The Grand Island East Channel Light is a

lighthouse A lighthouse is a tower, building, or other type of physical structure designed to emit light from a system of lamps and lenses and to serve as a beacon for navigational aid, for maritime pilots at sea or on inland waterways. Lighthouses mar ...

located just north of Munising, Michigan and was intended to lead boats from

Lake Superior Lake Superior in central North America is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface areaThe Caspian Sea is the largest lake, but is saline, not freshwater. and the third-largest by volume, holding 10% of the world's surface fresh wa ...

through the channel east of Grand Island into the Munising Harbor. Constructed of wood, the light first opened for service in 1868. The light was very hard to see from Lake Superior, and light maintenance was very difficult so the Munising Range Lights were constructed (

Munising Rear Range Light The Munising Rear Range Light works with the Munising Front Range Light to project a line of light out into Lake Superior in order to guide boats from the open lake into the safe harbor at Munising, Michigan. This harbor is a natural bay (thus p ...

Munising Front Range Light The Munising Front Range Light and its matching Munising Rear Range Light replaced the ineffective Grand Island East Channel Light in 1905. These two lights combine to guide boats from the open waters of Lake Superior down the East Channel next t ...

) and this light was removed from service in 1908 or 1913 (sources vary). The lighthouse was severely neglected, and was in danger of being washed away due to erosion. The Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse Rescue Committee was officially formed. Private fund raising was undertaken. Restoration efforts (albeit in "rustic form" not pristine as it was in service) were undertaken.Harrison, Timothy and Case, Chris, ''Last Chance for Grand Island East Channel Light'' (January, 2000)
Lighthouse Digest. The theory for the lack of paint is that it is more picturesque and attractive to tourists and passing photographers.Anderson, Kraig. Lighthouse Friends, Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse.
/ref> As two commentators, lamenting the possible loss of this unique light station, noted in

Lighthouse Digest ''Lighthouse Digest'', a specialty magazine from FogHorn Publishing in East Machias, Maine, is about maritime history with particular attention to the preservation of lighthouses and their past. Though it is geared toward enthusiasts and antiqu ...

It is seen and photographed by thousands of tourists via the Picture Rocks Cruises and Grand Island Charters Glass Bottom Boat tours which make it their first stop on their numerous tours. It appears on sweatshirts, tee-shirts, coffee mugs, post cards, advertisements, and calendars. It is positively one of Michigan's most recognizable landmarks. . . .

In 2000, 85 volunteers worked steadily for thirty days, and completed 75% of a seawall to protect the light. In 2000, the light has been restored and the wall completed.Wobser, David, ''Great Laker Magazine'', Grand Island East Channel Range Light, at
Boatnerd. It is part of a listing on the National Register of Historic Places, Reference #80004835. Name of Listing: HISTORIC ENGINEERING & INDUSTRIAL SITES IN MICHIGAN TR. It is not listed on the state registry.

Access

The most common way to see the light is to take either of the cruises out of Munising (Shipwreck Tour or Pictured Rocks tour), o
Grand Island Cruises
all of which pass by this light and pause for photographers. Alternatively, sea kayak tours of Grand Island are a good way to see this light. Daily trips are available from Memorial Day weekend through October 10. Sea

Kayak A kayak is a small, narrow watercraft which is typically propelled by means of a double-bladed paddle. The word kayak originates from the Greenlandic word ''qajaq'' (). The traditional kayak has a covered deck and one or more cockpits, each se ...

ing is a popular method of exploring the island and is the best way to see it, although it is a serious trip in dangerous and cold water, which should not be undertaken lightly or without proper equipment (dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature). Guides are available. The most efficient port of entry for a sea kayak is from the harbor at

Munising Munising ( ') is a city in Alger County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,355 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Alger County. The city is partially surrounded by Munising Township, but the two are administered auton ...

. Out of Munising, Shipwreck Tours and Pictured Rocks Cruises offer boat toursPictured Rocks cruises.
that pass closely by this lighthouse. The ferry to tour Grand Island is available, but does not pass by either Grand Island lighthouses. They are located on private property and are not accessible. The lighthouse is owned privately, and the grounds, dwelling and tower are closed.

References

Google Maps Google Maps is a web mapping platform and consumer application offered by Google. It offers satellite imagery, aerial photography, street maps, 360° interactive panoramic views of streets ( Street View), real-time traffic conditions, and rou ...

. * {{authority control Lighthouses completed in 1868 Lighthouses on the National Register of Historic Places in Michigan 1908 disestablishments in Michigan Lighthouses in Alger County, Michigan 1868 establishments in Michigan National Register of Historic Places in Alger County, Michigan

Access

See also

References

Further reading

External links