Bob-Lo Island Light

Bois Blanc Island

Near Amherstberg, Ontario, Canada

Detroit River

Local people call Bois Blanc Island "Bob-Lo." It is located in Canadian waters south of Detroit. For many years, the island was a popular destination for Detroiters, who sailed from the Foot of Woodward aboard the passenger steamers COLUMBIA and ST. CLAIR. Upon arrival, they headed for the picnic grounds and later enjoyed the amusement park. I remember those trips well, as I grew up in the Detroit area and took many of them as a youth. Perhaps those trips were the beginning of my fascination with big boats, water, and lighthouses.

The south end of the island was marked by the old stone light tower seen here. Built in 1839, it has long since been abandoned and is now in very poor shape.

For more information on this light, you might want to check out the fine Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse web page published by Parks Canada.