Lighthouses in
Presque Isle, Michigan

Home of the Presque Isle Township Museum Society

Preserving Our Maritime History

Welcome!

Learn about Presque Isle's rich maritime history as you explore our two lighthouses, range lights, and museums . . .

After a delightful 2024 season, the Old and New Presque Isle Lighthouses and the 1905 Keeper’s House are now closed for the winter. Please remember that, while the buildings are closed, the New Lighthouse Park is open year round. Weather permitting, you can still enjoy the trails and the opportunity to witness our stunning sunrises and sunsets over the waters of Lake Huron and North Bay. For your convenience, there is a porta-potty next to Garrity Hall at the New Lighthouse Park and a vault toilet in the DNR parking lot immediately north of the Harbor for visitors to the Old Lighthouse. We do ask that you keep our park clean by taking all trash and debris with you when you leave.

Old Presque Isle--Perched Among the Pines

Photographer: Gunnar Rochon

People's Choice Award
2020 PITMS Lighthouses Photo Contest

2025 Hours for the Presque Isle Lighthouses

10 a.m. – 5 p.m., on the following days:

Friday thru Monday: May 23 thru June 16

Daily: Tuesday, June 17 thru Monday, September 1 (7 days a week)

Friday thru Monday: September 5 thru October 13

Admission to the museums is free, although a nominal fee ($6 adults; $4 children) is charged for tower climbs.

2025 Hours for the 1905 Keeper’s House Museum at the New Presque Isle Lighthouse Park

11 a.m. – 4 p.m., on the following days:

Friday thru Monday, May 23 thru June 16

Thursday thru Monday, June 19 thru September 1 (closed Tuesday and Wednesday)

**Special hours on Saturday, July 5: 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Free admission; donations gratefully accepted.

Operated by the Presque Isle Township Museum Society and supported by members and volunteers, the house is open to the public.

Free admission; donations gratefully accepted.

Please note: The 1905 Keeper’s House is staffed by volunteers. While we make every effort to be open according to our published schedule, if volunteers are unavailable on a particular day, the museum will be closed. If you are planning to visit and want to be sure the Keeper’s House is open that day, call 989.595.9917 (Gift Shop in the New Lighthouse) for the most recent information.

WANTED: 1905 Keeper’s House Greeters

For lighthouse and Great Lakes maritime history enthusiasts, Presque Isle has much to offer, with its Old Lighthouse, Range Lights, New Lighthouse, and 1905 Keeper’s House. This summer will be the busiest ever at the Lighthouses with regular summer visitors and passengers from the 25 Viking Cruise Line excursion visits.

Presque Isle Township Museum Society is recruiting volunteers to serve as greeters in the 1905 Keeper’s House Museum at the New Lighthouse from May through September.

If you love lighthouses and enjoy talking to people from around the world, this is the perfect opportunity to give back to your community. The 1905 House served as the residence for Presque Isle’s light keepers and later US Coast Guard personnel. Museum Society volunteers restored the house to its early 20th-century glory. Our greeters give each of our visitors a warm welcome and a brief introduction to the daily life of a lighthouse keeper and his family.

According to Joni Rogers, the Museum Society’s Volunteer Coordinator: “If you are looking for ways to meet others in the community and contribute a little of your time, this is the perfect way to do both. Whether you live here year-round or just for the summer, join with us and help us preserve, protect, and present the wonderful maritime history of Presque Isle.”

Museum Society volunteers are a close-knit, friendly group of people who enjoy working in a historic house museum, surrounded by antique furnishings and objects. Scheduling is flexible—volunteers select the days and shifts that fit their schedule. Training, coaching, and mentoring are provided. To learn more about volunteering in the Keeper's House, please email Joni Rogers at pilighthouses@gmail.org, leave her a message at 989.787.0814, or fill out the interest form by clicking the button below.

Volunteer Interest Form

For lighthouse lovers, Presque Isle is a must-see stop in Northern Michigan. Our 1870 Lighthouse is the tallest light on the Great Lakes that the public may climb. Our 1840 Lighthouse is one of the oldest lights on the Great Lakes. And our 1870 Harbor Range Light honors the small, dedicated group of women who were appointed keepers in a profession dominated by men. The beautifully restored 1905 Keeper’s House serves as a museum highlighting local history and the lives of lighthouse keepers and their families.

Easy to find! Hard to leave!

Presque Isle Happenings Calendar

Are you a local looking for events sponsored by Presque Isle community groups or a visitor looking for fun events during your vacation in Presque Isle? Visit the Presque Isle Happenings calendar for all the fun and exciting events in Presque Isle!

Presque Isle Township Museum Society

4500 East Grand Lake Road
PO Box 208
Presque Isle, MI 49777

Phone: 989.787.0814 (leave a message or send a text)
Email: pilighthouses@gmail.com

Presque Isle Township
Old Presque Isle Lighthouse Gift Shop
Gift Shop: 989.595.9917
Township Hall: 989.595.2752

New Presque Isle Lighthouse Gift Shop
Gift Shop: 989.595.9917
Township Hall: 989.595.2752

Group and tour reservations: adminassistant@presqueisletwp.org

Facility and grounds rentals: 989.595.2752 or adminassistant@presqueisletwp.org

Memberships

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