MANISTEE, Mich. — The Lakeshore Keepers, formerly Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association, has recently announced the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse will be open to the public beginning in 2026. The opening will follow a restoration project at the 98-year-old structure which begins today, Friday, July 11.
The project will include installation of solar panels, a battery system, and LED lighting on all four floors; installation of handrails on the ladder system leading to the lantern room; interior painting on the first and second floors; removing tripping hazards; development of a historical timeline.
The first Manistee light was installed on the south pier in 1870 but a fire destroyed that structure the following year. A replacement was built but was moved to the end of the south pier in 1875.
The current 38-foot steel cylindrical tower was built in 1927.
The Lakeshore Keepers is a non-profit organization based in Ludington. It oversees the operations of five lighthouses including Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse, Little Sable Point Lighthouse, and White River Light Station and Museum, and most recently the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse.
The Manistee lighthouse was previously maintained by the Manistee County Historical Museum.
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