Mackinac Island in Mackinac County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Round Island Lighthouse
Registered Michigan Historic Site
Photographed by M H, August 21, 2010
1. Round Island Lighthouse Marker
The Round Island Lighthouse, seen south of this site, was completed in 1895. Operating under the auspices of the United States Government, this facility was in continuous use for fifty-two years. It was manned by a crew of three until its beacon was replaced by an automatic light in 1924. A sole caretaker occupied and operated the station from 1924 to 1947. Following the construction of a new automatic beacon near the breakwater off the south shore of Mackinac Island, the lighthouse was abandoned. The United States Forest Service now supervises the structure which is located in the Hiawatha National Forest. The lighthouse serves as a sentinel for the past, reminding visitors of the often precarious sailing and rich history of the Straits of Mackinac.
Erected 1978 by Michigan History Division; Department of State. (Marker Number L107.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses, and the Michigan Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.
Location. 45° 50.794′ N, 84° 37.14′ W. Marker is on Mackinac Island, Michigan, in Mackinac County. It is on Main Street (State Highway
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Regionally, this marker is on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and on the Straits of Mackinac. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Chicago-Mackinac Race (within shouting distance of this marker); Lake View Hotel (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Biddle House / Agatha and Edward Biddle (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pond's Defense (approx. 0.2 miles away); Original Buildings of John Jacob Astors American Fur Company (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mackinac Island (approx. 0.2 miles away); Market Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bonga Tavern (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mackinac Island.
More about this marker. The marker is located on Mackinac Island, representing the lighthouse on Round Island to the south, between mile markers 7 and 0.
Photographed by Cameron Zwart, July 9, 2007
2. Round Island Lighthouse Marker
Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 1, 2025
3. Round Island Lighthouse and Marker
Photographed by Kevin W., June 1, 2026
4. Round Island Lighthouse
Photo taken from the water between the two islands.
Photographed by M H, August 21, 2010
5. Round Island Lighthouse as seen from Mackinac Island on an overcast day
Credits. This page was last revised on June 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2010. This page has been viewed 1,220 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 1, 2010, by Mh of Las Vegas, Nevada. 2. submitted on May 16, 2012, by Cameron Zwart of Belding, Michigan. 3. submitted on July 8, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 4. submitted on June 1, 2026, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 5. submitted on September 12, 2010, by Mh of Las Vegas, Nevada. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
