The North Manitou Shoal Light Station (aka The Crib) is an offshore lighthouse in Northern Lake Michigan completed in 1935. It marks a shallow shoal in the Manitou Passage, an important maritime channel. First operated by the United States Lighthouse Service and later the United States Coast Guard who manned it until 1980. The light station was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. The structure stood vacant and uncared for until 2016 when it was purchased at auction by North Manitou Light Keepers, a nonprofit organization, after being deemed surplus by the Federal Government. It remains an active aid to navigation with automated solar powered equipment maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Come learn about the history of The Crib, the restoration project and the community of stewardship for this piece of Michigan maritime history that stands amidst of America's most beautiful locations.
Optional tour add-on! The North Manitou Light Keepers will offer a charter to and tour of The Crib for up to 10 people after the program (weather permitting), from 3-6pm. The cost is $150 per person payable the day of the tour. Please register for the tour by emailing tours@northmanitoulightkeepers.org.