Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed-and-Breakfast (Big Bay Point Lighthouse)

The Big Bay Point Lighthouse sturdily stands on a rocky point that projects from the south shore of Lake Superior halfway between Marquette and Keweenaw Bay. A harborage with certain winds is on either side of the point and here ships changed their course. In 1892 the Lighthouse Board recommended the establishment of a light station at Big Bay Point: “[The point] occupies a position midway between Granite Island and Huron Island, the distance in each case being 15 to 18 miles. These two lights are invisible from each other and the intervening stretch is unlighted. A light and fog signal would be a protection to steamers engaged in passing between these points. They include all the Lake Superior passenger steamers running between Duluth, Buffalo, and Chicago which carry freight and stop between all the important points on the south side of Lake Superior, including Marquette and the copper ports on Portage Lake. Quite a number of vessels have in past years been wrecked on Big Bay Point.” The U.S. Congress authorized the establishment of a light station at the point on February 15, 1893.

A square tower rises from the center of the boxy rectangular keepers' double dwelling to support the round steel watch room and lantern, which was automated in 1941. The structure is clad with smooth red brick trimmed with brown sandstone quoins, stringcourses, and lintels. Nearby is a fog signal station of brick.