Holland Harbor
In 1971, Holland Harbor Lighthouse was declared “surplus” since
the Coast Guard could not justify the expense of repair and maintenance of
a structure that no longer housed an electrically-operated light and fog horn.
Private citizens started a campaign to save the lighthouse. In 1974, the Holland
Harbor Lighthouse Historical Commission was organized to coordinate the effort.
In 1978, the Coast Guard transferred ownership to the commission and, with
it, the responsibility for the preservation of the lighthouse. Repairs and
maintenance of the lighthouse are paid for out of endowment funds raised by
the commission. A new $6,000 light that can be seen for 20 miles has been installed.
The use of a fog signal has been discontinued and the original Fresnel lens
is on display in the Holland Museum. Over the years, “Big Red,” has
taken on a life of its own, popular with painters, photographers, beach-goers
and boaters. There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting in the shade
of a tree, watching the river empty into Lake Michigan while the red sentinel
stands guard on the opposite shore.
Lighthouse Facts
Holland Harbor
Big Sable
South Fox Island
Point Betsie
Port Austin Reef
Gull Rock
