Sand Hills Lighthouse Inn

One of only 12 Lighthouses in the United States converted to a Bed & Breakfast.

Sand Hills Lighthouse Inn is located 25 miles north of Houghton and Hancock on the north shore of the Keweenaw Peninsula in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Sand Hills Lighthouse Inn is 4 miles west of Eagle River, MI on Lake Superior. (Map).

Sand Hills Lighthouse Inn now welcomes you to a memorable experience. Newly renovated as a bed and breakfast on the magnificent Keweenaw Peninsula, Sand Hills Lighthouse Inn is furnished in Victorian charm, the historic building summoning you with a Fresnel lens and nautical lighthouse artifacts, many antiques, oil paintings and photographs.

This imposing yellow brick structure, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, was the largest and last manned lighthouse built on the great lakes. Capturing a Victorian spirit, the common - room and dining areas will invite you to cozy up by the fireplace with a good book, or linger on the rich leather couches for some old fashioned conversation or piano music. From its ornate crown mouldings to the hand tooled walls and staircase balustrade, no detail for beauty and comfort is spared.

Air conditioning is just one of the many updated luxuries. A trip to the top of the light house tower is certain to be a highlight of your stay at Sand Hills.

Each of the eight lovely rooms features a king or queen-sized bed and private bathroom. Two rooms have whirlpool bathtubs and a balcony overlooking Lake Superior. The romantic King Room features a canopied king-sized bed, a fireplace, and a fabulous view of Lake Superior.

Early morning risers enjoy a spectacular sunrise from the rocky shore, front porch, private balcony, or the tower, while the rich aroma of specially blended coffee and our sumptuous gourmet breakfast lure others who are sleeping in, awaiting the 9:30 serving time.

In the evening, a delicious dessert is served and Mary plays the 106 year old parlor grand piano.

Sand Hills Lighthouse Inn offers a perfect getaway for anyone wanting to unwind and be pampered, and it has become a favorite among honeymooners and anniversary couples. But whatever the reason, you will be sure to treasure the memories of treating yourself to a few days at Sand Hills.

The Sand Hills Lighthouse Inn has been selected by American Historic Inns as one of the ten most romantic inns in America.

Sand Hills Lighthouse Inn was rated in the top 15 Bed and Breakfasts with the Best Gourmet Breakfast by The Bed and Breakfast Journal.

Recreation Room An additional common and recreation room adjacent to the Lighthouse is now available for our guests. This is the building where the crew lived while the Lighthouse was under construction. Here you will find an inviting atmosphere similar to an old English Pub or Inn - the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, a game of cards, or just relaxing.

Enjoy your stay in a totally smoke-free adult atmosphere without the intrusion of television, phones or pets to disturb your tranquility.

Lighthouse Tour A tour of the lighthouse is held at 3 pm during the summer (May-October). The lighthouse grounds are open to visitors from 12 noon to 4 pm. Registered guests only after 4 pm. Winter tours available by appointment.

 The Sand Hills Lighthouse

The shoals located off nearby Eagle River have caused many shipwrecks over the years. The shoreline at the Eagle River Lighthouse filled in with sand and left the lighthouse too far distant to offer adequate warning. The Eagle River Lighthouse was closed in 1908 and there was no light to warn the ships away from Sawtooth Reef, the final destination of many ships.

In 1910, the new 580' ore carrier William C. Moreland, completing her first season, became stranded on the shoals and broke in two. The William C. Moreland was valued at $400,000. This provided the impetus to build a new lighthouse.

In 1917 a temporary light and fog signal were erected at 5 mile point while the present-day structure was being built. All materials for Sand Hills Lighthouse had to be brought to the site by barge; there were no roads. The huge Sand Hills Lighthouse was completed in 1919, with two full stories and a row of windows looking out from a small third level. The Light station was divided into three separate residences, with a square 91' light tower projecting from the middle of the building. The new lighthouse was the twin of the Scotch Cap Lighthouse on Alaska's Unimac Island.

William R. Bennetts was the head keeper from1919-1939, the entire period Sand Hills Lightstation was manned. He used an oil vapor lamp mounted in a 4th order Fresnel bullseye lens which was visible for 18 miles. Bennetts and his two assistant keepers kept the light burning until it was switched to an automatic acetylene gas lamp in 1939. In 1954, Sand Hills Lightstation was taken out of service.

Directions to the Lighthouse: Sand Hills Lighthouse is located 25 miles northeast of Houghton, Michigan, on the Keweenaw Peninsula's north shore. Follow Hwy. 41 to the tiny village of Ahmeek, and turn left at the first street. Immediately upon turning, you'll see signs directing you to Five Mile Point Road, where you will then continue the eight miles to the lighthouse.

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