Small in scale and unmistakably practical, Six Mile Point’s historic front light preserves a different side of lighthouse design. Its tapered steel body, rows of rivets, and enclosed upper housing were built for a specific job: helping a vessel hold a safe line through a river channel. Today it stands on a waterfront lawn in DeTour Village, far from its original working position.
Quick Facts
| Current location | DeTour Passage Historical Museum · DeTour Village, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Original setting | Six Mile Point range on the St. Marys River, southeast of Sault Ste. Marie |
| Range established | 1895 |
| Preserved tower | 1907 |
| Tower height | Approximately 20 feet |
| Construction | Tapered, riveted steel tower with an enclosed upper housing |
| Historic role | Front light in a paired navigation range |
| Status | Inactive; relocated museum exhibit |
| Companion tower | Historic rear tower preserved separately in Cedarville |
History & Description
The Six Mile Point range began in 1895 as part of improvements to navigation on the St. Marys River. The surviving steel towers entered service in December 1907. This front tower once stood offshore, paired with a taller rear light to mark a channel alignment.
Range lights work together. Seen from the intended approach, the lower front light and higher rear light line up vertically when a vessel is on the marked course. Their purpose depends on that relationship, rather than the broad sweep associated with a coastal lighthouse.
The range was electrified in 1933. Modern structures later replaced the historic towers, which were preserved separately: the front in DeTour Village and the rear in Cedarville. This is the relocated historic front tower, rather than the present navigation aid at Six Mile Point.
Todd’s photographs show its straightforward construction closely: overlapping steel sections, riveted seams, a widening base, and a box-shaped upper housing. Weathered paint and surface marks remain part of the tower’s character. The nearby sign describes it as a front range light from the St. Mary’s River system and gives an approximate date of 1920; lighthouse histories identify the preserved tower with the 1907 pair.
Visitor Information
- Finding the tower
- Look for the DeTour Passage Historical Museum at Elizabeth and Huron Streets in DeTour Village. The historic light is displayed outdoors by the waterfront. The directory’s map pin marks this display location.
- Access
- The tower is an exterior exhibit, with no interior climb. Respect museum boundaries and posted access notices. Check local museum arrangements before planning an indoor visit; the outdoor light and museum opening hours are separate considerations.
- Photography
- A full-length view puts the small tower against the water and opposite shore. Closer views show the rivets, panels, and upper housing. Leave room above the cap and below the base when framing the complete structure.
- Front & rear
- The companion historic rear tower is displayed in Cedarville. It is a separate stop; the two preserved towers no longer form a working alignment.
Historical references: Lighthouse Friends: Six Mile Point Range Front and The Lighthouse Directory: Eastern Upper Peninsula. The photographed interpretive sign is included below.
Photo Gallery
Three views of the preserved front range light and its interpretive sign. Select a photograph to view it larger.
Keep Exploring
Return to the Michigan directory →
Explore Six Mile Point Range Rear →