Point Iroquois Lighthouse
Established: (1855) 1871
Decommissioned: 1962
Location: Mouth of the St. Mary's River
above the Soo Locks
Type: Conical brick tower
Access: Car
The Point Iroquois Light was first illuminated in 1857 and its Fourth Order Fresnel lens shone over one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world - the entrance to the St. Mary's River and the Soo Locks.
Point Iroquois became busier with each passing year, and it's personnel and facilities required to run the station grew accordingly. In 1870 the house and tower were completely rebuilt, and after the turn of the century the living space was enlarged to house the head keeper, two assistant keepers, and their families.For more than a hundred years, the Point Iroquois Light performed its duties, but in 1962, its light was extingished in favor of a beacon farther out in the water.
Today, the lighthouse and tower have been renovated thanks to the concerted efforts of the Bay Mills/Brimley Historical Research Society and the current land owner, the National Forest Service.
The historical society has renovated the interior of the house, added antiques and memorabilia have been arranged to show what life is like during this lighthouses heydey. Informative displays fill several rooms, and the gift shop sells lighthouse theme souvenirs and a wide variety of books on Michigan's nautical and natural history. The 65 foot tower is also open to the public during certian viewing hours. From its top you have a wonderful view of the sandy shoreline as it stretches out of sight and of Canada, across the water to the north.
DIRECTIONS:
In Brimley where M-221 dead ends at Lake Superior, turn left onto 6 Mile Rd (called Lakeshore Dr. near the lighthouse) and go about 7.5 miles.
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