Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse

The first lighthouse in Charlevoix was on the North Pier. The box on the right side of the phonograph was used for storing lantern oil. Photo ca. 1890. Photograph is property of the Charlevoix Historical Society.

This photo, with Charlevoix in the background, was taken shortly after the lighthouse was moved from the North Pier to its present location on the South Pier. Photograph is property of the Charlevoix Historical Society.

For a short time, the original wooden South Pier Light included a diving board from the pier into Lake Michigan. Photograph is property of the Charlevoix Historical Society.

The South Pier was repaired in 1940, but this photo was taken about ten years before that. Photograph is property of the Charlevoix Historical Society.

Postcard from Charlevoix illustrating fun on Lake Michigan Beach, in addition to showing the South Pier Lighthouse and light on North Pier. Photograph is property of the Charlevoix Historical Society.

The current, steel lighthouse was first installed in 1948. Photograph is property of the Charlevoix Historical Society.

The Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse, built in 1948, stands today as a shining example of what can be accomplished with the cooperation of nonprofit interests, local municipalities, and the federal government. The lighthouse is owned by the City of Charlevoix and maintained and preserved by the Charlevoix Historical Society, while the United States Coast Guard is responsible for the operation of the light. The Historical Society restored the lighthouse in phases over several years during the 2000s. The work included returning it to its historically significant red color in 2009. The restoration was made possible thanks to generous donations from community members and matching grants from the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office under the Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program.

This photo was taken shortly before the lighthouse was repainted in the summer of 2016. Photograph used with permission by Mike Schlitt.

This photo was taken just after the lighthouse was repainted in the summer of 2016. Photograph used with permission by Mike Schlitt.

Drone photo shortly before restoration work begins on the South Pier Lighthouse. Photo used with permission by Mihm Enterprises.

In the months leading up the restoration in 2016, two sample patches of paint and coating were applied for testing purposes. Photo used with permission by Mihm Enterprises.

Painters with Mihm Enterprises put the finishing touches on the first new coat of paint in the summer of 2016. Photograph property of the Charlevoix Historical Society.

Drone photograph taken after repainting on the South Pier Light had completed, Summer 2016. Photo used with permission by Mihm Enterprises.

A great view of the South Pier Light and Lake Michigan from Lake Michigan Beach. Photograph is property of the Charlevoix Historical Society.

The lighthouse was repainted during the Summer of 2016. The red pigment from the 2009 painting faded to a point that this became necessary. An improved coating, manufactured by Tnemec, was identified and matched exactly to the original “Fire Red”. This project was also supported by a grant from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program. If you would like to donate to help us continue to save the South Pier Lighthouse, you can do so in our Become a Member section of the website.

Throughout 2023 the Historical Society celebrated the 75th anniversary of the current structure. There were a variety of events to raise funds for needed repairs. Over $50,000 was raised towards the $60,000 goal to be used for maintenance and repairs to the concrete base, lantern, windows, and interior paint. These are important to stabilize and preserve the lighthouse for the long-term. Some of the work was completed in 2023, including the concrete base and gallery which houses the lantern. The Society would like to thank the many donors who participated in “Lighthouse 75” during 2023!

The next major project involves localized interior and exterior painting and repair planned for later in 2025. On the interior, it is to address paint peeling throughout the structure caused mostly by original mill scale on the steel. Quinn Evans architects were engaged in 2024 to assess the situation and provide specifications for the repair work. Then, a cost estimate was obtained by a competent contractor in this field. Costs are much, much higher than anticipated. A grant is being sought from the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program to support the project. However, significant matching funds will have to come from the Historical Society. While the Society has capital funds available to cover the required match, we will still be seeking to raise more funds to ensure that reserves remain available for the preservation and care of this precious iconic Lighthouse in Charlevoix.

Please visit the Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse, accessible from Charlevoix’s Lake Michigan Beach. For more information on the preservation of this Charlevoix landmark, and to have your Lighthouse Passport stamped visit us at the Charlevoix Historical Society Museum at Harsha House at 103 State Street. Call 231-547-0373 for hours.

Click here to listen to the lighthouse’s old foghorn, named “Ferdinand.”