The South Haven Lighthouse is a historic landmark located in South Haven that draws in visitors for its picturesque beauty and its neat insight into a working historic lighthouse. Read on below for more information about this lovely attraction in South Haven!
South Haven Lighthouse: A Picturesque Attraction
Nestled along the Black River on Lake Michigan, the South Haven Lighthouse was first lit in 1872, then had its original wooden structure replaced in 1903. The lighthouse remained in operation since then, meaning the lighthouse has guided in boats from Lake Michigan for over 100 years.
The lighthouse has undergone multiple changes over the years but still remains an iconic landmark in South Haven. The pier and catwalk that connect the lighthouse to shore were first built from wood and extended about 300 feet. The pier was subsequently lengthened to 700 feet in 1913, then to 800 feet in 1925 (during which time, a steel catwalk was also installed). Finally, in 1940, both the catwalk and the pier were lengthened to 1,200 feet.
The South Haven Lighthouse formerly had a keeper’s house on the shore, standing 2 ½ stories tall and built from wood in 1872 with the original structure. In 2000, the keeper’s house was moved to the city for preservation, where it has since been renovated by the Michigan Maritime Museum as the Marialyce Canonie Great Lakes Research Library.
The South Haven Lighthouse is accessible to the public from the south pier at the end of Water Street, but the tower itself is closed to the public, except for the annual open house during South Haven’s Harborfest event in mid-June.
You can find out more details about this attraction by simply asking one of our reservation specialists at Beachwalk Properties.
Beachwalk Properties – Your South Haven Vacation Experts
To learn more about the South Haven Lighthouse and other incredible spots you won’t want to miss during your time in South Haven, give our team of representatives a call today and ask about reserving your accommodations in one of our magnificent vacation rentals!