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Lighthouses of the Thumb Area

Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse

Located 6 miles North of Port Hope off M-25 on Lighthouse Road in Lighthouse County Park. The Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse Society has been instrumental in lighthouse maintenance and upgrades as well as establishing events such as Heritage Days. Visitors to the Lighthouse Museum can examine shipwrecks, old photos and a variety of antique items.  The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There is a gift shop as well.

In 1849 the keeper's dwelling burned to the ground.  The lighthouse tower and dwelling were rebuilt in 1857.  The Ponte Aux Barques Lighthouse Society celebrated a 150th Year Celebration in honor of the anniversary.

Port Austin Reef Light

Located in Lake Huron, 2.5 miles north of the Village of Port Austin. Construction was completed in 1878, and the U.S. Coast Guard decommissioned the light in 1984.

The Port Austin Reef Light Association is responsible for the maintenance and restoration of the landmark.

Charity Island Lighthouse

The Charity Island Lighthouse was established in 1857, and currently is privately owned. It stands in ruins at the northwest tip of Big Charity Island. It is conical in shape and constructed out of brick and wood.

Harbor Beach Lighthouse

The Harbor Beach Lighthouse is located at the end of the north breakwater entrance to the harbor of refuge, created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, protecting the harbor of Harbor Beach. It is automated, and according to the Harbor Beach Chamber of Commerce, it has a rotating white light with 20,000 candlepower with a visibility of 21 miles.

The Harbor Beach Lighthouse Preservation Society has been working with city officials to preserve the historic landmark since the federal government decided to release it under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000.

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Visit Michigan's Thumb
Harbor Beach, MI  48441