Lighthouses in
Presque Isle, Michigan

Home of the Presque Isle Township Museum Society

Preserving Our Maritime History

Welcome!

Learn about Presque Isle's rich maritime history as you explore our two lighthouses, range lights, and museums . . . 

We are now open for the 2023 season, we look forward to welcoming you--our visitors, Museum Society members, and loyal volunteers--for another exciting season! We have many events, activities and contests planned and you can check them out on our Events page for the most up-to-date information. To plan your visit, see our hours and directions.

Interested in learning more about the PITMS and our community-oriented activities? Take a few moments to read the 2022 Annual Report of the Presque Isle Township Museum Society.

You can also read our most recent PITMS Newsletter here.

For lighthouse lovers, Presque Isle is a must-see stop in Northern Michigan. Our 1870 Lighthouse is the tallest light on the Great Lakes that the public may climb. Our 1840 Lighthouse is one of the oldest lights on the Great Lakes. And our 1870 Harbor Range Light honors the small, dedicated group of women who were appointed keepers in a profession dominated by men. The beautifully restored 1905 Keeper’s House serves as a museum highlighting local history and the lives of lighthouse keepers and their families.

Easy to find! Hard to leave!

New Presque Isle Lighthouse

Presque Isle Happenings Calendar

Are you a local looking for events sponsored by Presque Isle community groups or a visitor looking for fun events during your vacation in Presque Isle?  Visit the Presque Isle Happenings calendar for all the fun and exciting events in Presque Isle!

Presque Isle Lighthouses Photo Contest 


May 26, 2023 – September 4, 2023

Welcome all photographers, regardless of skill level or experience!


To celebrate the beauty and history of our beautiful historic lighthouses, the Presque Isle Township Museum Society is hosting their annual photo contest. Submit your best photos and help celebrate the beauty and history of these special places.


Photos will be accepted: May 26, 2023 @ 12:01 am – September 4, 2023 @ 11:59pm

People’s Choice Award Online Voting on Facebook: September 7-12

Winners Announced: September 15 - 18


Submit photos to photocontest@presqueislelighthouses.org


Contest Rules


Awards

People’s Choice Award

Old PI Lighthouse

New PI Lighthouse


Juror’s Awards

New Lighthouse

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place

Old Lighthouse

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place


Winning photos for Juried 1st, 2nd and 3rd places and People’s Choice award in each category will be featured on the PITMS website and social media.


Past winning photos may be viewed HERE.

Presque Isle Lighthouses Youth Art Contest 


May 26, 2023 - September 16, 2023

Presque Isle Township Museum Society (PITMS) invites students in grades K-8 to participate in the 2023 Presque Isle Lighthouses Youth Art Contest.


REQUIREMENTS


DIVISIONS


SUBMISSION


Contest sponsors retain the right to use artwork submitted to this contest for educational, outreach, and promotional non-commercial use. Any use of artwork will include credit to the student. Credit for students will be identified by first name/last initial only. All winning artwork and honorable mentions will be posted on the PITMS website and in social media. Personal identifiable information on the entry form will be held securely and not released to any outside individual or organization.


Past winning artwork may be viewed HERE.


Out of the Woods 1870–New Light Presque Isle Summer Raffle 


May 26, 2023 – September 4, 2023

Local artist Janet Hainstock Straley has generously donated a large-format Giclée print of her “portrait” of the New Presque Isle Lighthouse for our summer raffle. Out of the Woods 1870–New Light Presque Isle is a framed limited edition print, numbered and signed by the artist, 15” x 30”.  Janet has personal ties to our lighthouses: her great-great-grandfather was Patrick Garrity, Sr., keeper of both the Old and New Presque Isle Lights. 

Tickets are $5 each or $20 for 5 and will be sold from May 26 to September 4. The winning ticket will be drawn at the 1905 House on September 4 at 3:00 pm; winner need not be present.

Tickets are available from our Board members, at the Presque Isle Harbor Wooden Boat Show, Concerts at the Lighthouse, or by contacting us at pilighthouses@gmail.com or leave a message at 989.787.0814.

Raffle Permit Number: X08478

 Preserving our Lighthouses


The Lighthouses of Presque Isle guided the mariners of the past and they continue to inspire us in our own day. So many feel a deep connection to these iconic monuments—they are a legacy that we celebrate locally, and it is our joy to share them with visitors from near and far.

In 2018, Presque Isle Township Museum Society (PITMS) & Presque Isle Township established the Presque Isle Township Lighthouses Restoration Fund. Administered by the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan (CFNEM), the fund supports the Township’s efforts to restore and preserve the Old and New Lighthouses and related buildings. Lighthouse Restoration Fund donations are accepted throughout the year, not just on GivingTuesday. We encourage you to make a donation to the Lighthouses Restoration Fund by going to Presque Isle Township Lighthouses Restoration Fund. or mailing your check to PITMS, PO Box 208, Presque Isle, MI 49777 

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© Copyright 2023
Presque Isle Township Museum Society
All Rights Reserved 

Location

4500 East Grand Lake Road
PO Box 208
Presque Isle, MI 49777

GPS:
45 21.395 N | 083 29.532 W

Contact Us

Presque Isle Township Museum Society
Phone: 989.787.0814
Email: pilighthouses@gmail.com


Presque Isle Township
Old Presque Isle Lighthouse Gift Shop
Gift Shop: 989.595.9917
Township Hall: 989.595.2752

New Presque Isle Lighthouse Gift Shop
Gift Shop: 989.595.9917
Township Hall: 989.595.2752

Group and tour reservations: jmatuszak@presqueisletwp.org

Facility and grounds rentals: 989.595.2752 or adminassistant@presqueisletwp.org

Memberships