A red roof and small lantern rise above a gray, white-trimmed house on a wooded river island. Round Island’s former lighthouse has become a carefully restored private residence, with its maritime character still visible from the water.
Quick Facts
| Location | Round Island, north of Lime Island, Chippewa County, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Waterway | St. Marys River |
| Established | 1892 |
| Deactivated | 1922 |
| Design | Wooden dwelling with an integral square tower and lantern |
| Historic light status | Inactive |
| Ownership | Private ownership |
| Access | Private property; view from the water without landing |
History & Description
Round Island Lighthouse entered service in 1892 as part of the network guiding vessels along the St. Marys River. The island lies north of Lime Island, along the waterway connecting Lake Superior and Lake Huron.
The station combined living quarters and a square wooden tower in one building. Its lantern rose above the roofline, giving the keeper a compact home and workplace at the river’s edge.
In 1922, a nearby steel navigation structure replaced the original light. The dwelling later passed into private hands and underwent extensive restoration, including an addition and river-facing decks.
Todd’s aerial photographs show the restored tower, red roofs, shoreline stonework, and dock. They also reveal how the residence sits between landscaped grounds and the surrounding island forest.
Visitor Information
- Viewing the lighthouse
- This is a water-based viewing destination on the St. Marys River. If arranging a boat outing, confirm the route and whether the lighthouse will be visible with your operator.
- Private property
- The lighthouse is a private residence. There are no regular public grounds or interior tours. Do not land, use the dock, or enter the property without the owner’s permission.
- Photography
- From the water, look for the square lantern tower above the red roof. Keep a respectful distance and allow room for river traffic; a longer lens can help capture architectural details.
- Which Round Island?
- This is the St. Marys River station, established in 1892. The red-and-white Round Island Lighthouse near Mackinac Island is a separate lighthouse.
Photo Gallery
Three aerial views of the historic lighthouse and its river setting. Select a photograph to view it larger.