Grand Island East Channel Light

Perched just north of Munising in Grand Island Township, Michigan, this lighthouse sits on Lake Superior at latitude 46.45017 N and longitude ‑86.62242 W. It was erected to guide vessels through the east channel of Grand Island into Munising Harbor.

The tower rises 45 ft and is white‑painted, built as a square, wood‑frame structure on a brick foundation. A decagonal lantern tops the tower and is attached to a schoolhouse‑style keeper’s residence. Light was produced by an oil‑fired steamer using a fifth‑order Fresnel lens, emitting a fixed white beam that could be seen for 13.25 mi.

Construction dates appear as 1868 for first illumination and 1870 for the building, according to differing records. The aid remained in service until the early 20th century, with deactivation noted as either 1908 or 1913 after the Munising Range Lights rendered it redundant. Its low visibility from open waters and the difficulty of maintenance contributed to its removal from active duty.

Today the tower is inactive and no longer serves as a navigational aid. Preservation has been driven by the Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse Rescue Committee, which has undertaken rustic restoration work. The structure remains standing, though it is not an operating lighthouse.

Light and tower

It lies on Lake Superior. Its recorded status is inactive.