By The Sanilac County Historical Society
Fridays in July & August | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | $10 Admission
PORT SANILAC, MI – The Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum is pleased to announce the return of summer tours of the historic Port Sanilac Lighthouse, located at 81 S. Lake Street in Port Sanilac. Tours will be available from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM every Friday beginning July 3 through August 28, with a $10 admission fee. Proceeds from ticket sales will be split equally between the Port Sanilac Lighthouse Conservancy and the Sanilac County Historical Society. Admission includes a tour up the lighthouse tower and a self-guided tour of the Loop-Harrison Mansion at Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum.
Towering above the Lake Huron shoreline since 1886, the white brick Port Sanilac Lighthouse has guided countless vessels navigating Michigan’s Thumb Coast. Though it remains privately owned, the lighthouse’s stewards have partnered with the Museum to make seasonal public access possible. These Friday afternoon tours offer a rare chance to climb the tower, take in sweeping lake views, and learn about the structure’s critical role in maritime safety and regional history.
Tours will also be offered on two special Saturdays coinciding with Port Sanilac community events — Saturday, July 25 (Port Sanilac Summer Festival) and Saturday, August 15 (Antique Boat Show & Car Show) — both running 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
2026 Friday Tour Dates: July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, August 7, August 14, August 21, August 28 Originally established as a lumberjack outpost named Bark Shanty in the 1840s, Port Sanilac grew into a thriving port town. The need for a lighthouse between Pointe aux Barques and Fort Gratiot became critical as maritime traffic increased following the opening of the Soo Locks in 1853. Congress approved funding in 1885, and construction culminated in the elegant, Italianate-style lighthouse that still stands today.
The lighthouse is typically closed to the public, making these guided summer tours a rare and memorable experience.
Visitors can also collect their U.S. Lighthouse Society Passport Stamp during tour hours. For those unable to attend, stamps can be requested by mail with a donation and self-addressed stamped envelope. To learn more about the lighthouse’s history, visit portsanilaclighthouse.com/history.
The Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum is located at 228 S. Ridge St (M25) in Port Sanilac. For more information visit www.sanilacmuseum.org, email info@sanilacmuseum.org, find us on Facebook at “Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum”, or call 810.622.9946.
