St. Joseph North Pier

Inner and Outer Lights

St. Joseph, Michigan

Lake Michigan

The St. Joseph North Pier Lights were constructed in 1859 to replace an earlier light built in 1832. They were rebuilt in 1907. The inner and outer lights work together as a pair of range lights; one of few operating pairs still in operation.

Notice the "catwalk" built atop the pier. These are quite common on Lake Michigan's eastern shore. They allowed keepers to stay dry when commuting to the lights during periods of heavy waves. As the prevailing winds are from the west, high waves occur often along the eastern shore.

The 57-foot inner tower was equipped with a Fourth Order Fresnel lens. The 35-foot outer tower had a Fifth Order Fresnel lens with a focal plane 31 feet above lake level.

These lights are located in southeast Lake Michigan at the mouth of the St. Joseph River. This river separates the Michigan communities of St. Joseph to the south and Benton Harbor to the north. They are accessible to the public from Tiscornia Pier, located on the north side of the river. The adjacent park offers a sandy beach and other amenities, making this a pleasant stop for the touring lighthouse enthusiast.