Ile
Au Galets
Skillagalee Island Lighthouse
By Dave Wobser
This small island lies west of Waugoshance
Light near the shipping channel approach to the Straits of Mackinac. The island is a
narrow strip of land about 12 miles northwest of Cross Village, Michigan in Lake Michigan.
The island varies in size depending upon Lake Michigan water levels, but only rises a few
feet above water.
The first light was established here in 1851,
followed by a structure erected in 1868. The present, octagonal white 58-foot tower is all
that remains of the third reconstruction of this station from 1888. The octagonal lantern
contains a Fourth Order Fresnel lens exhibiting a light 58 feet above mean water level.
The 1888 keeper's dwelling and fog signal building have been removed, leaving the tower
alone with a massive collection of seagulls.
Ile Au Galets is French for Island of
Pebbles, which is a good description of this low lying island. Only a few small trees and
shrubs grow in the island.
The island and light is only accessible by
small boat. |
Click on images to
enlarge

Photograph by Dave Wobser

2008 image by Bernie Hellstrom

2010 image - Dave Wobser
Location: |
Ile Aux Galets, Michigan |
Date
Built: |
1888 |
Active: |
Yes |
Open to
public: |
Yes, grounds only |
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