Port Austin Light facts for kids
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| Port Austin Reef Light | |
 Port Austin Light
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Port Austin Reef, 2.5 miles (4.0 km) north of Port Austin, Michigan (Port aux Barques Township) |
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| Coordinates | 44°05′N 82°59′W / 44.083°N 82.983°W |
| Year first lit | 1878 |
| Automated | 1953 |
| Foundation | Brick, cement, crushed stone |
| Construction | Brick |
| Tower shape | Square |
| Markings / pattern | Buff square tower with attached house w/red roof. |
| Height | 60 feet (18 m) |
| Focal height | 76 feet (23 m) |
| Original lens | Fourth order Fresnel lens |
| Current lens | 12-inch (300 mm) Tideland Signal ML-300 acrylic |
| Range | 8 nautical miles (15 km; 9.2 mi) Other sources claim 14.3 nautical miles; 26.6 kilometres (16.5 mi) |
| Characteristic | White, every 6 seconds. |
| ARLHS number | USA-648 |
| USCG number | 7-10275 |
The Port Austin Lighthouse (also known as the Port Austin Reef Light) is a historic lighthouse in Lake Huron. It stands about 2.5 miles north of Port Austin, in Huron County, Michigan. This lighthouse is built on a rocky reef (a shallow area) that can be dangerous for boats. It helps guide ships safely past this tricky spot.
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The Story of Port Austin Light
The Port Austin Lighthouse was originally planned to be built on the shore. However, the plans changed, and it was decided to build it out on the reef instead. The base for the lighthouse was actually built in Tawas.
The light started shining in 1878. Its pier, which is like a strong platform, was updated in 1899. This lighthouse is still working today and is now automated, meaning it runs by itself without a keeper.
How the Lighthouse Was Built
The lighthouse stands on a strong pier foundation made of brick, cement, and crushed stone. The tower itself is built from yellow brick and is about 60 feet tall. It has a square shape and an attached house where the keeper used to live.
The light's focal plane, which is the height of the light above the water, is 76 feet. When it was first built, it used a special Fresnel lens made in Paris. In 1985, this old lens was replaced with a newer, solar-powered light. This new light made it easier to maintain the lighthouse because it didn't need a special underwater power cable anymore.
Keeping the Light Shining
Since 1990, volunteers from the Port Austin Reef Light Association have been working hard to restore the lighthouse. They had to clear out a large group of seagulls that had taken over the building! After that, they put up screens and fixed the roof.
Restoration Efforts and What's New
The volunteers continue to work on restoring the lighthouse. They have covered the deck with special metal shingles and painted them bright red, which is how they looked a long time ago. They also added railings to the access ladder and replaced safety chains around the deck. A new brick chimney and 18 new windows have also been installed.
The Port Austin Reef Light Association has a special license to keep working on the lighthouse until 2020. Their efforts help keep this important historical building in good shape.
Visiting the Port Austin Lighthouse
The Port Austin Lighthouse is not open for public tours. It's a difficult and long trip to get to the lighthouse because of the reef and often foggy weather. However, you can still take great pictures of the lighthouse from the shore. You might need a camera with a good zoom lens to get a close-up shot.
In September 2011, the lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. The land around the lighthouse, even underwater, is part of this historical listing. There is also a two-story house on the shore that used to belong to the lighthouse keeper.
In 2011, the General Services Administration offered the Port Austin Light, along with other lighthouses, for free to groups willing to preserve them. On July 19, 2012, the Port Austin Reef Lighthouse Association, a non-profit group from Michigan, officially took ownership of the Port Austin Light Station. This means they are now in charge of its care and preservation.
Images for kids
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An older view of the Port Austin Reef Light.
