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The North Manitou Shaol Lighthouse is situated in Lake Michigan about halfway between the mainland of Michigan and South and North Manitou Islands. It can be seen from a ferry heading over to the islands. The island seen in the background is N. Manitou Island, which is a part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This island features primitive camping for those looking for a sense of adventure and exploration, and if you visit this island via the ferry, you must spend the night. South Manitou Island, on the other hand, is more appropriate for day visits, but camping is also available.

As for the lighthouse: It has been in operation since 1935 and helps guide boats through the narrow Manitou Passage. Up until 1980 when it was automated, a three-man coast guard crew inhabited the lighthouse for two weeks at a time, with a one week trip back to the mainland. The lighthouse is now home to a family of double-crested cormorants which threaten the preservation of the site.

For more information on the history of this lighthouse, see this site: http://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/lighthouses.htm

For more pictures of Sleeping Bear Dunes, see here.