Au Sable Light Station
Located within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this light stands on Au Sable Point on the south shore of Lake Superior, approximately 12 miles west of Grand Marais, Michigan.
Built in 1873-1874, the light tower's base diameter is 16 feet with a height of 87 feet. The lens focal plane is 107 feet above lake level. A fog signal building was built in 1897.
The original two-story keepers dwelling was attached to the light tower in the back. In 1909, the building was added on to the front so it would accommodate two families. One lived upstairs, one down. The head keepers residence was built in 1909.
Visiting the Au Sable Light Station
To visit the Au Sable Light Station, travel to the Hurricane River Campground located 12 miles west of Grand Marais on Alger County Road H-58. Park in the day use parking area near the bridge.
It is a 1-1/2 mile walk (one way) to the lighthouse. Walk the hiking trail to the east beginning at the picnic area near the Hurricane River mouth. The trail is on the historic U.S. Coast Guard road to the light station. Be alert for occasional vehicle traffic.
On the beach below the trail, exposed shipwreck remains dot the shoreline. Watch for the signs and steps to the beach along the trail.
Bicycles and pets are not permitted on this trail and at the light station.
Summer Light Station Tours
Au Sable Light Station tours are scheduled Wednesday through Sunday from June 7 through September 20 (as staffing permits). No tours on Monday and Tuesday. Tours begin at 11 a.m. and run through 4:30 p.m. (11 a.m. - 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.).
The 30-40 minute Park Ranger guided tours begin at the lighthouse east porch. Register at the Au Sable Maritime Museum for the next tour.
Tour fee is $3 for those 6 and older. Correct change is greatly appreciated. Fees payable inside the maritime museum.
Light station visitors are reminded that the area includes very sandy soils, narrow sidewalks, and steps to access the buildings.
Au Sable Light Station Guided Tours (pdf)
Summer Transportation
The lakeshore has partnered with the Munising-based public transportation company Altran for van transportation to the light station on a limited number of Saturdays in 2014 (July 19, August 16, September 20). Altran will transport people with mobility limitations on the hour for a $5 round trip fee ($2.50 one way).
The van will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can meet the driver in the lower Hurricane River day use parking lot located at the bridge on Alger County Road H-58.
Once the van arrives at Au Sable, getting around the site is up to the individual. Visitors should be aware there are very sandy soils, narrow sidewalks, and only the boathouse is accessible on one floor. The other buildings require climbing steps.
Altran summer transportation (pdf)
Au Sable Day - Saturday, September 20, 2014
This almost annual September event includes special tours of the light station and transportation to and from the light for those with mobility challenges. Please email the visitor center to inquire about Au Sable Day for the current year.
Au Sable Light Station Podcasts - A Virtual Tour
This podcast series begins with shipwrecks along the trail from Hurricane River Campground to the Au Sable Light Station. Enjoy this virtual tour if you are not able to visit in person, or download the podcasts to enhance your on-site visit.