St. Helena Island Lighthouse
A historic beacon in the Straits of Mackinac, offering island exploration and a glimpse into maritime preservation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, clear skies
St. Helena Island Lighthouse
Best Time
Calm waters, clear skies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic beacon in the Straits of Mackinac, offering island exploration and a glimpse into maritime preservation.
"Best to visit by boat; a unique light of the Great Lakes with ongoing restoration efforts."
Boat is Best 🚤
Access is primarily by boat. Consider a lighthouse cruise or private rental for the best views.
Island Chores for Stay 🏡
Cabin rentals are available with an agreement to help with island chores. A unique experience!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St. Helena Island Lighthouse
St. Helena Island, Straits of Mackinac
A historic beacon guarding the Straits of Mackinac, offering stunning views and a glimpse into maritime history.
Island Perimeter Trail
St. Helena Island
A scenic 3-mile walk around the island's edge, revealing diverse coastal landscapes and wildlife.
Lighthouse Restoration Project
St. Helena Island Lighthouse
Witness ongoing restoration efforts and learn about the lighthouse's rich history from dedicated volunteers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing St. Helena Island Lighthouse
Island Exploration & Restoration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat is Best 🚤
Access is primarily by boat. Consider a lighthouse cruise or private rental for the best views.
Island Chores for Stay 🏡
Cabin rentals are available with an agreement to help with island chores. A unique experience!
Watch for Poison Ivy 🌱
Be prepared for poison ivy on the island; wear appropriate clothing for exploration.
Telephoto Lens Recommended 📸
If viewing from shore, a telephoto lens can help capture details of the lighthouse.
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat is Best 🚤
Access is primarily by boat. Consider a lighthouse cruise or private rental for the best views.
Island Chores for Stay 🏡
Cabin rentals are available with an agreement to help with island chores. A unique experience!
Watch for Poison Ivy 🌱
Be prepared for poison ivy on the island; wear appropriate clothing for exploration.
Telephoto Lens Recommended 📸
If viewing from shore, a telephoto lens can help capture details of the lighthouse.
Restoration Crew Tours 👋
Restoration volunteers are often welcoming and offer tours of the lighthouse.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the St. Helena Island Lighthouse for its historical significance and the unique experience of visiting a remote island. Many highlight the beauty of the lighthouse and the island's natural setting. Access is primarily by boat, which is seen as part of the adventure, though some find it a barrier. The ongoing restoration efforts and the welcoming nature of the crews are frequently mentioned positives.
"Rode over in jet skis and it was a beautiful tour. The lighthouse is being restored and is gorgeous inside. Cabin rental is available on the island for a small fee and an agreement to help with chores while you’re there, which I think is a wonderful idea."
Ashley Schulz
"Unless you have a boat or jet ski, we couldn't find a way to view it. There is no designated parking. All we saw were homes along the drive, so we obviously didn't want to stop at someone's home. Otherwise, there are trees lining the road so you can only see the lighthouse while by someone's home. We parked down the road at a school, walked the country road, then stood in the street in front of a home to take a picture."
Brian Gust
"We anchored our boats in the north cove & went by dinghies. The Ann Arbor Boy Scout troop was there working on restoration projects. The adults were welcoming & gave us a tour of everything! Wonderful work this troop has and continues to do!"
Amy Miller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach the St. Helena Island Lighthouse is by boat, as there are no public ferries or designated parking areas on the island. Many visitors opt for lighthouse cruises that depart from nearby areas like Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, which often include this stop. Alternatively, you can rent a boat or jet ski if you have the means and experience. Some brave souls have attempted to view it from the shore along US-2, but it requires a very long zoom lens and is not ideal.
No, there are no public transportation options directly to St. Helena Island Lighthouse. Access is limited to private watercraft or organized boat tours.
You cannot drive directly to the St. Helena Island Lighthouse. The island is accessible only by water. While there are homes along the road on the mainland, they do not offer public access to the lighthouse.
Popular departure points for lighthouse tours that may include St. Helena Island Lighthouse are Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, Michigan. These tours offer a convenient way to see multiple lighthouses in the Straits of Mackinac.
Yes, it is possible to anchor a boat near St. Helena Island, particularly in the north cove, and then use a dinghy to reach the shore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There isn't a traditional ticket system for visiting the lighthouse itself. If you are on a boat tour, the cost of the tour covers your visit. If arriving by private boat, there is no entry fee for the island or lighthouse grounds, though donations for restoration are appreciated.
The lighthouse is an active aid to navigation, but it is not open for public tours during set hours like a museum. Access is typically during daylight hours when visiting by boat. The restoration crews may be present at various times.
There is no official entrance fee for St. Helena Island itself. However, if you are part of a guided boat tour, the cost of the tour will include your access.
Visitors may be able to go inside the lighthouse if restoration crews are present and willing to offer tours. This is not guaranteed and depends on ongoing work and volunteer availability.
The primary restriction is access, which is by water. Be mindful of private property if viewing from the mainland. On the island, be aware of natural hazards like poison ivy.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Besides visiting the lighthouse, you can explore the island's natural beauty. A walk around the perimeter is about 3 miles and offers scenic views of the coast and surrounding waters. You might also encounter restoration projects and learn about the island's history.
Yes, the St. Helena Island Lighthouse is an active aid to navigation, meaning it still functions to help guide ships.
Built in 1873, the St. Helena Island Lighthouse served as a crucial navigational aid in the busy Straits of Mackinac. It has a rich maritime history and is a significant landmark in the Great Lakes.
The island is largely undeveloped. There are no shops or restaurants. However, cabin rentals are available for those interested in an extended stay, often in exchange for helping with chores.
Visitors have reported seeing pelicans and other coastal birds around the island. 
📸 📸 Photography
The best photographic opportunities are from the water, either on a boat tour or your own vessel, allowing for varied angles. If viewing from the mainland, a telephoto lens is essential to capture details from the US-2 roadside.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunset cruises can offer dramatic lighting.
Capturing the lighthouse with its surrounding natural beauty, including the water and island vegetation, makes for great shots. Photos of the restoration work can also be compelling.
A camera with a good zoom lens is highly recommended, especially if you plan to photograph from the mainland. Waterproof gear might be useful if you're on a boat.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check current FAA and local regulations before flying a drone near the lighthouse or island. Always prioritize safety and respect for the environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once on the island, the perimeter walk can be a fun way to explore nature, but ensure children are supervised and aware of potential hazards like poison ivy. Tips for Families:
* Choose a boat tour that is family-friendly and has life jackets available.
* Pack plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities on the island.
* Dress children in long pants and sleeves to protect against insects and poison ivy.
* Keep the visit relatively short if young children have limited attention spans for walking.
🚢 Boat Enthusiasts & Cruisers
If you have your own boat, anchoring in the north cove and taking a dinghy ashore provides a more independent exploration. Recommendations:
* Research boat tours that specifically mention St. Helena Island Lighthouse.
* If using your own vessel, check marine charts for safe anchoring spots.
* Be prepared for changing weather conditions on the Great Lakes.
📸 Photographers
Photographers who can't access a boat may find success using a powerful telephoto lens to capture details from the mainland along US-2, though this requires significant magnification. Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most atmospheric light.
The island's natural beauty, including the surrounding water and vegetation, provides excellent foreground and background elements. Don't forget to capture the details of the lighthouse itself, especially any visible restoration work, which adds a layer of narrative to your images. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to St. Helena Island
These tours provide a comfortable way to experience the lighthouse and its surroundings. For those with boating experience, renting a boat or jet ski offers more flexibility and the chance to explore at your own pace. Anchoring in the north cove and using a dinghy is a viable strategy for private boaters. Viewing the lighthouse from the mainland is significantly more challenging. While there's a rest area west of St. Ignace overlooking the island,
Key Takeaway: Prioritize water access for the best experience. Boat tours are recommended for ease, while private rentals offer more freedom. Shore viewing is possible but requires specialized equipment.
The Island and Its Lighthouse History
The island itself is a haven for exploration, with a perimeter trail approximately 3 miles long that allows visitors to circumnavigate its shores.
The island is also known to have poison ivy, so visitors should be prepared with appropriate attire. A fascinating aspect of visiting St. Helena Island is the ongoing restoration project for the lighthouse. Visitors have reported being welcomed by dedicated restoration crews, who are often happy to share insights into the lighthouse's past and the efforts to preserve it.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit