Charlevoix South Pierhead Light and Pier
On the east side of Michigan Beach Park lies the Round Lake Channel and the Charlevoix South Pierhead. At the end of the pierhead is the Charlevoix South Pierhead Light, a structure that contains elements from the original 1884 light that was on the north pier. In the 1940s, it was decided that the light would be moved to its current location on the south pier, but a new structure was built. Only the lens and lantern made their way across the channel, the rest of the steel structure being built and placed in 1948. The light has remained in that place since, although it has been painted red, and the pier itself was rebuilt as a steel and concrete construction, replacing the old wood and concrete one. The walk along the pier is quite nice, offering views of the channel and the opulent homes that are built onto its banks. In the distance lies the Island Lake Outlet Bridge, a drawbridge that allows US-31 traffic to cross the channel and taller watercraft, namely the ferry to Beaver Island, to pass underneath. I enjoyed walking out to the lighthouse, watching the drawbridge go up, and the view of the bay. No trip to Charlevoix is complete without a meander out to the end of the pier!
