DeTour Reef Light

Since 1847, a lighthouse has been located at DeTour Passage at the northwestern head of Lake Huron. Originally placed on shore at Point DeTour, Michigan, the Light was moved offshore to DeTour Reef in 1931. The Light marks the mouth of the St. Mary's River, which connects Lake Huron to Lake Superior. It is well known to ship captains and pleasure boaters who sail the upper Great Lakes. For generations the Light at DeTour Passage has provided a beacon for those vessels seeking the "Gateway to Superior”. Rising 83' above water with its 63' tall Classic-Revival-style architecture, this Lighthouse has been a fixture in Michigan's Upper Peninsula since 1931. DeTour Reef Light stands as a testament to the importance of shipping in the region's political, economic and social history. In 1974 the Lighthouse was automated and by 1997 the Lighthouse had been declared excess property by the U.S. Coast Guard.  In 1998 the Lighthouse was added to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of America's Most Endangered Historic Places, as the example lighthouse for all of Michigan's historic lighthouses.