Muskegon Pier Light facts for kids
The Muskegon Pier Light, also known as the Muskegon South Pierhead Light, is a historic lighthouse found on the channel in the busy harbor of Muskegon, Michigan. This bright red lighthouse helps guide boats safely into and out of the harbor.
You can visit this lighthouse by walking along a special path between the NOAA and USCG stations. During the summer, usually from Memorial Day to Halloween, you can even take tours inside the lighthouse tower! To find out the exact times, you can check their website at www.muskegonlights.org.
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| Muskegon Pier Lighthouse | |
 Muskegon Pier Light
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Muskegon, Michigan |
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| Coordinates | 43°13′35.952″N 86°20′28.544″W / 43.22665333°N 86.34126222°W |
| Year first constructed | 1851 |
| Year first lit | 1903 |
| Foundation | Pier |
| Construction | Cast iron |
| Tower shape | Conical |
| Markings / pattern | Red |
| Height | 48 feet (15 m) |
| Focal height | 50 feet (15 m) |
| Original lens | fourth order Fresnel lens (Sautter & Cie) |
| Current lens | 12-inch (300 mm) acrylic |
| Range | 6 nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) |
| Characteristic | red flash every 4s |
| ARLHS number | USA-1082 |
| USCG number | 7-18710 |
Contents
History of the Muskegon Pier Light
Lighthouses have been guiding ships in Muskegon for a long time. The first one was built way back in 1851.
Early Lighthouse Structures
The very first lighthouse in Muskegon was a brick building. It had a wooden light tower on top. This building was located near the Muskegon channel. Sadly, no pictures of this first lighthouse exist today.
In 1870, a new wooden house was built for the lighthouse keeper. It was painted white and had a short, square wooden tower. This tower held the original cast-iron lantern room. The new structure replaced the older 1851 lighthouse.
Adding Pier Lights and Fog Horns
Just one year later, in 1871, a beacon light was added. This light was placed at the end of the pier. It had a special elevated walkway so the keeper could reach it easily. As the years passed, the piers were made even longer.
By 1899, a fog horn structure was also built. Another elevated walkway connected the beacon light to the new fog horn. These additions helped guide ships even in bad weather.
The Current Lighthouse Tower
The lighthouse you see today, the Muskegon South Pierhead Light, was built in 1903. It's a tall, round steel tower. This new tower used the same historic lantern room from the 1870 lighthouse. So, part of the old lighthouse is still in use!
Changes to the Harbor and Piers
In 1927, a big project began to build a new harbor shape. This work took several years to complete. A temporary light, the Muskegon South Breakwater Light, was set up in 1929. A permanent steel tower and fog horn were finished in 1930. This new light marked the outer edge of the breakwall.
In 1931, some parts of the Muskegon South Pierhead Light were removed. The fog horn, its catwalk, and an extension were taken away. The piers were also made shorter. This left the pier at the length you see it today.
Who Cares for the Lighthouse Now?
In 2008, the U.S. Government decided they no longer needed to own these lights. They looked for a new group to take care of them. In 2010, the Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy (MLC) was chosen. They now own both the Muskegon South Pierhead Light (from 1903) and the Muskegon South Breakwater Light (from 1930).
With the help of local volunteers, the Muskegon South Pierhead Light started opening to the public in 2013. By 2015, regular tours were available. Efforts to restore, preserve, and make these lighthouses open to the public are still ongoing.
What Does the Muskegon Pier Light Look Like?
The Muskegon South Pierhead Light is a round tower made of cast iron. It stands at the very end of the southern pier. The entire lighthouse is painted a bright red color, making it easy to spot against the water and sky.
Images for kids
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An older view of the Muskegon Lighthouse.
