Point Iroquois Light Station

The Point Iroquois Lighthouse stands watch where Lake Superior begins its treacherous rush into the St. Mary’s River. The Ojibwa Indians massacred a group of invading Iroquois warriors at this location in 1662, giving the point its original Indian name. It was noted by the early explorers, but did not become significant until the St. Mary’s Falls Ship Canal opened in 1855. Ships passing from Lake Superior into the canal came close to Point Iroquois, through a narrow passage between the sandy shores on the American side and the reefs on the Canadian side.

The Point Iroquois Light was first illuminated in 1857 and its Fourth Order Fresnel lens shone over one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world: the entrance to the St. Mary’s River and the Soo Locks. Point Iroquois became busier with each passing year, and the personnel and facilities required to run the station grew accordingly. In 1870 the house and tower were completely rebuilt, and in 1902, a two-story rectangular brick house was added to the residence to provide housing for the assistant keeper at a total cost of $18,000. There was a group of children at the station and the government sponsored a school at the point. The children of local fishermen also came here to school, so the point became a meeting place for local residents.

The lighthouse, now a part of the Hiawatha National Forest, rests on a bluff above Lake Superior; wooden walkways lead to the beach; and the shore here is littered with unusual driftwood and banded agates. The large two-story house is white, with a red roof sloping over all the gables and additions. The attached brick tower, also white, is topped with a black parapet and lantern room. The conical tower is 16 feet in diameter at the base, stands 51 feet tall to the lantern deck and 65 feet high overall. Visitors can climb 72 steps spiraling to the top of the tower for a remarkable view. The panorama, needless to say, is impressive, as you can see almost the entire coastline of Whitefish Bay and miles out into Lake Superior, including any freighter that happens to be passing by. The historical society has renovated the interior of the house, and antiques and memorabilia have been arranged to show what life was like during the heyday of the lighthouse. Informative displays fill several rooms, and the gift shop sells lighthouse themed souvenirs and a wide variety of books on Michigan’s nautical and natural history.

The museum, gift shop and tower are open from mid-May through mid-October. Hours may vary, so call ahead if you are planning to tour the lighthouse.

Getting There…

Take the M-28 exit from I-75. Following the signs to Brimley, follow M-221 north. When the road ends in Brimley, turn left onto Lakeshore Drive (6 Mile Road). Continue west through the town of Bay Mills for about 7.5 miles to the lighthouse. Lakeshore Drive runs along Lake Superior for about 40 miles between Brimley and M-123 (the road to Paradise). It is a beautiful drive any time of year, and well worth the extra time.

Clues…

Behind the necessary building, find a clearing to the East. Walk in that direction along the treeline on the north. Just beyond a 4-trunk oak, see an orange-tipped stake straight ahead. Turn into the woods and find a fallen log (are trees square?). Find the letterbox inside the decaying wood.