East Pierhead Lighthouse, Michigan City, Indiana
Posted by: 
KG1960
N 41° 43.746 W 086° 54.672
16T E 507385 N 4619703
The lighthouse on the end of the east pier in Lake Michigan by Michigan City, Indiana
Waymark Code: WM10BE
Location: Indiana, United States
Date Posted: 12/01/2006
Views: 69
In 1871 a white painted timber light tower was built at the end of the wooden breakwater. In 1886 a storm washed away the light tower, and other storms damaged the wooden breakwater. The breakwater was eventually replaced with stone and concrete, and in 1904 the present lighthouse structure was built. It had a oil vapor lamp with a 5th order Fresnel lens. In 1933 electric was run out to the light house and an electric lamp replaced the oil lamp.
The lighthouse still operates and is maintained by the US Coast Guard. It is automated and unmanned, and the Coast Guard was considering removing the walkway because it was no longer necessary and expensive to maintain. Concerned citizens of Michigan City launched a successful effort to keep the walkway. The Coast Guard donated the walkway to the city in 1991.
The public can walk on the breakwater right up to the lighthouse, but entry into the lighthouse is not allowed. Storms often cause waves large enough to wash over the breakwater, and in winter time wind blown ice accumulates on it. So, walking on the breakwater is recommended only in fair weather.
The closest parking (for the adjacent beach, Washington Park) is a city owned lot with a parking fee, $6 weekends and $3 weekdays in the summer months. Parking coordinates are about 41 43.458, 86 54.276
The small light in the distance in the photo of this lighthouse is the light on the west pierhead. Being on an island, access is more difficult.
Coastal Lighthouse: Lighthouse
Range Lights: Not listed
LIGHTHOUSE CHALLENGE VISIT: Not listed
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