What Is the Rock of Ages Lighthouse?
This is a standalone lighthouse on a remote 50 x 200-foot rock reef on Lake Superior!
What Makes It Historical?
Before 1908, ships passing Isle Royale on Lake Superior had to be very careful around a dangerous reef called Rock of Ages! While unmarked, the Rock of Ages claimed two ships, the passenger ship, Cumberland in 1877 and the cargo ship Henry Chisholm in 1898! So, the U.S. Lighthouse Board arranged to build a 137-foot lighthouse on the reef. Construction ran from 1908 until 1909 and was lit by a temporary light until its second order Fresnel lens arrived in 1910! A four-man crew lived inside this ten-level lighthouse from spring to fall, sometimes getting dangerously near to the end of their seasonal rations! But, it was important they were there on May 27, 1933 when the George M. Cox ran aground in thick fog and its 127 passengers and crew had to be evacuated to the Rock of Ages Lighthouse! The light ran this way until 1978 when it was automated!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer at Isle Royale National Park!
- Donate to the Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
This lighthouse is in the middle of the water, so here are the GPS coordinates:
47°52′00″N, 89°18′48″W
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
It’s safest to approach the lighthouse between April and October, though it’s not open for public tours!