Beaver Island Harbor Light

Photo by Gail Bliss

Beaver Island Harbor Light or St. James Harbor Light
Established: (1856) and 1870
Status: Active
Location: (MI) Beaver Island
Type: Conical
Access: Carferry

Elizabeth Van Riper is a respected resident from Beaver Island's past. She lived in the lighthouse on St. James Harbor with her husband who was the keeper. But like so many of his fellow keepers he died while trying to rescue people from a boat. Elizabeth applied to continue on as keeper of the harbor light after her husband's death. Her request was granted and she performed her duties with great care. In 1884, she married Daniel Williams and they moved to the mainland at Harbor Point Light.
Old photo of the light
All that remains of The Beaver Island Harbor Light (also known as the St. James Harbor Light) is the 41-foot-tall tower. It stands on a narrow peninsula that juts out into the St. James Harbor near the edge of town. The present tower replaced a shorter one that had been built in 1856. The white cylindrical is capped by a black cast iron parapet. A small window near the top looks out over the harbor. This now automated light is still active.


Directions:
You can reach the island by either car ferry or regularly scheduled airplane flights, both out of Charlevoix, Michigan.The 18-minute flight costs about $50 per person; the ferry ride takes about 31/2 hours and costs approximately $100 for a family of four and their vehicle.


Ferries depart at least once a day from Beaver Island Boat dock, on the east side of US-31, just south of the drawbridge in downtown Charlevoix. If you are taking a vehicle to the island, reservations are a must, are are recommended either way. For a current ferry schedule and rates call (616) 547-2311.The Island Airways flight lift off from Charlevoix Municipal Airport, on US-31 just south of the M-66 junction. For flight information call (616) 547-2141.