Celebrating National Lighthouse Day!

Lighting the Way: Celebrating National Lighthouse Day

Ahoy, fellow lighthouse lovers! Today is a day close to my heart and the hearts of all who cherish the beacons that have stood sentinel along our coastlines for centuries. That’s right, it’s National Lighthouse Day!

As Portage River Lighthouse's proud owner and caretaker in Jacobsville, Michigan, I’m thrilled to share this special day with you. Whether you’ve been drawn to the mysteries of these towering structures for years or just discovered their charm, there’s something about lighthouses that resonates deeply with us all.

A Beacon of History

Let’s start with a bit of history. National Lighthouse Day is celebrated every year on August 7th. The date was chosen to commemorate Congress's signing of the Lighthouse Act on August 7, 1789. This act established the federal government's responsibility for building and maintaining lighthouses, a crucial step in ensuring safe navigation for mariners along our treacherous coastlines. Since then, lighthouses have become iconic safety, guidance, and resilience symbols.

Why We Celebrate

National Lighthouse Day is more than just a celebration of these structures; it’s a celebration of the people who have dedicated their lives to keeping our coasts safe. It’s a day to remember the bravery of the old lighthouse keepers, who weathered storms and isolation to ensure the light never went out.

It’s also a day to appreciate the engineering marvels that lighthouses represent. Each one is unique, designed to meet the specific challenges of its location, whether perched on a rocky cliff or standing tall in the middle of a windswept island. They are monuments to human ingenuity and perseverance.

How to Join the Celebration

There are two official ways to enjoy the Portage River Lighthouse as a guest...1 if by land and two if by sea:

1. By Land: Guests are invited to drive down our lane, park on our private rocked cul-de-sac, and enjoy the property from the designated rocked area we established along the fence. For your safety, we request that you not explore beyond the designated area we have officially rocked along the fence; otherwise, you will be trespassing or entering a construction zone.

2. By Sea: The best way to view the lighthouse is from the water. Unfortunately, it is not accessible on foot because of the Jacobsville Sandstone cliffs, but the views from a boat are fantastic. Keweenaw Boat Tours is our official partner for lakeside viewing. Captain Jason is a retired Coast Guard boat operator and will prioritize safety and your comfort above all.
   

A family day out on the Keweenaw Bay with the Jacobsville Lighthouse Tour operated by Keweenaw Boat Tours. Photo by Captain Jason Swain

Whether you’re visiting a local lighthouse today, reading up on their fascinating history, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the light they cast into the darkness, I hope you feel the same sense of wonder and admiration that I do every day.

So, here’s to the lighthouses – to their steadfast beams, their rich history, and the dedicated individuals who keep their lights shining bright. Happy National Lighthouse Day, everyone!

Fair winds and following seas,

Shine Bright and Stand Tall!

-Susan and Chris