Portage River Lighthouse

Portage River Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse on Michigan's Great Lakes shoreline. Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state — well over a hundred — built to guide ships through the treacherous waters and shoals of Lakes Michigan, Huron, Superior and Erie during the shipping booms of the 1800s and early 1900s. Each tower tells a story of the keepers who tended its light and the wrecks it was raised to prevent.

Many of Michigan's lighthouses are now preserved as museums or park landmarks, open seasonally for tours and tower climbs, while others can be admired from a nearby beach or pier. Hours are usually limited to the warm months, and some stand in remote or boat-access locations, so check ahead before visiting. Related places list the shoreline parks, beaches and waters around it.