Historic Birch Lodge

Historic Birch Lodge
Historic Birch Lodge, Trout Lake, MI

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Point Iroquois Lighthouse, Bay Mills, MI

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Point Iroquois LIghtstation, Bay Mills, MI

The Point Iroquois Lighthouse is located just west of Bay Mills, at Iroquois Point on Lake Superior.
This is about 40 minutes from Birch Lodge and Trout Lake, MI  The point itself, got its name from a battle between the Iroquois who had invaded the area in search of control of trade and fur trapping.  They were vanquished here at this place by the local Ojibwa.  This significant battle stopped the western progression of the Iroquois.  It was documented that in the 1700's a fur trader could still see human bones on the beach.
Beach at Point Iroquois Lighthouse, Bay Mills, MI
Beach at Point Iroquois

The first lighthouse on this site was built in 1855, two years after the Soo Locks were begun.  It was built to guide ships from Lake Superior into the St. Mary's River.







The original structure was built of wood and rubble, and stood 45 feet tall.  It was equipped with a Fresnel Lens.


 By 1867 the quality of the structure was questioned, and a new lighthouse and keepers home were planned.
Point Iroquois Lighthouse, Bay Mills, MI

The current lighthouse dates from 1870.  It is a white cape cod style structure, and has a 665 foot tall tower.  It operated until 1962 when it's function was replaced by the Canadian operated light at the mouth of the St. Mary's River.  In 1975 this light was placed on the National Register of historic Places.  It is currently part of the Hiawatha National Forest

.Daily tours are offered at the Point Iroquois Lighthouse, and you may climb the tower to view Lake Superior. Summer hours are from 10am to 5pm daily. 

Lake Superior at Point Iroquois LIght, Bay Mills, MICurrently they are searching for a volunteer caretaker to live at and care for the lighthouse.  They ask a minimum commitment of one year.  Are you interested?  Here is a link to click:
Point Iroquois Lighthouse Facebook 
Hasn't everyone always  secretly wanted to live at a lighthouse on Lake Superior??

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