Straits of Mackinac Lighthouses

Wawatam Light

The Straits of Mackinac has been a water navigation route since the Anishinabeg first built canoes. When French and British traders, soldiers and settlers came, they brought their own shipping skills and sailing the Straits began. With economic pressures, this form of transportation required bigger and faster ships. The risks of travel on the inland seas grew. Storms, shoals, fog, ice floes and other dangers were a constant threat to early mariners. Lighthouses were built and used as beacons for the maritime trade and travel routes. The Straits has over a dozen lights sprinkled over the islands, reefs and shores of northern Lakes Michigan and Huron. Many of these lights are in operation today while others stand as memorials to the hazards and courage of generations past. Located at the tip of the mitt, Old Mackinac Point Light in Mackinaw City is now one of the Michigan State Historic Parks.

The Wawatam Light is the newest in the Straits and has enhanced the appearance of the St. Ignace harbor while providing a beacon to Lake Huron traffic. Ferry boats running to Mackinac Island cut between Round Island Light and Round Island Passage Light, which stand at the entrance to the island harbor, offering close up views. St. Helena Island Light can be seen by a short drive west of St. Ignace on Gros Cap Road. Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry offers a variety of cruises on the Straits featuring narration by members of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association. The cruises cover four different routes with all-day or two-day excursions. Other details about our lighthouses can be found on the web at Lighthouses of the Great Lakes.

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