Munising Front Range Light

The Munising Front Range Light is a navigation beacon situated on the western edge of the town of Munising, Michigan, on Lake Superior. The light marks the entrance to the East Channel that runs beside Grand Island and leads vessels into Munising’s harbor. It stands just north of the M‑28 highway, providing a visual point of reference for ships approaching from the open lake.

The tower is the lower element of a pair of range lights. Its lantern is positioned at a focal height of 24.1 m above the lake surface, allowing the beam to be seen by vessels navigating the channel. When the front light aligns vertically with the taller rear light, a ship is on the correct course; any horizontal offset indicates a need to correct bearing. The light remains active, serving its original purpose.

The front range tower was completed in 1908 as part of a navigation upgrade that replaced the earlier Grand Island East Channel Light in 1905. The new range pair was intended to give mariners a reliable line of sight into Munising harbor. Over time the light was converted to automatic operation, eliminating the need for a resident keeper. Its enduring role reflects the effort to improve safety on Lake Superior.

Today the front range light remains an active aid to navigation. The National Park Service oversees the property; visitors may walk the surrounding grounds, but the tower itself is not open to the public. Its beacon continues to mark the alignment with the rear light, helping vessels maintain the proper course into the harbor.

Light and tower

It lies on Lake Superior. The light has a focal height of 24.1 metres. Its recorded status is active.