Sturgeon Point Lighthouse

Historical lighthouse became active in 1870.

The Sturgeon Point Light Station is a lighthouse on Lake Huron in Alcona County. Established to ward mariners off a reef that extends 1.5 miles (2.4 km) lakeward from Sturgeon Point, it is today regarded as a historic example of a Cape Cod style Great Lakes lighthouse.

In 1854, Perley Silverthorn established a fishing station and cooperage at this site. The dangerous reef that extends 1½ miles east from Sturgeon Point presented a serious hazard to ships, so one of the earliest lighthouses in Michigan was built in 1869 and placed in operation in 1870. Mr. Silverthorn, the first Keeper, served from 1870 until 1874. In 1939, the lighthouse was electrified and automated, and in 1941, the last personnel departed. The lighthouse fell into disrepair due to neglect and vandalism. In 1982, the Alcona Historical Society, under the leadership of Floyd Benghauser, leased the Keeper's house and Lighthouse and restored it to its 1890s grandeur, using mostly volunteer labor. The light with its 3.5-order Fresnel lens, no longer used by the Coast Guard, is kept operational by the Alcona Historical Society for boaters.

Birding Site: Located two miles north of Harrisville, Sturgeon Point Lighthouse is a 60-acre State-owned park with free admission and grounds open year-round. Habitat includes Lake Huron sand dunes, stunted growth trees, bushes, and lake grasses with wetlands along the old lane, and mature hardwoods and conifers. Nesting species include American Redstart, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow Warblers, and Northern Cardinals. A wide variety of birds migrate through the park and use the 1.5-mile shoal out into the big lake as a gathering point. A resident Bald Eagle frequently circles the lighthouse tower for the enjoyment of visitors. The lighthouse is open Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend.

Access Type: Via Paved Road

Launch Type: Carry-in Launching (Kayak)

Beach Type: Sand/Gravel

Beach Approach: Low Banks

Vehicle Parking: 8 spaces

Facilities/Services: Restrooms

Day Use Facilities: Picnic Area, Interpretive Facilities, Cultural or Historic Site

Notes: Sturgeon Point Lighthouse is a historic site open part of the year to the public. Access is at a road end with an easy haul to the beach; some occasional rocks and shoals can be a problem during heavy seas. It is around 4 miles South to Harrisville and 8 Miles North to Black River. Shoreline is predominantly private; there is some US Forest Service ownership between Sturgeon Point and Black River that could be used for wilderness low-impact camping.

Things To Do: Scenic Viewing, Self-Guided Touring, Swimming

Open: Restrooms Available