Michigan City Breakwater lighthouse
The Michigan City Breakwater lighthouse is located in the harbor of Michigan City, Indiana. The lighthouse is also known as Michigan City East Pierhead Lighthouse
Built in 1904, the lighthouse has become the most popular symbol of Michigan City, and is the only public operating lighthouse in Indiana. The elevated walkway, known as the “catwalk”, was used by lighthouse keepers for 29 years to access the light tower. In 1933, this light on the east pier was electrified, and in 1939, the U.S. Coast Guard took over the service. The catwalk, no longer in use, was threatened with demolition. Local citizens rallied and succeeded in saving this landmark structure. The pier is a favorite spot for fishing and watching sunsets, and is frequently painted and photographed by local artists.
This is the successor to the Old Michigan City Light, when the lantern, lens and light was moved to the new light at the end of the newly extended pier. This is one of very few lights on the Great Lakes which still has the iron walkway atop the pier.
There has been a lighthouse in Michigan City for 170 years. However, “most people in Indiana don’t realize there is a lighthouse in the state.”
In May 2007, this aid to navigation was deemed excess by the Coast Guard. It was offered at no cost to eligible entities, including federal, state and local agencies, non-profit corporations, educational agencies, or community development organizations under the terms of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act. “According to Mayor Chuck Oberlie, Michigan City filed a letter of interest for the lighthouse and will seek ownership.”
It is one of a dozen past or present lighthouses in Indiana.
The lighthouse tower and the steel catwalk are not open to the public.
The old 1858 lighthouse, near the entrance to the park, is open as a museum every day except Mondays from 1 to 4 p.m.
Where it is:
Lighthouse is located in Michigan City Indiana, in Washington Park on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Directions:
From Interstate 94, take Highway 35 into Michigan City. Where Highway 35 intersects Highway 12, turn left on Highway 12 then right on Pine Street. Pine Street will become Franklin Street after two blocks, which will lead you over a bridge to Lakeshore Drive. Turn right onto Lakeshore Drive and take the first left. Follow this road west to the marina, from where you can walk the pier to the light.
Located at the end of the breakwater forming the harbor in Michigan City. You can walk on the concrete pier all the way to the lighthouse.
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
GPS:
Cost:
there is no cost to visit the pier and lighthouse. During the summer there is a parking fee.
Hours:
Washington Park is a majestic, 99 acre park located along the shores of Lake Michigan. Walk out to the pier or enjoy a picnic in one of our many shelters. Plan to have a wedding in the historic band stand, walk through our historic gardens or along the sand dunes, visit the Washington Park Zoo or spend the day at the beach.
Michigan City Breakwater lighthouse Photo Gallery
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More Photographic Destinations in Indiana
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
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