America's second largest Great Lake and the fifth largest fresh water lake on Earth, Lake Huron is bisected by the international border of United States and Canada. The lake's written history begins when Native Americans, French fur traders and missionaries traveled its waters during the late 1600s. One hundred and fifty years later, a great increase in boating commerce required the placement of lighthouses along Huron's intricate coastline. Often called the Sunrise Side of Lake Huron, over two dozen lighthouses still line the Michigan shoreline.
   Presque Isle Lighthouse, built in 1840, served as a coastal light and as well as a harbor light. When it came time to reconstruct the keeper's quarters, the Lighthouse Board decided that it would be best to construct two separate lighthouses to mark the harbor and coastline.
   The active lifespan of the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse lasted only 30 years. Its history began when bids for the first lighthouse went out in the late 1830s, and the newly constructed light-station was put into service by September, 1840. Often called the new lighthouse, the replacement beacon was activated in 1871. The new lighthouse, also called the Presque Isle Lighthouse, was built about a mile north of the old light and is one of the tallest on the Great Lakes. Keep in mind the old lighthouse was abandoned, and the ight mechanism dismantled.
   Cataloged in numerous reports, seems as though the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse was never completely dimmed. Eye-witnesses have been alarmed when the light is mysteriously illuminated from time to time. Perhaps it's the work of fun-loving George Parris, official caretaker of the old lighthouse museum. It's thought that the museum docent has longed for his earthly job and has somehow returned from the grave to flash the light and spook the human population in Presque Isle!

     Area Map