De Tour Reef Light Tours

De Tour Point Light

The DeTour Passage, where ships turn from northern Lake Huron and enter the St. Mary's River, remains a busy shipping lane. Since 1847 it had been essential to have a lighthouse to warn ships of the reef here. Between 1929 and 1931 this large, Classic Revival lighthouse was built out in Lake Huron, a mile from the nearest land and two miles from DeTour and the Drummond dock. It took 600 sacks of cement a day to build the base and tower. The lighthouse can be seen from the Drummond Island Ferry.

DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society restored this still active (now automated) lighthouse to its 1931 appearance and offers 2 ½ hour summer weekend tours ($95 for non-members), by charter boat and by reservation only, leaving from Drummond Island. See www.drlps.com/. The tour extends from the basement storage and machinery room, through the keeper's quarters, up a spiral cast-iron staircase, to the watch room and lantern in the tower and outside gallery. Chances are, there'll be at least one freighter passing during the tour to add to the drama.

To get up to the lighthouse platform from the boat, visitors must be able to climb a 20' ladder. A safety harness is there to guard against a fall into the lake. The lighthouse's 3 ½ order Fresnel lens can now be seen at the DeTour historical museum next to the ferry.

Lighthouse fans wait for months ahead to participate in the weekend overnight keepers' program, assist with the tours, and do light maintenance. $220 pays for two overnights but not food or towels. Funds raised go to maintain the lighthouse.

Tours are Saturdays and/or Sundays from mid June thru mid August. For tour reservations, call (906) 493-6609 or visit DRLPS.com. It's best to reserve well in advance, but some spots might be available a day or so ahead. $95/tour. (Join the society and 2 or more people get a break.) Keepers program: $220. Handicap access: no.
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DE TOUR VILLAGE
POINTS OF INTEREST

De Tour Reef Light Tours. Guarding the DeTour Passage where ships enter the St. Mary's River, this large lighthouse surrounded by water can be toured by charter boat from Drummond Island. Climb to the top for a great view of the shipping channel ... more

DeTour beach, picnic and cross-country ski area. A diverse natural area without crowds or traffic: miles of beach, sandy and rocky; low dunes; mature white pine forest. ... more

Timberdoodle Mercantile. Seven owners shop for unusual & useful things to fill this 2-story house. You'll find every thing from party supplies to Polish pottery, books, & condiments ... more

Bailey Roadside Park. A beautiful sandy beach and shady picnic area with nice views of Lake Huron and, at night, the Martin Reef Light. ... more

DeTour Passage Historical Museum. Though small, it covers a broad gamut of DeTour history, from the native Indians, pioneer farming, and the old lighthouse to the ferry ... more

Dr. Shula F. Giddens Memorial Gardens. Watch occasional freighters from this sunny, well-landscaped park ... more

Caribou Lake beach. This sandy uncrowded beach is an oasis among most rocky shoreline ... more

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