Manistee North Pierhead Light Will Soon Be Open For Tours
The Lakeshore Keepers (formerly known as the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association) have opened four West Michigan lighthouses to the public over the past few decades, and they will soon open a fifth light to the public. The Manistee North Pierhead Light was acquired by the group last January, and will open for public tour at the end of May. This now brings the Lakeshore Keepers collection to five lighthouses: Big Sable Point Lighthouse at Ludington State Park, the Ludington North Breakwater Light, the White River Light Station, Little Sable Point Lighthouse at Silver Lake State Park, and the Manistee North Pierhead Light. We’ve visited the Manistee North Pierhead Light many times over the years, and are excited to see what this great organization does to enhance the visitor experience!
The Manistee North Pierhead Light dates back to 1927 and it is one of only four Michigan lighthouse to still have a catwalk (Grand Haven Pier Lights, South Haven South Pier Light, St. Joseph Pier Lights). This elevated walkway was used by lightkeepers in bad weather so they could still reach the lantern room and keep the light on. The white cylindrical cast iron tower stands 38 feet tall and it is capped with a black lantern room. We can’t wait to see the views from up here!
You can see the lighthouse in Manistee from a boat cruise, from Douglas Park and First Street Beach on the south side of the river channel, or from Fifth Avenue Beach. To walk out to the light, park in the Fifth Avenue Beach lot and head to the pier for a short walk. This is a popular spot in warmer months for walking, fishing, and sunset viewing.
The ribbon cutting for the Manistee North Pierhead Light will take place on May 25th at noon. From that date until Labor Day, tours will be offered from 1-5 p.m. on Mondays and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. the rest of the week. Fall hours are set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday – Sunday. There is an $8 fee ($5 for kids) to climb the tower and you need to be wearing proper footwear. A gift shop will be located on the first floor of the lighthouse. Visit the Lakeshore Keepers website to learn more about the Manistee light as well as their other lighthouses!