Seeing The Light - Resources and Links

Michigan
	Big Bay Point Light Bed & Breakfast High atop a cliff jutting into the clear, deep waters of Lake superior, the Big Bay Point Lighthouse beckons travelers in search of a secluded retreat from modern life. This unique bed-and-breakfast inn is one of the few surviving resident lighthouses in the country and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places Mendota Lighthouse A wonderful site run by Gary Kohs, the current owner of the Mendota Channel Light station. There is a wealth of information on this site, both about the lighthouse and Gary's involvement in Keweenaw conservation. Be sure to check out the "Mendota Musings" section, written by Sandy, from the Landing at Lac LaBelle Keweenaw Excursions Keweenaw Excursions out of Houghton offers a number of lighthouse tours aboard the KEWEENAW STAR, their 110-foot vessel. Ranging from single day trips past the Lights of the Keweenaw Peninsula to two-day trips by the Lights of Isle Royale and the Canadian North Shore. Telephone (906) 482-0884 for more information. Sand Hills Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast This huge lighthouse on the Western shore of the Keweenaw has been converted into a bed and breakfast, and wonderfully furnished. Looking like no other light on the Lakes, Sand Hill reminds me more of an airport control tower than a shipping beacon! Crisp Point Light Historical Society Crisp Point was one of the four original Lake Superior Life Saving Stations. This group is dedicated to restoring and improving the light station, which is currently close to toppling into Superior as a result of significant surface erosion and lake encroachment. Accessible Lighthouses in Michigan Of the 116 lighthouses in the State of Michigan, only 22 are currently publicly accessible. This site provides a listing of those lights along with addresses and telephone numbers to contact them. Michigan Lights Linda Sue Anderson's website featuring photography of many of the Great Lakes lights. West Michigan Tourist Association A great resource for those traveling the western coast of Michigan, with a great depth of information on events, places of interest, accommodations and travel advice. Lighthouses of Michigan A growing site featuring the lights of Michigan, sorted by the three Lakes Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Multicolored sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, inland lakes, wildlife and the forest of Lake Superior shoreline beckon visitors to explore the 73,000+ acre park, which at its widest point is only five miles and hugs the Superior shoreline for more than 40 miles. This was the first National Lakeshore and was authorized in 1966. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses a 60 km (35 mi.) stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands. The park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena. The Lakeshore also contains many cultural features including a 1871 lighthouse and three former Life-Saving Service/Coast Guard Stations.

Minnesota
	North Shore Sights Information about the sights to be found on Minnesota's North Shore, from Duluth to Split Rock. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park The official Split Rock website from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Minnesota Historical Society 10,000 lakes... Hiawatha... sub-zero temperatures... the headwaters of the Mississippi... Paul Bunyan... the Mall of America...the Minnesota Historical Society has been collecting, preserving and telling their stories for 150 years. Put yourself in this picture and connect with Minnesota's people and their stories, past and present. You'll find lots to discover. History of Duluth's Seven Bridges Road Seven Bridges Road is one of the more beautiful parkways in Duluth, Minnesota, a city renowned for its parks and boulevards. The drive travels up Occidental Boulevard from Superior Street and across Hawk Ridge to Glenwood Avenue--a distance of about 4 miles--and serves as the eastern terminus to Duluth's famous hilltop boulevard, Skyline Parkway. The Two-Bit tour of Old Duluth Duluth area writer and actor Sheldon Aubut's chronicle of Old Duluth, which extends encompasses Superior Street from Lake Avenue to Fourth Avenue East. Duluth was born in this district and what is now Canal Park when Daniel Greysolon Sier Du Lhut landed where the Ariel Lift bridge now stands in 1679

General Great Lakes
	The Lighthouse Directory - by Russ Rowlett This is a fantastic resource for lighthouse aficionados, and deserves a "first look" when searching for up-to-date information concerning any of the US lighthouses. Contains a wealth of valuable links. The Internet Index of Lighthouses. A separate component of the Harbour Lights website, this comprehensive directory lists just about all the lights of the world, and an exhaustive linked listing of all sites on each light in existence on the 'Net. The Great Lakes Information Network Respected across the Great Lakes region and around the world, GLIN offers a wealth of data and information about the region's environment and economy, tourism, education and more. US Coast Guard - District 9 A fascinating website about the 1,800 active-duty member, 67 civilians, 600 reservists, and 4,500 auxiliary organization serving all of the Great Lakes. Links to weather, operations and some archived information. Plan on spending some time here - there's lots to learn! Great Lakes Lighthouse Postage Stamps A site dedicated to the series of 5 postage stamps featuring Great Lakes lights circulated in 1990. Great Lakes Maritime Weather Forecasts A single-stop resource for identifying maritime weather conditions throughout the Great Lakes. Great Lakes Lights The comprehensive Great Lakes portion of William Britton's site dedicated to the lights of the USA and Ireland. Great Lakes Shipwrecks A great resource for information about the shipwrecks of the Great Lakes, with links to shipwreck art, databases and numerous other sites with like information. While largely catering to divers, there is a wealth of fascinating information on this site for the non-diver also. Great Lakes Web Ring A webring of sites with Great Lakes oriented content. Jump onboard and sun the ring! Lake Michigan Federation The Lake Michigan Federation is made up of volunteers and professionals working to restore Lake Michigan, the waters that feed into it, and its shoreline. Since 1970, the Federation has empowered people with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote positive change in their communities. It is the only organization dedicated to the protection of the largest lake within the United States. Dan's Lighthouse Photo's - Great Lakes page a former member of the US Coast Guard, Dan is very familiar with the importance of lighthouses & other forms of navigational aids, and as a collector, is fascinated with their majestic beauty. Dedicated to photographing as many of the lights as possible, he plans his vacations so that he can visit lighthouses that he has not seen in person

Museums and Historical Societies
	The Michigan Maritime Museum Conceived during the national Bicentennial celebration to commemorate the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes State, the museum has since developed to become one of this region's most enterprising institutions of maritime research, preservation and education The National Maritime Initiative The National Maritime Initiative is the office within the National Park Service (NPS) which specializes in preserving America's maritime heritage. Through cooperative efforts within the NPS as well as with many other Federal agencies and public and private organizations, the Initiative provides leadership, assistance and expertise in the fields of maritime history, archeology, and preservation. National Maritime Initiative activities focus on the fundamental tasks of survey, evaluation, and preservation of historic maritime resources as well as promotion of maritime history and education. US Life Saving Heritage Association The Association's goal goal is to preserve the stations, history, boats, and equipment of the US Life-Saving Service and U.S. Coast Guard. Members will receive an information-packed quarterly magazine, "Wreck & Rescue." They will also receive a quarterly newsletter, "Life Lines," between issues of the quarterly journal. Through this information flow, readers of these publications can keep abreast of preservation developments concerning a number of ‘at risk’ station sites. Major articles are published that educate the membership about the heroic events of yesteryear’s Keepers and Surfmen, as well as today’s U. S. Coast Guard. The Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association A non-profit organization, its purpose is to facilitate the accumulation and exchange of information about the histories of the lighthouses and their keepers so that life at these stations may be accurately interpreted, their history preserved, and a new generation of preservationists developed. Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy A virtual museum featuring the tools used in keeping the lights. The Great Lakes Historical Society Founded in 1944 to record, preserve and interpret the maritime history of the Great Lakes. It is the oldest and largest organization exclusively devoted to telling the story of the "Inland Seas" of North America. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum Dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying and interpreting the material culture of the Great Lakes with primary emphasis on maritime history as it relates to the U.S. Lifesaving Service, U.S. Lighthouse Service, U.S. Coast Guard, ships and travelers who fell victim to the perils of maritime transport Association for Great Lakes Maritime History An international organization of museums, historical societies, libraries, archives, and individuals interested in preserving Great Lakes maritime history. The AGLMH holds an annual meeting, publishes a newsletter, and encourages research and the dissemination and exchange of information among members. Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum This museum, located in Sebewaing Michigan, dedicates itself to honoring the men and women who served the shipping industry. Clarke Historical Library Lighthouse-related information A listing of lighthouse-related material held in the Clarke Library at Central Michigan University. Michigan City Historical Society Old Lighthouse Museum What's on display at the museum, contact information, and museum hours.

Art, Antiques and Collectibles

Michigan Lighthouses - An aerial photographic perspective
John Wagner's website features photographs from his groundbreaking book of aerial Great Lakes lighthouse photography. Prints of images from the book can also be purchased online.

Kenrick A. Claflin & Son Nautical Antiques
Jim Claflin has literally thousands of items and pieces of information, from vintage photographs to architectural plans, reports, books and original apparatus and equipment. In addition, he provides research services on the subject, and can offer quality copies of some items (ex. architectural plans) for use by contractors of historical groups to aid in preservation efforts. His catalogue comes out every 10 weeks and contains 200-300 original artifacts, plans, books and information. Catalogues are by subscription, which is refundable with your first order.

NauticalSupplyShop.com
Authentic and decorative nautical gifts and home decor accents and fixtures for your favorite old salty dog or pretty young mermaid.

Gary Martin Photography
Gary's photography has fascinated me since we began corresponding a number of years ago. He specializes in photographing during inclement weather and in low light with very long exposures. His wonderful new website is definitely worth a look for both lighthouse and photography lovers.

Northern Images Photography
Dennis O'Hara's wonderful site features his photography from around Lake Superior. Download free screen savers in formats for all screen resolutions.

Bev's Studio
Bev Schreiber creates wonderful pen and watercolor illustrations of lighthouses. She has that unique ability to interpret real personality into her illustrations - Both hers and the lighthouse's. You can purchase her beautiful work in various forms direct from her website.

Pelican Bay Lighthouse Company.
Pelican Bay's goal is to promote our heritage and preservation of America's beacons of the night, through education and through collectible materials. They offer the lighthouse enthusiast a wide variety of lighthouse memorabilia, including prints, artwork, tapestries, afghans, and home decorating items.

DLC Lighthouse photography
Darryl L Chapman has been photographing Michigan Lighthouses for almost 10 years and has taken literally thousands of photos of the lighthouses that dot the Michigan shorelines. He offers some beautiful enlargements for sale on this website. Darryl has also contributed some of his work to this website.

Harbour Lights
THE place to visit for those interested in Harbor Lights collectible lighthouse miniatures. As well as including information about the miniatures, the site features chat rooms and serves as a starting point for those seeking information on lighthouses with its exhaustive collection of links to lighthouse sites around the internet.

Compass Rose Nautical Gifts
Compass Rose Nautical Gifts offers full collections of Century Lights' Stained Glass Landmark Lighthouse Collectibles.

Marvin Arial Photography
Using a small plane, a medium format camera and a variety of lenses, Lynn E. Marvin travels
the Great Lakes shooting events and picturesque landmarks, especially lighthouses. The website features examples of his photography, all of which can be purchased online.

Calendar Castle.com
Calendar Castle offers a beautiful 18 month calendar featuring twelve Great Lakes lighthouses.

Great Lakes Lighthouse Photo Gallery
John & Ann Mahan's website featuring their superb Great Lakes photography. All images shown on the website can be purchased online.

Someone Special
Featuring Cheryl Spencer Collin Lighthouse miniature collectibles of the lights of the Great Lakes.

Bayside Treasures
Featuring the Nautical Art of Leo Kuschel. Leo's paintings can be purchased online.

Nautical Works
Fine Nautical gifts from this world-class retail store located in Traverse City. They always have the finest in nautical gifts, furniture and collectibles.

The Fisherman's Widow
All types of nautical gifts related to the Lakes and beyond. This online store has great depth, and if you are a nautical buff, you are sure to find something here that will pique your interest!

Covered Crossing Stitchery
Counted cross stitch patterns featuring lighthouses and covered bridges.

Aerial photography by Photography Plus
Aerial Plus specializes in contract aerial photography. Their site features wonderful photographs of all the Great Lakes Lights from unusual perspectives.

Randall Peterson Designs
Peterson draws using the technique known as pointillism or stippling. The pointillism technique is the grouping of dots grouped together to form an image. The closer the dots are together, the darker the tones. The farther apart the dots are, the lighter the tones. Numerous examples of his work are shown on this website, and prints can be ordered online.

The Ancient Mariner - Maritime gifts
Featuring all manner of maritime gifts, this page features Lefton illuminated miniature collectibles of some of the lights of the Great Lakes.

Guiding Lights
Starving Artist Studio offers handcrafted authentic reproductions of all the lighthouses of the world, complete with an operating light. Each lighthouse is handmade by master wood crafters using the finest hardwoods available. Large and small freestanding models and rustic wall plaques are available.

Indiana
	Indiana Department of Natural Resources The mission of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is to protect, enhance, preserve, and wisely use natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, authorized by Congress in 1966, is located approximately 50 miles southeast of Chicago, Illinois in the counties of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte in Northwest Indiana. The national lakeshore runs for nearly 25 miles along southern Lake Michigan, bordered by Michigan City, Indiana on the east, and Gary on the west. Michigan City Life Various links relative to the Michigan City area. Michigan City Historical Society Old Lighthouse Museum What's on display at the museum, contact information, and museum hours. Michigan City Activities Things to see and do in the Michigan City area.

Illinois
	Chicago Harbor Light National Maritime Initiative page featuring information about this most visible lighthouse in Illinois. Grosse Point Light National Maritime Initiative page featuring information about Illinois only shore-based lighthouse..

Wisconsin
	Wisconsin Marine Historical Society For over 35 years, the Society has been a premier maritime organization, devoted to discovering, collecting, recording and preserving materials related to Great Lakes maritime history. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Comprehensive information about the 21 forested islands and 12 miles of mainland Lake Superior shoreline feature pristine stretches of sand beach, spectacular sea caves, remnant old-growth forests, resident bald eagles and black bears, and the largest collection of lighthouses anywhere in the National Park System. The lakeshore covers 69,372 acres, of which 42,140 are above the waterline. Kenosha Wisconsin Things to do and see in the Kenosha area. Wisconsin Lighthouses and Lighthouse Tours A comprehensive listing of all of Wisconsin's lighthouses, with historical and location information. Links to websites with further information.


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