DeTour Reef Light

DeTour Reef Lighthouse has stood as a guiding beacon at DeTour Passage in northern Lake Huron since 1847. Originally located onshore at DeTour Point, the lighthouse was moved a mile offshore to DeTour Reef in 1931. It marks the mouth of the strategic St. Mary’s River, which connects Lake Huron to Lake Superior, making it an essential landmark for ship captains and pleasure boaters navigating the upper Great Lakes. For generations, the light has guided vessels seeking the “Gateway to Superior.”

Rising 83 feet above the water on a unique crib base, DeTour Reef Light features 63-foot-tall Classic Revival-style architecture, standing as a symbol of the region’s rich maritime history. The lighthouse was automated in 1974 and declared excess property by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1997.

In January 1998, the DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society (DRLPS) was formed by local leaders from DeTour Village and Drummond Island. This nonprofit volunteer organization (501c3) is dedicated to preserving and restoring the lighthouse for public enjoyment. Through volunteer efforts and private and government funding, the DRLPS restored the lighthouse to its 1931 appearance.

Visitors can experience the lighthouse up close through guided tours or the unique Lighthouse Keeper Program, which allows guests to stay overnight in the historic lighthouse and experience life as a lighthouse keeper. This program offers an unforgettable way to connect with Michigan’s maritime history.

Notable Accomplishments of the DRLPS:

1998: Listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s America’s Most Endangered Historic Places as Michigan’s example lighthouse.

2005: Added to the National Register of Historic Places.

2005: Received the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation.

2006: Honored with the Historical Society of Michigan’s Superior Award for advancing U.P. history.

2008: Celebrated 10 years of “Keeping the Light On,” continuing preservation for future generations.

DeTour Reef Lighthouse is a must-visit for history buffs, maritime enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to tour or even spend the night at one of Michigan’s most iconic Upper Peninsula landmarks.