Crisp Point Lighthouse

Crisp Point, Michigan, USA

Lake Superior

Crisp Point was one of the four original Lake Superior Life Savings Stations. It was built in 1875 and was operational in 1876.

Crisp Point Lighthouse was first proposed in 1896 and every year thereafter until finally approved in 1902. The land was purchased — fifteen acres — at a price of $30.00. The deed was dated May 21, 1903.

Crowned with a fixed 3600 red fourth order light, the lighthouse tower stood fifty eight feet from its base to the ventilator ball of the lantern. The fog signal building was a brick structure, 22' x 42', with a tin tile roof. A brick service room, built in 1906, was connected to the lighthouse tower. The landing crib was 12' wide by 132' long with a bulkhead 20' square. It was built on the west side of the boathouse, filled with stone, and decked.

In all, there was a lifesaving station and quarters, a two family brick light keeper's dwelling with basement, brick fog signal building, oilhouse, two frame barns, boat house and landing, tramway, lighthouse tower and service room entrance.

The Crisp Point Light Historical Society has been formed to restore and preserve Crisp Point Lighthouse for ours and future generations to learn about and enjoy as a non-commercial historic attraction. At the present, all that remains is the tower and ser vice entrance building. There is much resto ration and preservation work to be done - and erosion is our biggest and most costly problem.

Crisp Point Historical Chronology

• 1896 Crisp Point Light proposed
• 1902 Project approved
• 1903 Fog signal building constructed
• 1903 Boiler destroyed by storm. Machinery for second fog signal installed, new chime whistle replaced standard whistle
• 1903–1904 Lighthouse constructed
• May 5, 1904 – Became operational
• 1906 Brick service room built connected to lighthouse tower
• 1907 Landing crib built
• 1930 Property and facilities appraised at under $20,000
• 1965 All but light tower destroyed by Coast Guard

Crisp Point Light Historical Society

The Crisp Point Light Historical Society has been formed to restore and preserve Crisp Point Lighthouse for ours and future generations to learn about and enjoy as a non-commercial historic attraction. At the present, all that remains is the tower and service entrance building. There is much restoration and preservation work to be done – and erosion is our biggest and most costly problem.

The solitude and tranquility felt at the light are irreplaceable and the sunsets are some of the best you'll see anywhere. All troubles seem so small when surrounded by the power of God.

The Crisp Point Light Historical Society is worthy of your support. Membership at various levels is available. Please help them. For further information, visit their web site, write to P.O. Box 229, Paradise, MI 49768 or call (906) 492-3206. If you want to see more pictures of this light, including many historical photos, visit the photo gallery on their site. They also have very precise driving directions on how to get to this remote light. Don't try to get there without them!

Narrative information and black and white photo on this page courtesy Crisp Point Light Historical Society. Not copyright Lightstations.com.