Wawatam Lighthouse In Michigan Is Unique Piece Of Modern History

Whether you’re a decades-long Michigander or a recent transplant, there’s always something new and fascinating to uncover about our state. After all, the Great Lakes State boasts a unique and storied past full of both long-ago happenings and modern developments. One lighthouse here in Michigan might have managed to fly under your radar over the years, but we think it’s well worth learning about.

Wawatam Lighthouse sits along the harbor of St. Ignace in the Straits of Mackinac.

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While it might have the appearance of a generations-old structure, the lighthouse itself only dates back to 1998. Its journey, though, is unique enough to render it a modern Michigan icon.

Google Reviews/Katie Laskowska

In its earliest years, the lighthouse served as a fixture at the Michigan Welcome Center in Monroe. It remained there until 2004, at which point ownership was shifted to St. Ignace.

TripAdvisor/GermanGirl

For the long journey northward, the lighthouse was split into five pieces and transferred by truck to its new town. Following the installation of a new platform, it headed to the harbor in 2006.

Google Reviews/Brian Kennedy

Today, Wawatam Lighthouse pays homage to its namesake, a coal-fired train ferry known as SS Chief Wawatam that docked at the port of St. Ignace from 1911 until the mid-1980s.

Google Reviews/Brian Delhaye

The lighthouse is fully functional, giving off its very first light in August of 2006. Its beacon is now visible for 13 miles into Lake Huron, making it an important part of waterfront operations.

TripAdvisor/EricaDH

If that weren’t enough, Wawatam Lighthouse has become known over the years as a signal point for snowmobilers traversing the frozen lakefront. Does it get much more unique?

Flickr/Charles Dawley

The next time you’re searching for a piece of modern history to explore, venture to St. Ignace to pay your respects to this Michigan icon in the making. You’ll be glad you stopped by.

Google Reviews/Faheemuddin Muhammad

Do you remember spotting Wawatam Lighthouse before it made the move from Monroe to St. Ignace? Have you ever visited it at its current home? Share your experiences in the Facebook comments or recommend another interesting MIchigan destination by filling out our nomination form here.