The Round Island lighthouse is an iconic landmark located off the coast of Mackinac Island in northern Michigan. Sitting on a small, rocky island in the Straits of Mackinac, the lighthouse has guided ships through the treacherous waters between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron since 1895. With its striking black and white spiral pattern, the Round Island lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country. But despite its fame, the lighthouse sits on a remote, privately owned island and is not open to the public. This leads many people to wonder – can you visit the Round Island lighthouse?
Background on the Round Island Lighthouse
The Round Island lighthouse was built in 1895 to help guide ships through the dangerous passage between Lakes Michigan and Huron known as the Straits of Mackinac. This narrow waterway sees large amounts of commercial shipping traffic as vessels travel to and from Lake Michigan ports like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Green Bay. But the irregular underwater shoals and fast moving currents made navigation treacherous. Between the years of 1889 and 1895, 4 ships were lost in the area. It was clear that a navigational aid was needed to prevent further disasters.
The U.S. Lighthouse Service purchased 4 acres on Round Island and constructed the lighthouse at a cost of $75,000. The lighthouse stands 100 feet tall and was originally painted white. In 1948, the lighthouse was painted with its distinctive black and white spiral pattern to make it stand out against snowy backgrounds in the winter. Two lighthouse keepers initially staffed the light and oversaw its operation.
The light went into service on November 1, 1895 and helped guide countless ships through the straits. It was automated in 1924 and is still in operation today, flashing a white light once every 6 seconds. The structure and surrounding island are now privately owned.
Accessing the Lighthouse
Many people who see photos of the scenic Round Island lighthouse wonder if it’s possible to visit. Unfortunately, the answer is no. The lighthouse sits on a small, privately owned island and is not open to tours by the general public.
Round Island is approximately 8 acres in size and sits about 3 miles offshore from Mackinac Island. It is owned by a family who uses it for recreational purposes. They do not allow public visitors. The only way for most people to see the Round Island lighthouse up close is on a boat tour that circles the island. But boats must stay at least 300 feet away, in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
There are very rare exceptions when the lighthouse is opened to a small number of visitors. This only occurs during special events or fundraisers sanctioned by the family who own the island and lighthouse. During these brief open houses, a small number of tickets may be made available for tours. This is the only time that the general public can step foot on the island and enter the lighthouse.
But these occasions are infrequent. Most of the time, the Round Island lighthouse can only be admired from a distance.
Best Ways to View the Lighthouse
While actually visiting the Round Island lighthouse is very difficult, there are some excellent ways to view and photograph the structure:
Mackinac Island
The best views of the lighthouse are from Mackinac Island. Taking a bike ride out to Arch Rock will reward you with a great vantage point. The lighthouse can also be seen distantly from many spots along Mackinac Island’s scenic shoreline.
Boat Tours
Several companies offer boat tours that circle Round Island and provide close-up views and photo opportunities of the lighthouse. Tours last 1-2 hours and typically run from late May through September. Popular options include Shepler’s Ferry and Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry.
Mackinac Bridge
The iconic suspension bridge connecting Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas provides a unique aerial view down onto the lighthouse. Walking or driving across the Mackinac Bridge, you can catch a bird’s eye perspective. Be sure to stop at the bridge’s pedestrian walkways or viewpoints.
Headlands International Dark Sky Park
This 550 acre park on the northern tip of the Lower Peninsula offers gorgeous night sky viewing. The Round Island lighthouse flashes at night and can be seen from the shoreline. The Dark Sky Park is about 9 miles away from the lighthouse site.
Round Island Lighthouse Cruises
For those who want an even closer view, several companies operate specially permitted cruises that circle Round Island. Most provide narration about the history and get very close to the lighthouse. Typical cruise duration is 2 hours.
Lighthouse Preservation Efforts
While the lighthouse remains privately owned, several organizations work to preserve and protect the historic structure:
– The Round Island Lighthouse Preservation Society raises funds and advocates for continued preservation of the lighthouse. They sponsor occasional open house events.
– The Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy helped facilitate a major restoration project in 2012. Work included exterior masonry repairs and repainting in the lighthouse’s original white scheme.
– The U.S. Coast Guard maintains the navigational light and helps preserve the lighthouse through its Historic Lighthouse Preservation program.
– The family who owns Round Island takes efforts to maintain and protect the lighthouse. Family members stay on the island for portions of the year to look after the lighthouse.
Conclusion
The Round Island lighthouse remains an iconic but elusive landmark. While visiting the lighthouse itself is not possible for the general public, excellent viewing opportunities exist from boats or vantage points on Mackinac Island and the mainland. For now, the lighthouse sits as a scenic sentinel, standing watch over the Straits of Mackinac just as it has for over 125 years. Its mystique continues to draw the admiring gazes of visitors to northern Michigan.
