Waugoshance Shoal Lighthouse

Michigan, USA

Lake Michigan

Waugoshance Shoal is a particularly treacherous string of islets that extends seven miles west into northern Lake Michigan from the point where Wilderness State Park is now located.

The dangers of Waugoshance Shoal led to the construction of a lighthouse here in 1851. It replaced the first light ship stationed on the Great Lakes, which had been present since 1832. It was the first offshore crib structure built on the Great Lakes. The light shown here was reconstructed at the same location in 1870 and again in 1883 when a fog signal was added. It was abandoned in 1912 after White Shoal Light was constructed nearby in 1910. Although records are obscure, Waugoshance may have contained the first Fresnel lens installed on the Great Lakes.

The lighthouse was used for bombing practice during World War II, and it was nearly destroyed by the U.S. Navy. A Coast Guard report states: "During artillery practice in World War II, the structure was hit by a shell and the resultant fire destroyed all wood parts of the building. Therefore, the roof, floors above the crib deck and interior partitions were all destroyed. Only the burned out shell of the building remains. In 1883 the entire structure was covered by 3/8" iron plate to protect the poor quality brick from deteriorating."

The tower was once wrapped in steel plating to protect it from the elements; all of the steel has since fallen into the lake. Attempts are contemplated to remove and preserve the unique birdcage lantern room structure as a historical artifact.

Mariners, lighthouse fans, and local people often refer to Waugoshance by its nickname, "Wobbleshanks." If you want to attempt a land observation, wait until winter and somehow get to Waugoshance Point in Wilderness State Park. During other seasons, wetlands in the area will stop you.

For more information on this light, visit the Waugoshance Lighthouse Preservation Society web site.