Alpena Off The Beaten Path

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The reefs and rocky shores of Lake Huron have been a threat to shipping since the Griffin set sail in the 1690's (Sieur La Salle). Early on, a light was built on this coast to warn ships away. This light is easily reache by car, but you will be taken back into the 1800's as you leave the paved road and begin following a dirt track between the trees. Motorhomes and large vans may be too wide, as our Jeep was within inches (cm) of touching trees along both sides. Parking is in spaces between the trees with minimal room to turn. You'll walk out of the woods into the light and there will be the lightkeepers house (museum) with the tower just beyond. From here, there is a clear view of the lake reaching southward across the reefs and the maritine sanctuary.

Congress in 1838 appropriated $5,000 for a lighthouse. Jerimiah Moors of Detroit in 1840 completed this lighthouse, which today is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses on the Great Lakes. Pat Garrity, the last keeper of this lighthouse, was appointed by President Lincoln. Four of Garrity's children, raised in the keeper's house, became lighthouse keepers. In 1870, a new lighthouse to the north was completed along with two range lights for the entrance to the harbor.

For Lighthouse Friends: try this link: Old Presque Isle light

Address
5295 East Grand Lake Rd
Presque Isle, MI