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Previously Awarded Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Grants (2000-present)
Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP) Grants Impact
Since the MLAP was established in 2000, the SHPO has awarded matching grants annually to promote the preservation of these historic maritime icons. Grant funds are made available from the revenue generated by the sales of the Save Our Lights fundraising license plate. This map shows a complete list of all program grant recipients.
In 2025, the State Historic Preservation Office awarded $106,466 to assist two organizations in preserving Michigan's historic lighthouses.
Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse, Charlevoix Historical Society ($60,000, match: $80,500)
Hire a contractor to support ongoing preservation efforts by cleaning and painting portions of the exterior and interior of the 1948-built South Pier Light, which is one of the most-photographed and visited landmarks in this Lake Michigan town.
Gull Rock Lighthouse, Gull Rock Lightkeepers ($46,666.67, match: $23,233.33)
Hire a contractor to to clean and re-stain the cedar roof of the 1867 Gull Rock Lighthouse, which is undergoing restoration and maintained as an active aid to navigation. Funding will also be used to clean and repaint eaves and the exterior of the lantern room, deck, and railing, as well as install historically compatible doors at exterior entries. Located on its own small island east of the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, Gull Rock is one of the most remote lighthouses on the Great Lakes. The lighthouse was among the earliest to be automated in 1913 and it was never equipped with electricity, indoor plumbing, or phone service.
Read the press release for more detail about these 2025 MLAP awards.
In 2024, the State Historic Preservation Office awarded $60,000 to assist one organization in preserving an historic Michigan lighthouse.
Grand Haven Inner Pier Light, City of Grand Haven ($60,000, match: $60,000)
Hire a contractor to rehabilitate the Inner Light, including repairing and repainting exterior and interior wall surfaces, fabricating and install missing hatches, restoring the lantern door and lantern room interior elements, and refinishing stairs, handrails, and guardrails, all of which will help the City meet needs identified in a 2015 historic structure report completed by the Grand Haven Lighthouse Conservancy in partnership with the City.
Read the press release for more detail about this 2024 MLAP award.
In 2023, the State Historic Preservation Office awarded $106,000 to assist two organizations in preserving Michigan's historic lighthouses.
Rock of Ages Lighthouse, Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society ($46,000, match: $23,000)
Hire a contractor to rehabilitate the 132-foot-tall lighthouse by cleaning and painting the tower exterior. Situated on a tiny island of rock two miles off the coast of Isle Royale, Rock of Ages Lighthouse was last painted in 1985. This project will prevent future water intrusion and allow interior restoration efforts to continue.
Eagle Harbor Light Station, Keweenaw County Historical Society ($60,000, match: $39,000)
Hire a contractor to rehabilitate the lighthouse tower. Proposed work will include replacement of deteriorated brick and selective repointing of the tower, repairing damaged plaster on the tower interior, roof and wall water diversion, and deck and lantern room repair.
Read the press release for more detail about these 2023 MLAP awards.
In 2022, the State Historic Preservation Office awarded $100,000 to assist two organizations in preserving Michigan's historic lighthouses.
Big Sable Point Light Station, Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association ($40,000, match: $20,000)
Hire a consultant to produce a Historic Structures Report (HSR) for the Big Sable Point Light Station to guide future rehabilitation.
Grand Haven Entrance Lights, City of Grand Haven ($60,000, match: $76,409)
Hire a contractor to rehabilitate the Grand Haven South Pier Entrance and Inner Lights. Proposed work will include the repair of the exterior concrete wall and deck surfaces; restoring the exterior concrete stairs; restoring the concrete curb and installing new metal flashing; and repainting.
Read the press release for more detail about these 2022 MLAP awards.
In 2021, the State Historic Preservation Office awarded $126,667 to assist three organizations in preserving Michigan's historic lighthouses.
Crisp Point Lighthouse, Crisp Point Light Historical Society ($60,000, match: $70,000)
Hire a contractor to make exterior renovations to this remote and secluded lighthouse located on the shore of Lake Superior, including removal of existing paint, replacement of deteriorating mortar, and brick, and applying appropriate coatings to the exterior.
North Manitou Shoal Light, North Manitou Light Keepers, Inc. ($50,000, match: $30,000)
Hire a consultant to rehabilitate the watch deck of this offshore lighthouse in upper Lake Michigan known as “the Crib,” including removing non-historic steel plates, repairing holes and cracks in the deck, making improvements to drainage, sealing, and flashing of seams and joints, and resurfacing the entire watch deck.
Fort Gratiot Light Station, Saint Clair County Parks and Recreation ($16,667, match: $8,333)
Hire a contractor to rehabilitate the watch and lantern rooms of Michigan’s oldest lighthouse, including repairs to the interior and exterior metalwork, painting, caulking, and installing new glass in window openings.
Read the press release for more detail about these 2021 MLAP awards.
