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 . . .

The Old and New Presque Isle Lighthouses are open on reduced fall hours and the 1905 Keeper's House is closed until next season except for special events such as on Saturday, October 14 from 11 am - 2 pm when it will be open for the Autumn Lights Festival. To plan your fall visit, see our hours and directions.

Please remember that, while the buildings may be closed during the reduced fall hours, the New Lighthouse Park is open year round. Weather permitting, you can still enjoy the trails and the opportunity to witness our stunning sunrises and sunsets over the waters of Lake Huron and North Bay. We do ask that you keep our park clean by taking all trash and debris with you when you leave.

Interested in learning more about the PITMS and our community-oriented activities? Take a few moments to read the 2023 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!

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!

Summer Raffle Winner

Out of the Woods 1870–New Light Presque Isle

Congratulations to Christie and Gabe Mulka from Presque Isle who won our summer raffle and will have Janet Hainstock Straley's Out of the Woods 1870–New Light Presque Isle print hanging in their home! Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket and supported our fundraising efforts- $1100 was raised. And a heartfelt thank you to Janet for donating her beautiful artwork. The winning ticket was sold by PITMS Board Member Joni Rogers

If you didn't win but would like to buy a print (available in 3 different sizes), visit our Support page for information on how to purchase andsupport Lighthouse Restoration.

Photo (right to left): Mark Rutenbar, PITMS Board President, presenting Janet’s print to Gabe and Christie Mulka in the 1905 Keeper’s House parlor.

Raffle Permit Number: X08478

Late Afternoon at the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse, Photographer Timothy Payne

2023 Presque Isle Lighthouses Photo Contest

We are very thankful to the 19 photographers who entered our Annual Photo Contest by submitting 47 entries. Photographers submitted their best shots of both the Old and New Lighthouses to help celebrate the beauty and history of these special places. During the judging process, the judges ranked each photo for its artistic creativity, lighting, composition, and point of view. The Society is pleased to announce the winners and congratulate the photographers. Winners photos may be viewed in the Gallery.

Old Lighthouse Division

Juror’s Award First Place: Anchored to the Trees by David Mix

Juror’s Award Second Place: Late Afternoon at the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse by Timothy Payne.

Juror’s Award Third Place: 1840 Presque Isle Postcard Perfect by Richard Gould

People's Choice Award: 1840 Presque Isle Pot-O-Gold by Richard Gould

New Lighthouse Division

Juror’s Award First Place: Bird's Eye View by Jamie Raab

Juror’s Award Second Place: The Signal and the Disc by Daven Sarikonda

Juror’s Award Third Place: Color Streaks by Josh Kunst

People's Choice Award: New Presque Airglow by Daven Sarikonda

Presque Isle Lighthouses Youth Art Contest

Join us in congratulating the winners of our Youth Art Contest!

Over the summer, young artists submitted their artwork of the lighthouses to help us celebrate the beauty and history of these special places. The Society is pleased to announce the winners and congratulate the artists.

4th grade – 5th grade Division

Juror’s Award 1st Place: Wildlife at the Light by Nora J.

Juror’s Award 2nd Place: Lighthouse at Dusk by Nora J.

2nd grade – 3rd grade Division

Juror’s Award 1st Place: Blake’s Sunny Day Presque Isle Lighthouse by Blake C.

Kindergarten – 1st grade Division

Juror’s Award 1st Place: Sunny Lighthouse by Katherine G.

Juror’s Award 2nd Place: Big Lighthouse by John G.

Juror’s Award Honorable Mention: Emma’s Sparkle Lighthouse by Emma C.

Winning artwork may be viewed in the Gallery

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