HARBOR & LIGHTHOUSE

Harbor Beach is home to a naturally occurring harbor formation, which was used to advantage by our first settlers for transporting the wood produced by local sawmills, and bringing new settlers to the area.  As lake traffic increased during the 1870's it became clear that an established harbor of refuge was needed on Lake Huron, as a safe refuge for those ships going up the lake and across Saginaw Bay, where they were often subjected to strong currents and heavy seas during bad weather. The construction of a walled harbor at Harbor Beach (then Sand Beach) would provide the necessary shelter to allow for safer shipping on the Great Lakes.

The federal government began construction on the harbor in 1873 and the harbor was completed in 1894. A major engineering feet, the proportions of the breakwall are staggering. Built as three sections, the combined length of the wall is around 8000 feet! Enough of the harbor had been completed by 1880 for it to be used as a refuge for Lake-going ships, and in 1882 a harbor master was appointed and harbor rules were established.

Currently, the Harbor Beach Breakwall & Lighthouse Preservation Society is an organization of volunteers who are actively working to maintain and preserve the lighthouse and breakwall after years of neglect and random attentions.

The Lightouse  

The lighthouse, situated on the north side of the main harbor entrance, was built in 1885. The light sits 54 feet above the harbor and can be seen for up to 20 miles out to sea. The original fresnel lens, made in Paris in 1884, is now on display at the Grice House & Museum in Harbor Beach.

U.S. Coast Guard Station  

In 1881, the first U.S. Life-saving station was commissioned at Harbor Beach, and has continued to operate through the following 120 years to the present day.

Harbor Beach Marina
phone: 989.479.9707

The municipal marina, completed in 1989, is located on the north side of Harbor Beach has slips for 115 vessels up to 60', six launch ramps, complete fuel and pump out services, fish cleaning station, public showers and restrooms.  The marina operates seasonally.

Off-Shore Marina

Located in downtown Harbor Beach, this marina offers 2 launch ramps, 10 transient slips and 75 seasonal slips. Services include fishing supplies, fuel, and restrooms.

Wagener County Park Access

The park is located 5 miles south of Harbor Beach off of M-25 and has one launch ramp, a wooded hiking trail, playground, picnic area, beach and camping.

Charter Boats

There are a number of charter boat services operating in the Harbor Beach area that provide charter fishing services. One of the most reliable sources for finding a fishing charter is the Michigan Charter Boat Association.