Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse Preservation Society

01/26/2026

Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse on Lake Huron. Temp 18 deg F, Wind Chill 3 deg F, Wind Speed 14 kts E. Lake has frozen and Very Cold.

12/31/2025

As we close out 2025, we want to thank those that worked to keep the island maintained and the Society functioning. Our hope in 2026 is to get more of those lingering projects completed, and create a lasting legacy for future generations. If you have not visited this special island, we hope to provide a video tour for those who aren't able to experience it in person. We wish everyone good health and prosperity in the coming new year.

12/15/2025

12/15/2025

Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse Lake Huron Dec 15 10am. Temp 23 deg F, Wind Chill 6.9 deg F, Wind 23 kts SSW. SNOW SNOW SNOW

10/09/2025

Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse Thursday October 9. Fall is in the air!!
Temp 45 deg F, Wind 5.1 kts WNW.

08/06/2025

How great that the Friends of the Thunder Bay Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary featured the oldest lighthouse in the sanctuary boundary in their August post. Also, to include the Restless Viking is even more cool.

THUNDER BAY ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE
Established: 1832
Height: 63 feet
Light: 4th order Fresnel Lens with a 16 mile range
Automated: 1983

Brief History:
Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse is the oldest in the sanctuary and was the third to be constructed on Lake Huron. Built in 1831, it had to be rebuilt after a powerful storm swept over the 215-acre limestone island.

In the decades that followed, the island’s light guided countless ships while also becoming home to a fishing community of more than 150 early settlers. It later housed a life-saving station, which eventually became part of what is now known as the U.S. Coast Guard.

Spanning more than 150 years of maritime history, Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse remains a symbol of endurance and guidance. Today, the Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse Preservation Society (TBILPS) works to restore and maintain the buildings and history.

An effort for local ownership of the lighthouse is ongoing, with the removal of the delapitated boat house in 2022 marking a big step forward—making the property more suitable for inclusion in the public domain.

“Alpena Township and TBILPS are working with the Bureau of Land Management on next steps. All parties remain committed to doing the best thing for the island.” -Sue Skibbe, Secretary & Government Liaison TBILPS

Have you ever visited this lighthouse? Share your stories - and find more resources in the comments!

PS - we are highlighting all eight of the lighthouses that line the sanctuary shoreline this month 🩵🌊

07/22/2025

Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse - Lake Huron - Monday July 21 at 7:30 pm - Air Temp 65 deg F, Wind Speed 4.7 kts S.
No Heat Wave Here!