The White Shoal Light Will Remain Closed to the Public in 2024

One of Michigan’s most iconic lighthouses will not be open to the public in 2024, but plans are still on track for it to be open in the future. A February Facebook post by the White Shoal Light Historical Preservation Society announced the closure and pointed out that given the scope of the lighthouse restoration project it made more sense to be closed this year. It sounds like plans are still on track for volunteer opportunities and overnight stays at the White Shoal Light to resume in 2025, and the WSLHPS is one of the best out there when it comes to posting updates. We can’t wait to see this year’s progress and we enjoy knowing that this beautiful candy cane striped lighthouse that is one of the tallest on the Great Lakes is in good hands.

You can read the full post on the WSLHPS page. Here are some highlights: “The 2023 season was our most successful season yet as we hosted an amazing roster of volunteers and opened the last half of our season to overnight guest stays once again. Unsurprisingly, a project of this size and scope presents endless challenges to our team that, season to season, we must logistically strategize, prioritize, and plan for. Our board of directors, having met recently and having reviewed the 2024 calendar, potential five-year plan, and numerous variables restoration is presenting us with, has decided to keep White Shoal closed to the public in 2024. This will allow us to bring in additional contractors to consult on future projects and continue specialized work on current projects. Our plan is to reopen White Shoal in 2025 and resume volunteer operations and overnight stays.”

The White Shoal Light was in a mostly abandoned state since the 1970s when it was won at auction by private parties in 2016. They’ve been hard at work ever since on restoring the light to its 1950s appearance, and having been hosting visitors and overnight guests since taking over ownership. Last year’s rates for the 3 Night Adventure package ranged from $1,500 to $3,000 and offered a one-of-a-kind experience on this beacon that sits in Lake Michigan.

For now, the best public views will continue to come from a private boat or one of the Shepler’s lighthouse cruise. The Westbound Lighthouse Cruise (also includes Waugoshance Shoal Light, St. Helena Island Light, Grays Reef Light, and the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse) will be offered seven times this summer, and the Westbound Extended Cruise (the five lights mentioned plus Squaw Island Lighthouse and the Lansing Shoal Light) will be offered five times this season.