The lighthouse was originally established as a wood structure in 1869 before being replaced by the current cast-iron tower.
Its current focal plane is 52 feet above sea level.
The lighthouse was decommissioned by the Coast Guard in 2012 and subsequently sold to the Manistee County Historical Museum for preservation.
The attached steel catwalk is a historical remnant, once essential for lighthouse keepers to reach the light safely during storm surges.
The Manistee North Pier Lighthouse is a white, square, cast-iron tower standing 39 feet tall at the end of the north pier on the Manistee River channel. Originally constructed in 1873 and moved to its current location in 1927, it serves as a functional navigational aid for ships entering Manistee Lake from Lake Michigan. The structure features a unique catwalk that provides the only access route for maintenance personnel across the pier. It is one of the few remaining examples of early 20th-century pierhead lighthouse architecture in Michigan. The light remains automated and active, utilizing a modern lens to signal passing vessels. Visitors can walk the length of the pier to reach the base of the tower, which is surrounded by the waters of Lake Michigan.
From the sandy shoreline of First Street Beach, looking west toward the lighthouse as the sun sets over Lake Michigan.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles due to uneven pier concrete and potential slick spots.
Monitor local weather reports, as the pier can be hazardous during high winds or heavy Lake Michigan wave activity.
Bring a windbreaker, as lake breezes remain strong even on warm summer days.
Do not walk the pier during heavy storms or when waves are cresting over the concrete, as the surface becomes extremely slippery and dangerous.
The pier is publicly accessible year-round, but access may be restricted during winter icing conditions for safety.
Do not attempt to climb the tower or the catwalk structure, as they are restricted for maintenance and safety.
