Range Light

One pleasant stop here at Presque Isle is the township's Range Light Park, on East Grand Lake Road between Hwy. 638 and the Harbor.  As a member of the Planning Commission, Attila has been heavily involved in the park's re-development over the past couple years.  The swimming beach has been in regular use for many years, but parking was limited, the pathway to the beach was overgrown, and there were no toilet facilities.  All these deficits are now being corrected.

To be precise, a range light is a navigational aid consisting of two lights placed at a distance from each other, with one being at a higher elevation.  When these two lights are aligned, one above the other, a boat's captain will know he/she is on the correct bearing (in this case) to safely enter Presque Isle Harbor.  If the lights are not aligned, the boat could end up on the rocks!  The lower front light is on the beach, while the higher rear light is on a metal tower several hundred feet behind.  For many years the Presque Isle Range Light was an essential aid for those plying Lake Huron.

Parking is across the street from the park.

The original front light, replaced by a light on a metal frame,
now sits beside the road and is used for storage.

The historical marker — click on the image and
then enlarge for ease of reading.

The wife of a former light keeper is buried
on the site — a cemetery with one resident!

The beach is small, with private homes on either side.  However, it's sandy, gently sloping (good for kids), and offers a wonderful view of the Harbor and the Old Lighthouse.  There's also a fire ring, picnic tables, and a couple grills — all the essentials for an afternoon of swimming and food.

From the swimming beach you can see Crystal Point
to the south...

...and the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse on the point
to the north.

A Porta-Hubert makes using the park much more pleasant.

The Oil House is where oil was stored in the days before
the lights were electrified.

This week the beach is well clothed in wildflowers,
including this lily.

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