Au Sable Point

Type:
Year Established:
1874
Existing:
Yes
Source:
LL-1901
Au Sable Point
Download:
File Type:
jpeg (image/jpeg)
Photo Date:
1999
Photo Credit:
Joyce Dixon
Photo Courtesy of:
US Lighthouse Society Archives
Collection / Donor:

LOCATION

Location:
AU SABLE POINT/LAKE SUPERIOR
Latitude:
46° 40'20"
Longitude:
86° 08'20"
City / Town:
GRAND MARAIS
U.S. State:
Michigan
Location County:
ALGER
Country:
United States

OWNER & ACCESS

Open to Public:
Yes
Light List Data:
  1. Au Sable Point
Light list data courtesy Gary Riemenschneider

STRUCTURE

Year Tower Established:
1874
Tower Construction Material:
BRICK
Tower Foundation:
WOOD PILINGS
Height of light above mean high water, in feet:
107 FT ABOVE WATER
Height, in feet, from base of structure to center of lantern:
78 FT
Tower Shape:
CONICAL
Fog Signal Building?:
Yes
Year Fog Signal Building Constructed:
1897
Fog Signal Bldg Construction Materials:
BRICK
Keeper's Quarters?:
Yes
Year Keeper's Quarters:
1874
Keeper's Quarters Style:
DUPLEX
Keeper's Quarters Construction:
BRICK
Other Structures:
STEEL OIL HOUSE (1915), 2ND BRICK KEEPERS (1909), KEROSENE STORAGE SHED (1895), 2 BRICK PRIVIES (1874/1909), WOODEN BOATHOUSE & WOODSHED (1875), BRICK CISTERN, 2-VEHICLE WOOD FRAME GARAGE (1954)

OPTICS

Active Aid to Navigation?:
Yes
Current Optic:
300 MM
Original Optic Type:
THIRD ORDER, FRESNEL
Year Original Lens Installed:
1874
Private Aid:
No
USCG Access to Optics:
No
Comments:

Historical Information :

  • This light was called Big Sable Light until 1910.
  • The National Park Service is in the process of restoring the lighthouse. The tower and red brick building keepers dwelling and matching red brick fog signal building are still standing. The boarded lantern area is an impressive sight.
  • The third order fresnel lens is on display at the National Lakeshore’s Nautical and Maritime Museum in Grand Marias.
  • Do not confuse with the current Big Sable light in southern Michigan on Lake Michigan.
Entered by:
t.wheeler
Entered Date:
Jul 20, 2017