Menominee Pier Light facts for kids
 |
|
 Pierhead Light 4
Location in Michigan
|
|
| Location | Menominee, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 45°05′50.2″N 87°35′9.6″W / 45.097278°N 87.586000°W |
| Year first lit | 1927 |
| Automated | 1972 |
| Foundation | Concrete pier |
| Construction | Cast iron |
| Tower shape | Octagonal |
| Markings / pattern | red Daymark with black lantern and white base |
| Height | 34 feet (10 m) |
| Focal height | 46 feet (14 m) |
| Original lens | Fourth Order Fresnel lens |
| Current lens | 12-inch (300 mm) Tideland Signal ML-300 acrylic |
| Range | 9 nautical miles (17 km; 10 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl R 4s |
| ARLHS number | USA-490 |
| USCG number | 7-21935 |
The Menominee North Pier lighthouse is a cool landmark located in the harbor of Menominee, Michigan. This lighthouse helps ships find their way safely. It's also sometimes called the "Menominee (Marinette) North Pierhead Light."
The first light here was turned on in 1877. The lighthouse you see today, with its working light, started guiding ships in 1927. It became automated in 1972, meaning it no longer needed a person to operate it all the time.
Contents
About the Lighthouse
The lighthouse stands on a strong concrete base. It's about 34 feet (10 meters) tall and shaped like an octagon. The building is made of Cast iron and is painted a bright red. It has a black top part, called a lantern, and a white bottom.
How the Light Works
Originally, the lighthouse used a special Fourth Order Fresnel lens. This type of lens was very advanced for its time, helping to make the light beam strong and clear. Today, it uses a more modern acrylic lens. The old Fresnel lens is now on display at the Sand Point Light in Escanaba, Michigan. The light shines from about 46 feet (14 meters) above the water.
Changes Over Time
When the lighthouse was first built, it had a loud diaphone fog signal attached. This signal would make a deep sound to warn ships in foggy weather. This part was later removed. Also, an iron walkway, called a catwalk, used to connect parts of the lighthouse. This catwalk was taken away in 1972 when the light became automated.
The Rear Range Light
The Menominee North Pier Lighthouse works together with another light called the Menominee (Marinette) North Pier Rear Range Light. This second light is also active and helps boats stay on the right path.
What is a Range Light?
A range light is usually a pair of lights that ships line up to stay in a safe channel. If a ship sees both lights in a straight line, it knows it's on the correct course.
About the Rear Light
The rear range light is a 50-foot (15-meter) tall steel tower shaped like a pyramid. It's painted red and has a small gallery near the top. This light shines a continuous red beam from about 59 feet (18 meters) above the water. You can find it about 600 feet (183 meters) from the main pierhead light, further down the pier. You can walk along the pier to see it up close, but you can't go inside the tower.
Images for kids
-
This old photo from the U.S. Coast Guard shows the lighthouse with its catwalk, which is no longer there.
-
Another old photo showing the lighthouse and the fog signal building that used to be attached.
- National Park Service Maritime Heritage Inventory of Historic Lights, Menoninee North Pier Light.
