A small white tower with green trim recalls the paired lights that guided vessels into Presque Isle Harbor. Todd’s photographs show the restored historic front range light in its wooded park setting.
Quick Facts
| Location | Range Light Park, East Grand Lake Road, Presque Isle, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Waterway | Lake Huron · Presque Isle Harbor |
| Built | 1870 |
| Original arrangement | A wooden front tower paired with a rear light in the keeper’s dwelling |
| Historic structures | Restored front tower; former rear light residence privately owned |
| Navigation today | Modern replacement range lights remain in service |
| Park ownership | Presque Isle Township |
| Access | Public park grounds; historic front tower interior closed |
History & Description
Built in 1870, this pair guided ships through the harbor entrance. A short wooden tower held the front light; the rear beacon shone from an upper room in the keeper’s home. The taller New Presque Isle Lighthouse served coastal traffic nearby.
Mariners lined up the two lights vertically to follow the channel between the shallows. Anna Garrity became keeper in 1903; her statue at the park honors her service.
Replacement beacons took over the navigation work. The historic front tower, replaced in 1967, was moved away and later brought back and restored. Its former rear light residence is now a private home.
Visitor Information
- Finding the park
- Range Light Park is on East Grand Lake Road, about two-tenths of a mile north of Highway 638. It is in Presque Isle on Lake Huron, separate from Marquette’s Presque Isle Harbor on Lake Superior.
- Parking
- The visitor lot is across the road from the park. Take care crossing East Grand Lake Road; traffic moves quickly and may not stop for pedestrians.
- Hours and access
- The museum society lists the park as open year-round from dawn to dusk. Plan for exterior viewing of the historic front tower. Respect the fenced private residence and neighboring properties. Check the official Range Light Park visitor information before traveling.
- At the park
- See the restored tower, historical marker, and Anna Garrity statue. A walkway leads toward the harbor beach; the park also has an accessible walkway and picnic shelter. The modern rear beacon stands near the parking area.
Photo Gallery
Two views of the historic front range light. Select a photograph to view it larger.
Keep Exploring
Discover Old Presque Isle Lighthouse →
Discover New Presque Isle Lighthouse →