Port Hope

Located on the eastern tip of the “Thumb” on Lake Huron. The light was originally built in 1848 because of the rocky shoals and reefs extending out near the pointe. The present tower is 89 feet tall and built in 1857 and is taller than the original tower. “Pointe Aux Barques” means “Point of Little Boats” in French. Pointe Aux Barques is one of the oldest lights in Michigan. In 1875 a class “A” lifesaving station was built near the lighthouse and was the first one in the Great Lakes. The Coast Guard members who served at the lifesaving station, made over 200 rescues over the years. In the Thumb Area Bottomland Preserve, adjacent to the lighthouse contains 105 known shipwrecks. There is a small museum in the keeper’s dwelling next to the light.  The light was automated in 1958 and still operates today.