Alpena Lighthouse, Lake Huron, Michigan
ALPENA LIGHT
Location: ALPEAN, MICHIGAN; LAKE HURON; THUNDER BAY RIVER ENTRANCE
Station Established: 1877
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1914
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1974
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: BREAKWATER
Construction Materials: CAST IRON
Tower Shape: SKELETAL
Height: 80-feet
Markings/Pattern: RED SKELETAL TOWER, UPPER PART ENCLOSED
Relationship to Other Structure: SEPARATE
Original Lens: FOURTH ORDER
Foghorn:
Historical Information :
This bright red, steel frame structure has been nicknamed "Sputnik" by the people of this northern Michigan City. Resembling the Russian space satellite, it is believed to be the only lighthouse of this type in the United States. The current structure is believed to be the 3rd lighthouse in the area, following two others built during the 1800’s.