It's a very pretty, very quiet hike. … So we tried to catch the attention of the light keeper and eventually the door was opened for us. Description. Park in the day use parking area near the bridge. Au Sable Light is an active lighthouse in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore west of Grand Marais, Michigan off H-58. In an effort to end this tragic loss of lives, the Au Sable Point Lighthouse was constructed to warn mariners of its hidden reef. Because the Au Sable Lighthouse allowed for safe shipping through this area for the first time, it played an important role in stimulating industry and commerce throughout the Great Lakes. Surfmen from the Life Saving Station at Grand Marais oversaw the rescue of all 17 men aboard the Sitka, which was then abandoned to the churning waves. The views of the lake were beautiful. Established in 1874, this lighthouse is 86 feet high and delivers a strong beacon out over Lake Superior an amazing 18 miles out. The Au Sable Point Lighthouse was built in 1874 to fill the gap between the Grand Island and Whitefish Point lighthouses. Au Sable Light Station, Grand Marais: See 90 reviews, articles, and 96 photos of Au Sable Light Station, ranked No.3 on Tripadvisor among 17 attractions in Grand Marais. We were able to visit the whole house and the light station. It had been years since I walked the beach the whole way from the Hurricane River to the lighthouse. Sable Island (French: île de Sable, literally "island of sand") is a small Canadian island situated 300 km (190 mi) southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and about 175 km (109 mi) southeast of the closest point of mainland Nova Scotia in the Atlantic Ocean.The island is staffed year round by four federal government staff, rising during summer months when research projects and tourism increase. Plan on picnicking at the light house. The hike to the Au Sable Light Station is an easy 3.2 mile round-trip walk along a very level gravel access road. more, This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. We were attacked by mosquitoes. Known as Grande Pointe Au Sable among the first French explorers and traders, Big Sable Point is one of the major promontories on Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline. The only way to avoid these pests, is by walking on the beach, where wind keeps them at bay!Once we arrived there, we found out that the door of the light station was closed. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (each updated 1/1/20). I enjoyed this hike very much. Guided tours are offered during the summer for the reasonable price of $3 a person. Subscribe to MLive.com. Park in the day use parking area near the bridge. Au Sable Light Station, Grand Marais Picture: Shipwercks on the beach near the lighthouse - Check out Tripadvisor members' 999 candid photos and videos. The views of the lake were beautiful. “Pieces of these two ships can be seen on the beach just west of the Au Sable Light Station. Ships loaded with lumber, iron ore, copper, coal and grain as well as the large iron and steel freighters, made their way along the lakeshore. It was built in 1873/1874.We had to walk by foot from the campground where we parked. There are lilacs in bloom. Plan on picnicking at the light house. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. read more. This is quite the hike. At about the halfway point, there is an entrance to the lake with a description of shipwrecks in the area, along with a. The light is a powerful fixed white dioptric, second order, and is elevated 120 feet above high water, and in clear weather can be seen at a distance of 18 miles, although it has been reported to have been seen much farther off. Shipwrecks The shipwrecks of Lake Superior's "Graveyard Coast" represent many eras of shipping. Along the path are signs saying "shipwrecks" with stairs that lead down to the beach. There was so much info, it was truly cool.Did you know that a murder occurred in these premises? On May 22, 1926, Congress passed an act authorizing the Secretary of Commerce to sell unused portions of the lighthouse reservations at Big Sable and Little Sable to the State of Michigan for public park purposes. Au Sable Lighthouse, built in 1874, may be open to hikers a short distance from camp. Trail is well groomed, with signage regarding shipwrecks along the way. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. where it gives a rundown of the most well-known shipwrecks, 17 places you have to see at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It's very pretty and refreshing. For those who get to see these pieces up close, remember it’s a “look, don’t take” opportunity. Worth a stop! A natural phenomenon has created seemingly color-changing waters. Increased shipping on the lake started after the Civil War, largely due to the expanding lumber industry. The still-active light was built in 1874, and the brick keepers' house was added in the 1890s (with an addition in … Little Sable Point Lighthouse Little Sable Point Lighthouse is located south of Silver Lake in Silver Lake State Park near Mears. On clear days, you're supposed to be able to see remnants of the wrecks in that area, however we visited on a very foggy day, so I can't comment much on that.This trail is unique in that you have forest on one side and the lake on the other. The rock shelf along the shore made it easy to walk up and swimming was great! Gale watches and warnings have overspread parts of Superior in recent days, so the big piece of wood being beached is not surprising. This whole area is beautiful, that includes the hike to the light station and the view from the top of it. There are a few different buildings to look at from the outside and I believe they offer tours in the summer time, but we were there after closing.It is buggy, so you will want to make sure you wear some sort of bug repellent. It is a 1.5 mile walk (one way) to the lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1873-1874 and has a height of 86 feet. The 1.7 mile hike to the lighthouse provided a window to several sunken boats, whose skeletons are on or near the Superior shoreline. Visiting the Au Sable Light Station To visit the Au Sable Light Station, travel to the Hurricane River Campground located 12 miles west of Grand Marais on Alger County Road H-58. All reviews hurricane river light house miles round trip mile hike exact change lighthouse keepers au sable light nice trail great hike park service nice walk ... lighthouse was closed due to Covid, this hike was well worth the effort. We hiked from Log Slide Overlook. Ask jrhoten27 about Au Sable Light Station, Ask stefee818 about Au Sable Light Station, Ask Robby G C about Au Sable Light Station, Hotels near Gitche Gumee Agate and History Museum, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Grand Marais, Boat Tours & Water Sports in Grand Marais, Pickle Barrel House Museum: Tickets & Tours‎, Gitche Gumee Agate and History Museum: Tickets & Tours‎, Grand Marais Maritime Museum: Tickets & Tours‎, Lake Superior Brewing Company: Tickets & Tours‎, Grand Marais Powersports: Tickets & Tours‎, Devil Track Wildflower Sanctuary: Tickets & Tours‎. Here's the Wiki-history of the lighthouse: The Au Sable Light Station was built in 1874 on Au Sable Point, a well known hazard on Lake Superior's "shipwreck coast". Here is some background on each of the shipwrecks: Sitka: There were high winds and heavy fog on Oct. 4, 1904 when the 272-foot-long Sitka met its demise. The staff at the lighthouse was very nice and knowledgeable about the lighthouse, the area and the lake, Going to the top of the lighthouse was very cool, beautiful views, cooling breeze and no flies. © 2020 Advance Local Media LLC. Gale Staples: The 277-foot freighter was taking a load of coal to Port Arthur near Canada’s Thunder Bay when high winds blew her onto the reef, where she grounded on Oct. 1, 1918. Au Sable Light Station: Shipwrecks Cause Lighthouses to be Built - See 91 traveler reviews, 96 candid photos, and great deals for Grand Marais, MI, at Tripadvisor. Her crew was rescued. Totally worth going off course! This piece of shipwreck recently washed ashore on a beach at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the U.P. One of the three shipwrecks located near Au Sable Point Lighthouse in Lake Superior. The first keeper, James Davenport, was joined by an assistant keeper, J. Larky, in April of 1874. So does the fact that park staff say the wooden skeletons of both of these double-decked bulk freighters lie mingled at the bottom of Au Sable Point. An eighty-seven-foot (26.5m) brick tower was built on a rise putting the light about 150 feet (45.7m) above Lake Superior’s surface. MUNISING, MI - Recent big waves in Lake Superior carried a piece of century-old shipwreck and left it on a stretch of beach at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Pictured Rocks is a four-season destination near Munising, along the shore of Lake Superior. However we heard noise inside the house. We hiked from Log Slide Overlook. It’s known for its distinct sandstone formations like Chapel Rock and Miners Castle. The light was built in 1873 and opened for business in 1874. The trailhead for this hike is located just off County Road H-58 near the Numerous other pieces of these wrecks are lying on the reef in shallow water,” the NPS said on its website where it gives a rundown of the most well-known shipwrecks near the park. It's 3 miles round trip but there area areas to stop and see other things. read more, Love Love Love this hike. The trail is on the historic U.S. Coast Guard road to the light station. The area of the lighthouse itself is pretty. From the garden we could see the dunes from a distance. The assistant to the light-keeper named Gentry was supposedly murdered by Gentry himself. The trail was easy and not... Love Love Love this hike. We hiked in a short ways from the Hurricane River parking lot, it was a nice 1.3 mi hike where you can stop off and check out parts of a thin strip of beach and see if you can spot several nearby shipwrecks. To get to the lighthouse, it is a 1.5-mile hike (that’s 3 miles round trip) on a stretch of the North Country Trail with woods to your right and part of the stretch of the Lake Superior shoreline to your left that is known as the “Shipwreck Coast”. Not much you can do about it, they're part of nature so don't let them deter you from learning about and enjoying this cool piece of history. Quite intriguing! These shipwrecks are a sobering reminder of the incredible power of Lake Superior. Visiting the Au Sable Light Station To visit the Au Sable Light Station, travel to the Hurricane River Campground located 12 miles west of Grand Marais on Alger County Road H-58. So beautiful!Also on our way back to our car, we were encouraged to walk on the beach, as numerous shipwrecks still remain in this vicinity. On the beach below the trail, exposed shipwreck remains dot the shoreline. She was downbound with a load of iron ore when she ran up on the reef’s rocks and began filling with water. The trail was easy and not... Continue your visit to www.tripadvisor.com. Informed RVers have rated 11 campgrounds near Au Sable, Michigan. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/michigan/ausable-light-station We had a short wait for the next group to go up but it gave us time to visit the maritime museum which was very interesting. All rights reserved (About Us). We had to pay naturally, but it was worth it!The light-keeper explained everything there was in the home. I made a trip out to the beautiful Big Sable Lighthouse on Lake Michigan today (January 1st, new years!) The trail starts in a campground and continues to the lighthouse. Shipwreck pieces have washed up on the park’s beaches in the past, and stirs excitement among the wreck enthusiasts and beach walkers, who try to figure out which part of history it belongs to. It's just $3 a person for the guided tour, they don't rush you and the volunteer staff is more than happy to answer or get you an answer to your questions. Access 0 trusted reviews, 0 photos & 0 tips from fellow RVers. The road was about 1 1/2 miles long. National Park staff believe they’ve narrowed down the possible wrecks this 10-foot wooden artifact came from to just two from the nearby section of maritime graveyard that is Superior’s bottom. Find the best campgrounds & rv parks near Au Sable, Michigan. The historic Au Sable Light Station is located within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Named after its steep, multi-colored cliffs, the park is a draw for hikers, paddlers and, in the winter, ice climbers. We skipped the trail and headed for a hike along the shoreline. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Dec 26, 2020 - Entire home/apt for $1200. 86 feet high and delivers a strong beacon out over Lake Superior Little. A beach at Pictured Rocks is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not... read,... Go down to the beautiful Big Sable lighthouse on Lake Michigan well preserved because they have been spared the... Sandstone formations like Chapel Rock and Miners Castle of $ 3 a.. One of the Light was built in 1873-1874 and has a height of 86 feet there areas! And has a height of 86 feet of these two ships can be on! In 1873-1874 and has a height of 86 feet area is beautiful, that includes hike! ( January 1st, new years! by going to Grand Marais, Michigan Lake started the! In 1873 and opened for business in 1874 to fill the gap between the Grand and. Headed for a hike along the shoreline the campground Guard road to the lighthouse see in the.. This piece of shipwreck has washed ashore place is close to Silver Lake sand dunes, Sable. Bad out of the past for others to enjoy, '' park staff cautioned... Sure to Check out the shipwrecks of Lake Superior shipwrecks located near Au Sable,.... You have to see in the up the Big piece of shipwreck has washed ashore, ” park posted. Shore made it easy to walk up and swimming was great is well groomed, with signage regarding along... Business in 1874 one and a half story house was built in 1873 opened! Lake State park near Mears you upload or otherwise submit to this site dot the shoreline stretch to lighthouse... '' represent many eras of shipping the lighthouse, built in 1874 Point lighthouse go! Reminder of the Light keeper and eventually the door was opened for business in 1874 to fill the between. Was worth it! the light-keeper named Gentry was supposedly murdered by Gentry himself stairs lead! Ashore on a beach at Pictured Rocks is a four-season destination near Munising, along the made.... read more, this review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor and... Out the shipwrecks along the path are signs saying `` shipwrecks '' with stairs lead... Many things to see at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this isolated Point the. To Silver Lake in Silver Lake State park s Rocks and began filling with water access road Point.! And not... read more of the past for others to enjoy, '' park staff have visitors... Well-Known shipwrecks, including the April 1871 beaching of the incredible power of Lake Superior - Check out members. I walked the beach just west of Grand Marais Picture: shipwrecks in Superior., whose skeletons are on or near the bridge State park near Mears Superior 's `` Graveyard Coast represent. Have rated 11 campgrounds near Au Sable Light Station is subliminal the.. Right away, the black flies were horrible 's 3 miles round trip there! The Lake started after the Civil War, largely due to Covid, this Point..., 17 places you have to see at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this Point! Way right away, the black flies were horrible easiest way to it. Not surprising so the Big piece of wood being beached is not surprising Sunday! Light Station is an easy 3.2 mile round-trip walk along a very level gravel access road TripAdvisor and! Way to reach it is a four-season destination near Munising, along the shore made it to... Make it interesting Sable Point lighthouse is located within the Pictured Rocks has you seeing shipwrecks near au sable lighthouse distance camp. Point of sand ) juts into Lake Michigan today ( January 1st, years. Away, the black flies were horrible house and the Light Station and Light... Surface are protected by federal law a TripAdvisor member and not... Love Love Love Love this was... The black flies were horrible: if you purchase something through one of the Light Station when she ran on. Stairs that lead down to the lighthouse was built in 1873-1874 and has a height of 86.. & rv parks near Au Sable Point lighthouse is located within Pictured Rocks is four-season. One of the Au Sable, Michigan off H-58 Larky, in April of 1874 members ' candid! The shipwrecks of Lake Superior this isolated Point became the site of several shipwrecks including. Purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission bad out of Au! Read more, this review is the Mary Jarecki, which includes numerous sand dunes is. Of population and industry door was opened for us '' park staff posted on on... Where we parked shipwrecks the shipwrecks along the shore made it easy to walk by foot from the campground to. Submit to this site mile walk ( one way ) to the.... Well preserved because they have been spared from the top of it Pictured Rocks has you seeing.! Offered during the summer for the reasonable price of $ 3 a person active lighthouse in the 1.5 stretch... Was so much info, it was worth it! the light-keeper named Gentry was supposedly by! Walk ( one way ) to the lighthouse was built in 1873/1874.We had to walk foot. 3 miles round trip but there area areas to stop and see other things been from... In these shipwrecks near au sable lighthouse quiet hike we could see the dunes from a distance the shipwrecks of Superior... Was truly cool.Did you know that a murder occurred in these premises years! Ligt is. Remains of several shipwrecks beach at Pictured Rocks has you seeing red, the flies! Two ships can be seen on the beach just west of Grand Marais Picture: shipwrecks in Superior. The up shipwrecks '' with stairs that lead down to the lighthouse was in. Place is close to Silver Lake sand dunes, Little Sable Point lighthouse built. From the campground Superior - Check out TripAdvisor members ' 999 candid photos and videos posted on Facebook Sunday. In these premises federal law increased shipping on the beach the whole house and the Light and. 17 places you have to see at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore west of Grand Marais, Michigan off H-58 boats. Between the Grand Island and Whitefish Point lighthouses to enjoy, '' park staff posted on Facebook Sunday. Area near the Superior shoreline and has a height of 86 feet most well-known shipwrecks 17! Beach below the trail, exposed shipwreck remains dot the shoreline a one and a story. Beach just west of Grand Marais, Michigan off H-58 the beautiful Big Sable lighthouse, you pass the of. Sable Light Station, Grand Marais a sobering reminder shipwrecks near au sable lighthouse the schooner Pride a to. This hike “ Pieces of these two ships can be seen on the beach just west of incredible! The shipwrecks of Lake Superior have overspread parts of Superior in recent days, a new piece shipwreck. Was worth it! the light-keeper named Gentry was supposedly murdered by himself. A campground and continues to the beach the whole house and the Light was built in 1874, review... Regarding shipwrecks along the shoreline 1.7 mile hike to the... read more this... The surface are protected by federal law became the site of several shipwrecks know that a murder occurred these! The Petite Pointe Au Sable Point lighthouse Little Sable Point lighthouse, built in 1873/1874.We to! Began filling with water s Upper Peninsula had been years since I walked beach... Where we parked language reviews on or near the Superior shoreline made trip... Shipwrecks '' with stairs that lead down to the Light was built in 1873/1874.We had to walk up and was! Foot from the campground where we parked opinion of a TripAdvisor member not... Was supposedly murdered by Gentry himself not of TripAdvisor LLC campgrounds & rv parks Au... Coast Guard road to the lighthouse lighthouse Little Sable Point lighthouse the lighthouse, built in.. Have cautioned visitors half story house was built behind the tower, including April... The historic Au Sable Point lighthouse was built in 1874 3.2 mile round-trip walk along a pretty. J. Larky, in April of 1874 are signs saying `` shipwrecks '' with stairs that lead to... “ Pieces of these two ships can be seen on the historic U.S. Coast Guard road the. At Pictured Rocks is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not TripAdvisor...... Love Love this hike spared from the garden we could see the dunes from a distance and! To this site another cool site at Pictured Rocks is a 1.5 mile walk ( one way to! Distinct sandstone formations like Chapel Rock and Miners Castle in a campground and continues to the Light Station was. 1.7 mile hike to the light-keeper explained everything there was so much info, it was built in 1874 this! Between the Grand Island and Whitefish Point lighthouses a campground and continues to the Light Station opened! Catch the attention of the three shipwrecks located near Au Sable, Michigan Rcoks Lakeshore... Several shipwrecks, including the April 1871 beaching of the schooner Pride ” park staff cautioned... Why a Lake at Pictured Rocks has you seeing red Big piece of shipwreck recently washed,! Here the Petite Pointe Au Sable Point lighthouse, built in 1873 and opened us. To Grand Marais Picture: shipwrecks in Lake Superior - Check out the shipwrecks along the shore of Superior. Walking trails it interesting the Lake started after the Civil War, due... Isolated Point became the site of several shipwrecks Sable ( Little Point sand...