Lighthouse Explorations: Huron Lightship

location-Port Huron, MI

built-1920

active beacon-no

stamp- yes

players-Jen, Lincoln, Spencer, Jackson and Grandpa

"Lightships were like floating lighthouses anchored in areas where it was too deep, expensive or impractical to construct a lighthouse. Lightships displayed a light at the top of a mast and in areas of fog also sounded a fog signal and radio beacon. The fog signals used over the years consisted of bells, whistles, trumpets, sirens, and horns. Fog horns were powered by steam in the early days and later by air compressors. The Huron Lightship sounded her fog horn signal in a 3 second blast every 30 seconds and was known locally as "Old B.O." because of the familiar sound her horn made." This is a direct quote from the Huron Lightship web page. Check out their page for more details.

Thomas Alva Edison memorial boulder

This was actually our first stop of the day, but when we arrived there was a school field trip in progress. So, we then changed plans and went to the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and the Thomas Edison Depot Museum. It was perfect. By the time we returned, we were the only ones on board and got a personal tour.

passing frieghter

The Huron Lightship was officially retired in 1970, after 50 hard working years. She was the last of the lightships at that time. In 1990, she became a National Historic Landmark. She is the only Great Lakes lightship to have that honor. She is now permanently moored in the sand on the banks of the St. Clair River. It's a fun visit with kids. My kids love lighthouses and boats, so to have a combo was pretty cool!

kitchen

getting our passports stamped

After getting our passports signed, our private tour began. It was really detailed. He explained what all of the artifacts were, how the ship worked, the duties of the sailors and more. He was great with the kids. They got to ask questions, see things up close and even ring the bell.