On Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Au Sable Light Station will celebrate its 150th anniversary of continuous operation. This milestone commemorates a century and a half of guiding mariners through one of the Great Lakes’ most challenging waters.
Parking and Accessibility:Given the expected turnout, parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors can park at either the Hurricane River Day Use Area, which is a 1.5-mile walk to the Light Station, or the Log Slide, which requires a 2-mile hike. For those with mobility issues, shuttle service will be provided from the Hurricane River Day Use Area to the Light Station, also on a first-come, firstserved basis.
Event Highlights:The day’s events will kick off at 10 a.m. with a variety of special programs, including the opportunity to climb the lighthouse tower and participate in a Junior Ranger program aimed at engaging young visitors. At 2 p.m., a commemorative ceremony will take place on the Light Station grounds to honor this historic occasion.
Visitors planning to climb the lighthouse are reminded that closed-toed shoes are required. All events are free to the public, but attendees must obtain a park pass, available for purchase at park visitor centers or online.
Historical Significance: The Au Sable (French for “with sand”) Light Station, located 12 miles west of Grand Marais on Au Sable Point, was built between 1873 and 1874 with an allocation of $40,000 from Congress. The lighthouse stands 86 feet tall and is anchored 23 feet underground in bedrock. Its construction was deemed necessary due to the perilous Jacobsville sandstone reef and the dense fog created by the interplay of cool lake air and warm currents from the Grand Sable dunes.
The land on which the light station sits was purchased from the State of Michigan for $407, and its continued service has been a crucial factor in ensuring the safety of sailors navigating these hazardous waters.
For more information on park passes and event details, visit www.nps.gov/ piro/index.htm
