page_title: Sturgeon Point Light
section_title: Contemporary status
hierarchical_section_title: Sturgeon Point Light / Contemporary status
caption_attribution_description: English: Aerial view of Sturgeon Point Light — Michigan.
context_page_description: The Sturgeon Point Light Station is a lighthouse on Lake Huron in Haynes Township, Alcona County, northeastern lower Michigan. Established to ward mariners off a reef that extends 1.5 miles lakeward from Sturgeon Point, it is today regarded as a historic example of a Cape Cod style Great Lakes lighthouse.
context_section_description: Ownership was transferred from the Coast Guard to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources under the terms of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act, and operations are maintained by the Alcona Historical Society. The site is part of the Sturgeon Point State Park under the auspices of the Michigan DNR.
  During the planning stages of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Sturgeon Point Light was proposed to mark the southernmost extent of the sanctuary, although the final sanctuary boundary was drawn short of the light.  Nevertheless, 15 historic shipwrecks have been identified with place of loss listed as "Sturgeon Point".  Indeed, the question of expanding the National Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve continues to be a subject of inquiry and discussion.
  Although the United States Coast Guard continues to operate the light, the property has been transferred to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources under the terms of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.  The transfer from the Department of the interior was effective May 2005.  The Alcona Historical Society operates a museum in the restored historic buildings.  The Sturgeon Point Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
  Sturgeon Point, on which the lighthouse is built, is a Michigan Scenic Site overseen by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.  It is listed as part of the National Maritime Heritage Program with the National Park Service. The station structure is also listed as a state historic site in February 1982.
  Additionally, it is on the National Register of Historic Places, Reference #84001370, Name of Listing: STURGEON POINT LIGHT STATION (U.S. COAST GUARD/GREAT LAKES TR) and is also on the state inventory, being listed in 1969.
  In 2006, the U.S. Coast Guard sought to forever darken the light, and in fact shut it off for a short time.  Resistance to the initiative developed, and over five thousand signatures were collected on petitions to "Save Our Light."  Numerous public comments were submitted as part of the regulatory process.  In due course, an arrangement was made whereby the light was left on (albeit with its operating expenses to be paid by the Alcona County Historical Society) and it was designated as an official "seasonal private aid to navigation." from April 1 through November 1.  The Coast Guard reversed course after the public pressure, and after the intervention of Senator Debbie Stabenow and the fresnel lens and the light remained on through July 2012.
  A transfer of ownership of the light itself, from the Coast Guard to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, is still languishing as of 2012 under the terms of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.  The Alcona County Historical Society is a lessee at this time.
  Because of its picturesque form and location, it is often the subject of photographs, paintings, drawings, and even of needlepoint illustrations.  In fact, it is also the setting of an illustrated children's storybook.
  The site supports sea grasses in many forms, goldenrod, Queen-Anne's lace, yarrow, and wild strawberry. Gulls, cormorant, killdeer, loons are  frequent visitors, along with bald eagles that make their home on the bay.
  The following contact information may be of use to travelers:
  Sturgeon Point Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
  Sturgeon Point Road
  Harrisville, MI 48740
  (989) 724-5107
caption: Undated aerial image by USCG
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