Eagle Harbor Lighthouse and Museums

The copper mining industry got going on the Keweenaw Peninsula in the 1840s. Lake Superior's unreliable disposition meant that passing ships needed navigational assistance, and in 1851 the original lighthouse was built. The wooden tower which supported a fourth-order Fresnel lens illuminated by a sperm oil lamp soon deteriorated, and in 1871 it was replaced by the present red brick structure. In 1895 a fog signal was added.

In 1968, the original lens was replaced by aviation beacon-type white and red lights, which beam their warning to ships more than 20 miles offshore. After being tended by 21 keepers over a 129-year history, the lighthouse became automated in 1980.

Since 1982 the Keweenaw County Historical Society has maintained museums at the light station. Besides the lighthouse, they include a maritime museum in the old fog signal building, a Keweenaw mining museum, a commercial fishing museum, and a new exhibit on the 1926 shipwreck of the City of Bangor, which was carrying a shipment of new Chryslers to Duluth; one of those cars is on display.

In 1999, Congress transferred ownership of the Eagle Harbor Light Station to the Keweenaw County Historical Society. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate the light at the top of the tower.

The lighthouse and museums are open from mid-June to early October. Admission $4.00. Children free.