MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE SERIES – EXPLORE PETOSKEY BREAKWALL
Are you interested in lighthouses on the Great Lakes? I am fascinated by these structures. Their stories helped shape water transportation and vessel safety through Michigan lighthouse history.
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“The dip of the light meant that the island itself was always left in darkness. A lighthouse is for others; powerless to illuminate the space closest to it.”
– M.L. STEADMAN
Government’s involvement in safe navigation began early in American history. The first lighthouse was established on the east coast in 1716 at Little Brewster Island at the entrance to Boston Harbor. 73 years later there were a dozen active beacons in place.
On the Great Lakes, the first lighthouses were established around 1815 at Fort Niagara on Lake Ontario and the Presque Isle light on Lake Erie. Many followed suit in the years to follow!
As commerce boomed on the Great Lakes, the number of lighthouses commensurately increased. By 1865, there were approximately seven on Lake Ontario, perhaps twelve on Lake Huron, approximately twenty-six on Lake Michigan and nearly fifteen on Lake Superior. Each new lighthouse was a step towards more safety. They warned sailors of dangerous shores and reefs and assisted navigation by guiding them to the safety of a harbor.
“I am lighthouse rather than lifeboat. I do not rescue, but instead help others to find their own way to shore, guiding them by my example.”
– UNKNOWN
MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE SERIES – EXPLORE PETOSKEY BREAKWALL
LIGHTHOUSE KEEPERS
Do lighthouse keepers still exists? What a fascinating history these people provide! Each story from each lighthouse location has intrigue and wonder. I encourage you to listen to a story keeper’s recount of a historical lighthouse near you! Each story is filled with what these keepers witnessed and provided to vessels on the lakes. It is such a rich history!
The last civilian keeper in the United States, Frank Schubert, died in 2003. The last officially manned lighthouse, Boston Light, was manned by the Coast Guard until 1998. Volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliary “Keepers” serve a role now as interpreter tour guides on these historical sites. They are in place to share the stories of the history of each lighthouse.
“Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.”
– ANNE LAMOTT
MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE SERIES – EXPLORE PETOSKEY BREAKWALL
HISTORY OF PETOSKEY’s BREAKWALL
The first break-wall in Petoskey was built in 1899. This barrier helped buffer against wave action near this shoreline. It also served to protect the landing pier and off-loading visitors debarking ships from the massive strong westerly winds of Lake Michigan in this unique location.
Initially, the breakwater was composed of mere metal posts with a lamp placed approximately fourteen feet from the outer end of the breakwater.
In 1903, an improvement was added. It was enclosed by steel. Another improvement happened in 1912, a thirty-four foot lighthouse was constructed. The strength of Northern Lake Michigan wave action soon showed itself causing the demise of this structure. This initial lighthouse was destroyed during a storm in 1924. In 1930, a red steel structure was constructed with a temporary light placed at the top. This lasted until November 2005 when a section of the structure was again swept away by a storm.
The remainder of the structure was lost the following year due to another severe storm that further created a breach in the break-wall. This strong reminder of the perils of Lake Michigan storms resurfaces annually in the tremendous wave action that beats away at all in its path.
In 2009, Petoskey’s break-wall was permanently re-constructed to what we enjoy today! It’s construction has been shored-up through strong engineering to withstand the severe beating it routinely takes while protecting the safe harbor of Petoskey.
“Lighthouses are not just stone, brick, metal, and glass. There’s a human story at every lighthouse; that’s the story I want to tell.”
– ELINOR DEWIRE
MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE SERIES – EXPLORE PETOSKEY BREAKWALL
ADVENTURES OF THE LAKES
Many consider jumping off the break-wall on hot summer days to cool off. It seems to be a right of passage or a dare that many experience. Not for me! I’m a chicken. Perhaps back-in-the-day it might have sounded like something exciting to do. Now, though, I am much older and wiser.
I have heard that it is not illegal to jump. I have also heard that it is not advisable. There are unpredictable currents, many fishing boats, and crisscrossing wave actions that can make this exciting idea perilous! Proceed with caution! Sometimes what sounds like a great idea is anything but a good idea! Use wisdom in all decisions!
What does a lighthouse do? I ask myself. It never moves. It cannot hike up its rocky skirt and dash into the ocean to rescue the foundering ship. It cannot calm the waters or clear the shoals. It can only cast light into the darkness. It can only point the way. Yet, through one lighthouse, you guide many ships. Show this old lighthouse the way.
– LISA WINGATE
MICHIGAN LIGHTHOUSE SERIES – EXPLORE PETOSKEY BREAKWALL
OTHER ADVENTURES NEAR PETOSKEY’S BREAKWALL
“Don’t forget that maybe you are the lighthouse in someone’s storm.”
– UNKNOWN
How about capturing a sunrise, early morning, with the promise of a new day prepared before you? What about a sunset shimmering on the sparkling crystal clear waters of Lake Michigan? Beaches of the Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan are pristine, sparkling Caribbean blue fresh water gems. What a treasure to enjoy! What a gift from God!
God’s inspiration can be found by simply looking around and observing all of His blessings abounding, especially here in this tranquil, beautiful location.
However you find God’s inspiration each day, allow it to serve as a reminder that He is in control. Trust in Him, fear not, and replace any doubts you have in Him with prayer, asking Him to teach you to trust more and more each day. The God that created the heavens and the earth and the lakes and the sun will watch over, protect, and guide you each day if you only ask for Him to be a part of your life. Grow in your faith and trust in Him. He awaits you. He is willing to walk beside you through all of your life adventures…even exploring breakwaters and lighthouses!
We hope this has inspired you to discover new adventures while exploring break-walls and lighthouses as we have discovered. I am interested if you have favorite lighthouse that you have explored or snorkel locations to share. Please leave a comment below to recommend an adventure exploring ruins or a snorkel adventure that you’d like for us to try out on our next Inspirational Travel Adventure!! I am so excited to hear from you!
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Inspirationally Yours,
Barbara
BIO: https://www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com/about-us/
ABOUT ME:
A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a Business Manager/HR Director. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is a newly transitioning empty-nester who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer, talented writer, and has a great family to highlight in her high school/college athlete football sons.
WEBSITE: www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com
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37 Comments
Amy Irvin
How beautiful! I’ve never been to Michigan or a lighthouse. This post reminds me of the show Cedar Cove lol.
Barbara Robinson
I’m glad you think it’s beautiful. I’ve never heard of Cedar Cove…I googled it? Not sure what that is… Hope it is a good one!
Sabrina DeWalt
I have explored many of the East Coast lighthouses. I never even thought about them being on the Great Lakes. I’m with you on the not jumping!
Barbara Robinson
One of my bucket list dream trips would be to B&B up the East Coast slowly enjoying the cuisine, history, and lighthouses!
Cynthia Mackintosh
I love how you bring all the history to the lighthouse series! I’m a Christian, too, by the way. God bless!
Barbara Robinson
Back stories on culture, buildings, and locations sucks me in every time! It’s like a story waiting to be re-told and not lost. God is good! Shout it to the world!
Larissa
How interesting. Never thought about house lights before but now I am all curious. Thank you for sharing:)
Cecile
The history behind lighthouses is so fascinating. I never had the chance to visit one. Thanks for sharing.
Barbara Robinson
Stay tuned… I have plans for many more! 🙂
Terra Booth
Very interesting! I live in Ontario so have always been visiting the Great Lakes. I have seen many lighthouses but did not think much about their history! I will have to make sure to check some out on our road trip this summer!
Barbara Robinson
Ditto! I visited one recently and it occurred to me that all of these stories were just waiting to be re-told. The history will be lost…that makes me sad. Our American History is so rich and vibrant…tearing down monuments or re-writing our history books to eliminate times that are “socially uncomfortable” doesn’t change the fact that these things happened and that we as a society need to learn from them to become wiser as we move forward so as to not make the circular mistakes that most societies eventually do make!
Cindy
What a fun trip. Light Houses have been such an important part of our past.
Barbara Robinson
I visited one recently and it occurred to me that all of these stories were just waiting to be re-told. The history will be lost…that makes me sad. Our American History is so rich and vibrant…tearing down monuments or re-writing our history books to eliminate times that are “socially uncomfortable” doesn’t change the fact that these things happened and that we as a society need to learn from them to become wiser as we move forward so as to not make the circular mistakes that most societies eventually do make!
Erica Pittenger
I LOVE lighthouses! We went to Cape May, NJ, and visited several. I also have gorgeous pictures of three in Bermuda, I took on our honeymoon. Thank you for including history. Lighthouses fascinate me so much.
Barbara Robinson
I visited one recently and it occurred to me that all of these stories were just waiting to be re-told. The history will be lost…that makes me sad. Our American History is so rich and vibrant…tearing down monuments or re-writing our history books to eliminate times that are “socially uncomfortable” doesn’t change the fact that these things happened and that we as a society need to learn from them to become wiser as we move forward so as to not make the circular mistakes that most societies eventually do make!
Tricia Snow
I am ready to do this one. It is on my bucket list for road trips from FL! How long do you think it would take to go around the mitten?
Barbara Robinson
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/324048135690495315/ Check out this pin that I found! Personally, I would skip the Southern Michigan destinations and focus on the lake edges and go into the upper peninsula area instead. Too many people and traffic in the areas of Southern Michigan. A true slice of relax and beauty is found in the northern regions, especially in the Northwest corner of the Mitten…we are so blessed to live here.
Tiffany
Fun! I love exploring lighthouses!!
Barbara Robinson
Agree!
Chelsea
I had no idea there were so many lighthouses around the Great Lakes. The Petoskey Breakwall looks gorgeous. I love exploring lighthouses, so this is definitely something I hope to see!
Barbara Robinson
It is truly beautiful!
Stephanie
Lighthouses are such a special part of living in Michigan. I am so glad you are featuring them!
Barbara Robinson
So much history, begging to be re-told! And Beautiful too!!!
Adrienne Foxx
I had not really thought too much about the history if lighthouses before. So many different interesting details about how they came to fruition. Thank you you sharing!
Barbara Robinson
I plan to discuss navigation techniques by mariners in the next one…it really is fascinating!
Suz | TravelsWithSuz.com
Lighthouses are fascinating, aren’t they? I loved reading “The Light between 2 Oceans.”
And, I knew about Petoskey stones, and that they only come from a very specific area in MI – this must be it!
Barbara Robinson
EXACTLY! Yay! Yes! Lighthouses provide so much that makes them fascinating especially each one’s individual history and the people that invested their lives to them!
Danielle Ardizzone
Gorgeous! We have quite a few lighthouses here in NJ, and I love visiting them.
Barbara Robinson
I’d love to explore the NJ light houses too!
Alice
Thank you for this memory. I have been there sometime around 1994-1995. Since I spent three summers near Pelston, MI while my now ex husband was doing research in the area, we went to Petoskey many time, sometimes to visits other times for appointments. I do remember going to the lighthouse at least once.
Barbara Robinson
Excellent! Glad to provide a walk down memory lane for you!
Kristin
Very cool! Lighthouses are so symbolic and this place looks beautiful!
Marianne
I’m looking forward to seeing some lighthouses when we pass through Michigan again soon! Until then… we have a few earmarked for our summer roadtrip near home.
Barbara Robinson
I’d love to hear about your lighthouses!!
Cindy Moore
I find lighthouses to be so beautiful! And I have none near me, being in the midwest. These are gorgeous.
Barbara Robinson
I’m so glad you enjoy viewing them through my eyes!
Elizabeth
This is beautiful! I love lighthouses. I am always amazed at how big the great lakes really are!