TRANSPORTATION · LIGHTHOUSE
New Presque Isle Light
Transportation
New Presque Isle Light, built at Presque Isle on Lake Huron in 1870–1871, replaced an older nearby lighthouse and became a major aid to Great Lakes shipping. Designed by Major Orlando M. Poe, the tower featured strong double-wall construction, a 138-step spiral stair, and a third-order Fresnel lens from Paris that cast a steady light across the lake for freighters and passenger steamers. The station’s long history was closely tied to the Garraty family, who served as keepers for decades. Expanded with fog signals, new housing, and later modern systems, the light was automated in 1970 and remains one of the tallest Great Lakes lighthouses.
FIND IT
Presque Isle Harbor, Michigan
CITY · 23 STOPSExplore Presque Isle Harbor, Michigan
Hear every story as you drive
4.8 Stars · 800+ Ratings
© 2026 MainEngine