Ile Aux Galets Light

Ile Aux Galets Light, also known as Skillagalee Island Light, stands on Ile Aux Galets (Skillagalee Island), a low‑lying, gravel island in the northeastern part of Lake Michigan. The island lies about 7 mi northwest of Cross Village in Emmet County, Michigan, and to the southwest of Waugoshance Island. The station marks the hazardous reefs and shoals of Waugoshance Point, helping vessels navigate the lake.

The tower is an octagonal hourglass‑shaped structure built of brick on a stone foundation. It rises 58 ft and is painted white with a black lantern. Its focal plane sits 17.7 m above the water. Originally equipped with a fourth‑order Fresnel lens, the light now uses a 300‑mm Tideland Signal ML‑300 acrylic lens that produces a flashing white signal every six seconds (Fl W 6 s) visible for 11 nmi.

An aid to navigation was first established on the island in 1850. The present brick tower was constructed and first lit in 1888, replacing the earlier structure. The light was automated in 1969, ending the era of resident keepers.

The light remains active and is listed by the United States Coast Guard as an operational aid to navigation on Lake Michigan. It continues to serve mariners as a flashing white beacon.

Light and tower

It lies on Lake Michigan. The light has a focal height of 17.7 metres. It was automated in 1969. Its recorded status is active.