Au Sable Light Station

Tickets · Michigan ·

Managed by the National Park Service

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (National Lakeshore) · Open Access

629 ft
Elevation
Welcome to Au Sable Light Station! Continuously used since August 19th, 1874. Au Sable Light Station is located in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and is accessible only by walking. An entrance fee is required to be within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Au Sable Light Station was built in 1873 and staffed from 1874 to 1958. In 1958 the light was automated and is still in use and maintained by the United Stated Coast Guard today! The light boasts its original 3rd order Fresnel Lens. On this tour a volunteer and ranger will explain the buildings on found and what life would’ve been like for the keepers living here. There is also a free museum located on the grounds in the former master keeper’s quarters.

Getting there

To get to the light house, visitors must park at the Hurricane River Campground located on Alger County Road H-58. Once there, the trail to the lighthouse begins on the northeastern section of the campground. Follow the gravel road for 1.5 miles until it ends at the Au Sable Light Station.

46.67267, -86.13931 · 46°40'21.6"N 86°8'21.5"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 75°F in Aug, down to 24°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F242737486170757568554131
Low °F141320284048555650392920
Precip in————————————

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Au Sable Light Station

Can you reserve a site at Au Sable Light Station?
Yes, Au Sable Light Station is reservable through Recreation.gov.

Camping near Au Sable Light Station

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.