Port Austin Reef Lighthouse Association

Port Austin Reef Lighthouse Association Port Austin Reef Lighthouse It is still operational and acts as an automated beacon to this day.
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The Port Austin Reef Light is located in Lake Huron approximately 2½ miles north of the Port Austin Harbor and Port Austin, Michigan. Latitude N 44 deg 04.893 min
Longitude W 082 deg 58.941 min

The station was established and first lit in 1878 and after a devastating fire, modified in 1899. It is currently owned by the Port Austin Reef Light Association who are in the midst of a full restoration

with the goal of offering a lighthouse keeper program. In 1990, the Port Austin Reef Light Association engaged in a "heroic effort" to begin restoring the lighthouse which included relocating a colony of seagulls that had taken over the decrepit building. The restoration project has consisted of a massive organic clean-up; installing new windows; replacing and painting the protective chain railing; re-building the brick chimney, re-building the roof structure; and shingling with a historically accurate bright red paint. Low water levels, funding limitation, strict renovation regulations, and completion of an Historic Structure's Report in 2013 have provided a road map to full renovation and utilization of the Lighthouse to tourists in the coming years. Official title was transferred to the Association by the USCG and GSA on June 30, 2013. Please keep checking back on how to sign-up and support this important part of Michigan's history.

Wonderful historical photo of our sister lighthouse!
02/18/2026

Wonderful historical photo of our sister lighthouse!

From the Archives: An ice-coated Harbor Beach Light, MI on Lake Huron circa 1925. This lighthouse has been beautifully restored and is open for public tours during the summer season.

Congratulations Dan! The production of this masterpiece has been amazing to watch. Your unique skills have delivered t...
02/11/2026

Congratulations Dan! The production of this masterpiece has been amazing to watch. Your unique skills have delivered the 'heart and soul' to so many of us across the country! Thank you!

With profound sadness we send our condolences to the family of Greg Brisboy who passed away earlier this week. Greg join...
02/11/2026

With profound sadness we send our condolences to the family of Greg Brisboy who passed away earlier this week. Greg joined our restoration team during the summer of 2024. His task was to repair the interior plaster walls of the lighthouse that had suffered over a century of neglect. Greg brought his craftsmanship, enthusiasm and sense of humor to Port Austin and the end result was something we are all so proud of.

Love this!
02/06/2026

Love this!

02/05/2026
GLLKA- thank you for the morning LOVE!
02/04/2026

GLLKA- thank you for the morning LOVE!

From the Archives: One brave driver crossed the ice c.1935 to check out Port Austin Reef Light, MI on Lake Huron

01/28/2026

From the Archives: Men leaving the nearly completed Toledo Harbor Light, OH on Lake Erie over the ice on December 16, 1903. Wisely, they decided to drag their own small boat along for safety in case the ice gave way. The lighthouse was finally finished and first lit on May 23, 1904.

Address

8265 N Van Dyke Rd
Port Austin, MI
48467

Telephone

+19897680300

Website

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