White walls, a red roof, and a dark lantern make Sand Point a welcoming landmark on Escanaba’s waterfront. Its tower and attached dwelling preserve the scale of a working light station in a city shaped by Great Lakes shipping.
Quick Facts
| Location | Sand Point, Ludington Park waterfront, Escanaba, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Waterway | Little Bay de Noc · Lake Michigan |
| Construction | 1867–1868 |
| First lit | May 13, 1868 |
| Navigation service ended | 1939 |
| Design | Square brick tower attached to a keeper’s dwelling |
| Steward | Delta County Historical Society |
| Access | Seasonal museum visits; confirm current hours and admission |
History & Description
Sand Point’s light first shone in May 1868, warning vessels away from the point and its sand reef. Escanaba’s harbor served ships carrying ore, lumber, and passengers.
The keeper’s home connects to a square brick tower. White-painted walls and a red roof contrast with the dark lantern, while the broad lawn allows views from several sides.
Keeper Mary Terry died in the 1886 fire that damaged the station. Repairs returned it to service. In 1939, after changes to the harbor, an offshore crib light replaced its navigation role.
The Coast Guard adapted the building for housing. Restoration later recovered its lighthouse form, and today the Delta County Historical Society interprets the station as a museum.
Visitor Information
- Getting there
- Follow Ludington Street east through downtown Escanaba toward the waterfront and Sand Point. The lighthouse is beside the historical society’s museum and archives.
- Museum visits
- Visits operate seasonally. Check the Delta County Historical Society for current hours, admission, and available lighthouse access. Contact the society about group or off-season visits.
- Photography
- Walk around the permitted grounds for different views of the tower and dwelling. The path and white fence provide foreground lines; a wider view includes the lawn and waterfront setting.
- Two Sand Point lights
- This is Escanaba’s white lighthouse on Little Bay de Noc. Sand Point in Baraga, on Lake Superior, is a separate red-brick station.
Photo Gallery
Five views of Sand Point Lighthouse in Escanaba. Select a photograph to view it larger.
Keep Exploring
Read the Sand Point (Escanaba) Blog Entry →