Charity Island Lighthouse

History of the Charity Island Lighthouse

This was probably one of the first Great Lakes lighthouses to be automated. The light was built in 1857 and automated in 1900. Then it was abandoned in 1939 when the Gravelly Shoal Light was lit.

One book that I have says that the lighthouse was purchased in 1992 and was being restored. The old keeper's quarters were beyond repair and have since been torn down. They were however rebuilt accroding to the original plans and are now open to the public.

Directions: The lighthous sits off shore on Charity Island. The best way to see the light is via boat. There is a ferry service that will transport you to the island. Since I didn't have time to travel to the island, I got a distant shot from shore. From US-23 in Au Gres, I took US-23 north 4.8 miles to Point Lookout Road. I then followed Point Lookout Road to the end, and made a left onto Michigan Ave. I followed this to the end where there was a break in the houses and could see out into Lake Huron / Saginaw Bay. From here, you can look out and see the island and light with a telephoto lens.

View more Charity Island Lighthouse pictures