse buildings as closed for winter. Check the official hours and seasonal information before traveling.
- Tower and museum
- When open, allow time for the keeper’s house exhibits and the tower climb. Confirm admission, climbing requirements, and weather restrictions with staff.
- Photography
- The anchor makes a strong foreground for the tower, while a shoreline viewpoint reveals its rocky setting. Follow posted paths and take care near uneven rocks.
Photo Gallery
Eight views of Old Presque Isle Lighthouse, its shoreline, and museum interior. Select a photograph to view it larger.
Keep Exploring
Discover New Presque Isle Lighthouse →