The Kalamazoo Lighthouse

A replica of the 1859 Kalamazoo Lighthouse sits on the shore
of the Kalamazoo Lake in Saugatuck, Michigan.
4/27/2018   dwm photo

In my pursuit of covered bridges and lighthouses, only a few new creations make my list.

Originals restored or recreated are more interesting to me.

My trip up the coast of Michigan in the fall of 2017 didn't include the Kalamazoo light because it was a replica and there were ten I listed as a higher priority.  I passed it by.

Just a few miles from of Interstate 196, it was a short detour on a recent family trip to add it to the collection.

The new version of the
1859 lighthouse
was built in 2002.
(dwm photo)

The light is modeled on the second lighthouse which guided boats off Lake Michigan and up the Kalamazoo River.  Built in 1859, it replaced one built ten years earlier that was too close to the river and threatened by erosion.

In the history account found on the Lighthouse Friends website, the new one was built further away from the water on top of a sand dune.

By 1876, the new light served as home for a new keeper now tending a new light at the end of a pier into Lake Michigan.  The old house held its ground until a tornado in 1956 destroyed it.

The new light peeks over vintage boats tied to the dock.  This version may be a slightly smaller than the original, or sitting on a dune may make it look larger.

Lighting the lake.  4/27/18 dwm

I'm glad I stopped.  While it is not in a spectacular setting or able to take your breath because of its size; it looks the part.  The afternoon of our stop the wind was blowing up white caps on Kalamazoo Lake and rocking the piers as I tried to take pictures.

Under partly cloudy skies, it looks the part.  This light won't save any sailor lost on the water, but it is a nice place for a quick stop on your drive up Lake Michigan.