Pointe aux Barques Maritime Museum

The Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse ranks among the ten oldest lighthouses in Michigan. It is an active lighthouse maintained remotely by the U.S. Coast Guard. The museum and gift shop are open to the public. The tower is open to climb on various dates, please visit the website to view those dates. In 2017, the 1876 Lifesaving Station moved back to the grounds. The hope is to have it restored and open soon to the public.

The original Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse was constructed of stone taken from the shore of Lake Huron in 1848. The keeper's house and separate tower were located on a three acres. By 1857, the ravages of shoreline weather and a fire in the interior of the house created the need for a new structure. The new keeper's house and attached 89-foot tower were built. The light is still an active aid to navigation, making Pointe aux Barques one of the oldest continuously operating Lights on the Great Lakes. In 1875, a Class A lifesaving station was constructed. It was the first lifesaving station opened on the Great Lakes. The 62 year history of the station credits over 200 rescues to this station and its brave crews. The Thumb Bottomland Preserve surrounding Pointe aux Barques contains 105 known wrecks, reflecting the danger posed by shoals surrounding Pointe aux Barques. The Pointe aux Barques keeper's house and tower have been completely restored and contain historical artifacts from a bygone era.