Point Aux Barques Light was built in 1848 at the tip of the "thumb" of Michigan. Due to the increasing commercial traffic in Saginaw Bay, Tawas Point Light was built at the north end, and Pointe Aux Barques at the south end of the bay. The name means "point of the boats". The property also included a life saving station, which was moved a few miles west to Huron City, that is now part of a museum complex.
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The original stone light proved inadequate and had to be rebuilt in 1857 with today's light. The brick tower is 89 feet high, and originally housed a 3rd order Fresnel lens imported from France. The active light now utilizes a one million candle power automated beacon, which shines 18 miles out into Lake Huron. The keeper's quarters has become a museum, but the tower is off limits to the public.
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