Save the Big Bay Lighthouse Organization

Big Bay Point Lighthouse Stats Page

Lighthouse Stats

State: MICHIGAN
Location: UPPER PENINSULA / LAKE SUPERIOR
Nearest City: BIG BAY
County: MARQUETTE
U.S.C.G. District: 9
Year Station Established: 1896

Existing Historic Tower:

Year Light First Lit: 1896
Is the Light Operational? YES
Date Deactivated: 1961-1990
Automated: 1941
Foundation Materials: STONE
Construction Materials: BRICK/REINFORCED CONCRETE
Markings/Patterns: RED BRICK W/WHITE LANTERN
Shape: SQUARE
Relationship to Other Structures: ATTACHED
Tower Height: 65
Original Optic: THIRD ORDER, FRESNEL
Year Original Lens Installed: 1896
Present Optic:
Year Present Lens Installed: 1990
Height of Focal Plane: 60
Fresnel Lens Disposition: ORIGINAL LENS ON EXHIBIT AT THE SITE ** (see note)
Has tower been moved? NO

Existing Sound Signal Building? YES

Year Constructed: 1896
Construction Materials: BRICK
Architectural Style:
Fog Signal Type: NONE

Existing Keepers Quarters? YES

Year Constructed: 1896
Number of Stories: 2
Architectural Style: DUPLEX (B&B)
Construction Materials: RED BRICK

Other Structures: 2 CISTERNS, OIL HOUSE, GARAGE, 2 BRICK OUTHOUSES, DOCK, WELL HOUSE

** In 1986, the new keeper went to great lengths to locate and obtain the original Fresnel lens. Once it was transported to Big Bay, local residents spent 6 man-days reverently assembling the lens and mounting it in the Fog house, where it was proudly exhibited for a number of years. Unfortunately, the current developers/owners recently dismantled the lens. It is sadly no longer on the lighthouse property.