Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse

History of Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse

Construction and Early Operation

The Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse, located on the southeast shore of Grand Island, just north of Munising, Michigan, was constructed in 1868 to guide vessels from Lake Superior through the East Channel into Munising Harbor. Built of wood, the 45.9-foot-tall structure was designed to warn mariners of the narrow passage and the dangerous shoal at Sand Point. Congress appropriated funds in June 1864 and June 1866 to build beacon lights at the entrance to Grand Island Bay and Harbor, with the Lighthouse Board utilizing these funds between 1868 and 1870 to establish the East Channel Light and a pair of range lights on shore. Thomas Wilson was appointed the first keeper in 1868, serving for two years, followed by Napoleon Beedon in 1870, who later moved to manage the Grand Island Harbor Range Lights in 1873. Frank Beland took over as keeper in 1873.

Challenges and Deactivation

Despite its critical location, the lighthouse faced significant challenges. Its light was difficult to see from Lake Superior, and maintenance was problematic due to its exposed position. On August 15, 1891, the lighthouse was struck by lightning, damaging both the tower and the keeper’s dwelling. In 1898, storms eroded the shore, prompting plans to relocate the lighthouse 200 feet back from the lake, and the original pier was replaced with a new 50-foot-long, 8-foot-wide pier. By 1905, the Lighthouse Board noted that the light was no longer serving its original purpose effectively. The construction of the Munising Range Lights (Front and Rear) in 1908 provided a more reliable navigational aid, leading to the deactivation of the East Channel Light. It was lit for the last time on October 29, 1908, with Keeper George Prior, the final keeper, transferring to the new Munising Range Lights. Sources vary on the exact deactivation date, with some citing 1913. In 1913, the 44-acre lighthouse reservation was sold to twenty members of the Munising Moose Lodge, each holding a one-twentieth share.

Neglect and Preservation Efforts

After its deactivation, the lighthouse fell into severe neglect, with rotting timbers and lake erosion threatening its collapse. By the 1990s, The Munising News warned that the structure might not survive without intervention. In 1999, the Alger County Historical Society formed the Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse Rescue Committee to save the building. In 2000, 85 volunteers worked for 30 days to construct 75% of a 300-foot-long seawall to protect the lighthouse from erosion. Private fundraising supported these efforts, and the lighthouse was restored to a “rustic” state, intentionally left unpainted to enhance its picturesque appeal for tourists and photographers. The deep brown foundation shows signs of repairs, and the structure is supported by cables to ensure stability. The lighthouse is now part of the National Register of Historic Places (Reference #80004835) under Historic Engineering & Industrial Sites in Michigan.

Current Status and Accessibility

Today, the Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse remains privately owned and is not accessible to the public by land. However, it is a popular attraction, often photographed by visitors on Pictured Rocks Cruises, Shipwreck Tours, or Grand Island Charters, which pause for photographers. Sea kayak tours also offer views, though the cold and dangerous waters of Lake Superior require proper equipment and caution. The lighthouse’s weathered wooden exterior, resembling a small country church, makes it one of the most photographed lighthouses on the Great Lakes. Its rustic charm and historical significance continue to draw attention, preserved through community efforts and its status within the Hiawatha National Forest’s Grand Island National Recreation Area.