Huron Islands & Lighthouse

Baraga County Tourist and Recreation Assoc.

Perched majestically 197 feet above Lake Supeior, the Huron Light still operates today. Built of granite from the island it stands on, it was completed in 1868.

From the Huron River's mouth, it's possible to see the high granite rocks of the Huron Islands. Most of the islands are a designated national wildlife refuge and therefore not open to camping or public visitation of any kind.

The westernmost island, known as Lighthouse Island is four miles away. It can be visited during the day. (There's no camping, however.) A lighthouse was built here on West Huron Island in 1868 to warn sailors away from the dangerous waters. It marked the turn for ships entering Huron Bay, Keweenaw Bay, or the Portage Entry. These waters became increasingly busy in the late 19th century with vessels carrying copper, lumber, and sandstone.

Any boaters should be forewarned that winds can change quickly at this place, and calm water can turn to whitecaps, regardless of what the weather radio says about general conditions. Duncan Price offers fishing charters to the Huron Islands area as Fisher Price Charters (906-523-6393). On the island's southwest side there's a usable dock.

A steep short path goes up to the HURON ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE, built of red granite gained when the building site was leveled. The roof of the handsome building has been repaired, thanks to a joint project of the Huron Islands' managers (the Seney National Wildlife Refuge) and a group of mostly local volunteers, the Huron Island Lighthouse Preservation Association (Box 381, L'Anse 49946). A history, photos, how to help, and more are on its web site, www.huronislandhighthouse.com . The association has successfully gained government cooperation in its preservation efforts. Donations are gladly accepted; it takes a lot of spaghetti dinners in a small town to raise restoration funds.
[Get Directions]

Return to Skanee

SKANEE
POINTS OF INTEREST

Silver Falls. An interestingly complex woodland hike reaches an overlook, then dark rocks, rushing water, and a wading pool. Downstream are a second waterfall and swimming hole. Part of Copper Country State Forest. ... more

Black Slate Falls and Quartzite Falls. A short trail reaches two little, idyllic woodland waterfalls over quarzite and dark, layered slate. ... more

Big Eric's Bridge, Big Huron River and mouth. Memorable state forest area along a steelhead stream: beautiful rapids, camping at the Huron River mouth with its wavy sandbars and bayou, Lake Superior view of Huron Islands and the dramatic Huron Mountains near Big Bay. ... more

Huron Islands & Lighthouse. The Huron River's mouth offers a splendid view of the rocky Huron Islands, a wildlife refuge, just offshore in Lake Superior. Knowledgeable boaters or a Skanee fishing charter can reach the stabilized granite lighthouse on the westernmost island. It was built in 1868 to warn copper shipping vessels of rocks and shifting waters. ... more

Best of the Best U.P. Maps

See our U.P. interactive maps that locate the best experiences the U.P. has to offer—from camping & hiking to good eating & vistas! We also have created useful maps to major U.P. TOWNS.

Incredibly Useful!
Hunt's Map Guide to the Upper Peninsula • Favorite hikes, beaches, restaurants, shops, lighthouses, scenic drives, waterfalls, & much more
• 13 detailed U.P. maps
• Full color, on sturdy, water-resistant paper
• Folds out to 12”x38”
• Only $6.95
To learn more & buy online, click here