Location: 24 mi (39 km) North- West of Marquette, Upper Peninsula Map
Big Bay Point Light, located on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is a historic lighthouse perched on a rocky bluff overlooking Lake Superior, approximately 24 miles northwest of Marquette and 4 miles from the village of Big Bay in Marquette County. Established in 1896, it remains an operational aid to navigation and is one of the few lighthouses in the United States that also functions as a bed and breakfast. Its rich history, unique architecture, reputed hauntings, and scenic location make it a fascinating subject for an in-depth exploration.
The establishment of Big Bay Point Light was driven by the need to
protect steamers navigating the treacherous waters of Lake Superior, a
vital shipping route for iron ore, lumber, and other goods in the late
19th century. In 1882, the U.S. Lighthouse Board recommended a station
at Big Bay Point, noting its strategic position midway between Granite
Island and Huron Islands, 15–18 miles apart, where the unlighted stretch
had led to numerous shipwrecks. The point’s rocky cliffs and shoals
posed significant hazards, and a light and fog signal were deemed
essential for safe passage.
Congress authorized the lighthouse in
1893, appropriating $25,000 for construction in 1894. After acquiring a
roughly five-acre parcel in 1895, construction began in May 1896 and was
completed by October of that year. The lighthouse was first lit on
October 20, 1896, with a third-order Fresnel lens that projected a white
light visible for up to 18 miles. The station included a fog signal to
aid mariners during the frequent foggy conditions on Lake Superior. The
light was automated in 1941, ending the need for resident keepers, and
the original Fresnel lens was later removed, with sources conflicting on
its current location—either displayed in the fog signal building or on
loan to the Marquette Maritime Museum.
A tragic event marked the
lighthouse’s early history. The first keeper, William Prior, was
devastated when his son, Edward, died in 1901 from a leg injury
sustained at the station. Overwhelmed by grief, Prior disappeared into
the woods with a gun and strychnine. His body was found a year and a
half later, hanging from a tree a mile away, in what may have been a
suicide or, less likely, a murder. This incident has fueled rumors of
hauntings, with reports of a red-haired ghost (resembling Prior),
unexplained banging doors, and other eerie phenomena, making Big Bay
Point Light one of Michigan’s reputedly “most haunted” lighthouses.
Big Bay Point Light is a striking example of late 19th-century
lighthouse architecture, designed to withstand the harsh Lake Superior
environment. The main structure is a two-story, red-brick duplex
dwelling with 18 rooms, originally intended to house two keeper
families. A 64-foot-tall, 16-foot-square tower is centered on the
lakeward side, rising to a focal plane of 89 feet above Lake Superior
due to the bluff’s elevation. The tower features intricate
fortress-style brickwork near its apex, similar to the contemporary Old
Mackinac Point Light, and supports an octagonal lantern room with an
iron watch room. The red-brick exterior and white lantern contrast
sharply with the surrounding cliffs and forest, creating a picturesque
landmark.
Additional structures on the site enhance its
historical character:
Fog Signal Building: A 20-by-15-foot brick
building, constructed concurrently with the lighthouse, housed the fog
signal equipment and, at one point, the original Fresnel lens for
display.
Cisterns and Oil House: Two cisterns stored water, and an
oil house held fuel for the light before electrification.
Outhouses
and Garage: Two brick outhouses and a garage supported the keepers’
daily needs.
Dock and Well House: A landing crib and dock facilitated
water access, the only means of reaching the station until roads were
built, while a well house provided additional water.
Barn: Built
during construction, it housed workers and supplies, featuring an indoor
privy with an outdoor cleanout.
The station’s isolation required
self-sufficiency, with keepers’ families managing housekeeping, food
preparation, and even schooling for children. The well-preserved
structures reflect the demanding lifestyle of lighthouse keepers in a
remote setting.
When Big Bay Point Light was first established, access was only
possible by water, making it an isolated post for keepers and their
families. Keepers’ wives managed household duties, food preparation, and
the education of children in residence, underscoring the station’s
self-contained nature. The light was equipped with a third-order Fresnel
lens, which projected a powerful beam to guide vessels along the rocky
coast. The fog signal was critical during periods of low visibility, a
common challenge on Lake Superior.
The lighthouse played a vital
role in maritime safety, guiding passenger and freight steamers through
a region prone to shipwrecks. Its automation in 1941 marked a shift from
manual operation, but the light continues to function as an active aid
to navigation, maintained privately as part of the bed and breakfast
operations.
Since the 1980s, Big Bay Point Light has operated as a bed and
breakfast, offering a unique lodging experience. The lighthouse, one of
the few surviving resident lighthouses in the country, is privately
owned and managed by innkeeper Nick Korstad, who acquired it in 2018.
Korstad, an experienced lighthouse preservationist, has owned several
lighthouses, including Borden Flats Lighthouse in Massachusetts, and is
the president of the American Lighthouse Foundation.
The bed and
breakfast features seven guest rooms, five of which offer sweeping views
of Lake Superior with spectacular sunrise and sunset vistas. Notable
rooms include:
Keeper Dufrain: A spacious second-floor suite with
a queen-size bed, gas fireplace, private bathroom, and sunset views
(retired from service as of recent updates).
Keeper McDonald: A
main-floor suite with sunrise views, a queen-size bed, gas fireplace,
and private bathroom.
Keeper Bergan: A main-floor suite with a soaker
tub, gas fireplace, and unobstructed Lake Superior views.
Assistant
Beamer and Assistant Temple: Second-floor rooms with sunrise views,
queen-size beds, and private bathrooms.
Helper Brown: A
budget-friendly second-floor room with a full-size bed, forest views,
and an en-suite bathroom.
Guests enjoy modern amenities such as a
library, sauna, spa services, and a full “Keepers Breakfast” served on
trays, often delivered to rooms for a cozy breakfast-in-bed experience.
The property spans half a mile of Lake Superior shoreline, with over
three acres of lawn and 40 acres of wooded trails for hiking, biking,
and snowshoeing. Wi-Fi and mobile phone service can be spotty,
encouraging guests to disconnect and immerse themselves in the serene
environment. Public access is restricted to registered guests or those
on guided tours, which are offered every Sunday at noon and 1 PM from
June to September for $12 per person, with six spots per tour.
The bed and breakfast has received high praise, with a 4.5/5 rating on
Tripadvisor based on 236 reviews, earning a Travelers’ Choice award for
ranking in the top 10% of properties. Guests highlight the immaculate
condition, pride of ownership, and the personable hospitality of host
Nick Korstad. The lack of individual TVs and phones enhances the
retreat-like atmosphere, encouraging relaxation and connection with
nature.
Big Bay Point Light is reputed to be Michigan’s most haunted
lighthouse, with at least five ghosts reportedly residing on the
property. The most prominent story involves William Prior, the first
lighthouse keeper, appointed in 1896. In 1898, Prior hired his son,
George (often referred to as Edward in some accounts), as an assistant
keeper. In April 1901, George suffered a severe leg injury after falling
on the lighthouse steps, which became infected with gangrene. He died in
the hospital, leaving William devastated. In June 1901, William
disappeared into the woods with a gun and strychnine. His body was
discovered a year and a half later, hanging from a tree about a mile
from the lighthouse, with speculation of suicide or murder.
Since
the lighthouse opened as a bed and breakfast, guests have reported
supernatural occurrences, including:
Sightings of a red-haired
ghost, presumed to be William Prior, in mirrors.
Doors banging or
slamming in the night.
A spirit in a U.S. Life-Saving Service uniform
wandering the grounds.
Unexplained footsteps, lights turning on and
off, and cupboard doors slamming.
A basement shower activating
without cause.
These stories have cemented Big Bay Point’s reputation
as a paranormal hotspot, attracting ghost enthusiasts and curious
visitors. While some dismiss the tales, the lighthouse’s history of
tragedy lends credence to the lore, making it a draw for those seeking a
spooky experience.
Big Bay Point Light is steeped in local history and culture. The
nearby village of Big Bay is known for its connection to the 1959 film
Anatomy of a Murder, based on a real crime and trial that took place at
the Lumberjack Tavern. The area also has ties to Henry Ford, who
established an automotive plant in Big Bay in 1944 and used the region
as a retreat for Ford Motor Company executives.
The lighthouse’s
preservation efforts, led by owners like Nick Korstad, ensure its
historical integrity. Korstad’s restoration work, including reinstalling
the original Fresnel lens in the tower, reflects a commitment to
maritime heritage. The lighthouse’s listing on the National Register of
Historic Places and its recognition by the American Lighthouse
Foundation underscore its importance as a cultural landmark.
Big Bay Point Light is nestled in a remote, scenic region of the
Upper Peninsula, offering a wealth of outdoor activities. The
lighthouse’s 40 acres of woods and trails are ideal for hiking, biking,
and snowshoeing, while the half-mile of Lake Superior shoreline provides
stunning views and opportunities for birdwatching, especially as climate
change brings new species to the area. Notable nearby attractions
include:
Presque Isle Park: A 323-acre forested peninsula near
Marquette with Lake Superior views and hiking trails.
Sugarloaf
Mountain: A 25-mile hike from the lighthouse featuring stairways and
rocky paths with panoramic views.
Alder Falls and Yellow Dog Falls:
Scenic waterfalls accessible by short hikes.
Thomas Rock Scenic
Overlook: A picnic spot with sweeping vistas.
Seney National Wildlife
Refuge: A haven for wildlife viewing, accessible en route from the
Mackinac Bridge.
Visitors can also explore other lighthouses, such as
the privately owned Granite Island Light or Huron Island Light, via
chartered boat tours, or visit Marquette Harbor Light and Presque Isle
Harbor Breakwater Light, a 45-minute drive away. The area’s dark skies
make it ideal for stargazing, and spectacular sunsets and sunrises are a
highlight, with sunset occurring as late as 10 PM in summer.
The lighthouse has faced challenges related to its privatization and
development. In 2004, previous owners divided the surrounding land into
twelve parcels for a “site condominium,” sparking controversy. The
Michigan State Historic Preservation Office criticized the move, arguing
that it prioritized profit over stewardship of the historic property. In
2011, the lighthouse was listed for sale at $1,275,000, reflecting its
high value but also the financial burden of maintenance.
Guest
reviews have occasionally noted issues, such as unresponsive
communication from management regarding reservation disputes or
dissatisfaction with tour guides lacking historical knowledge. However,
these are outweighed by overwhelmingly positive feedback about the
lighthouse’s charm and hospitality.