Mariners' Memorial Lighthouse — Attraction in River Rouge

History from "Michigan and Great Lakes Lighthouses facebook group. Mariners Memorial Light – River Rouge GPS: 42.271015,-83.111420 In 1953 River Rouge River Park was renamed after Dr. Henri Belanger, who was Ecorse Township’s Health Officer from 1897 to 1920. In 1933 Dr. Belanger was named to the Detroit Medical Hall of Fame as the ideal family doctor One of the nation’s newest lighthouses, this metro Detroit lighthouse was built in 2003, by volunteers as a memorial to sailors who died while working on the Great Lakes. It is the only functioning land-based lighthouse on the “Downriver” stretch of the Detroit River. The hexagonal wooden tower, topped with a weathervane, projects a continuous white light. The Coast Guard recognizes the lighthouse as an aid to river navigation. It has a close connection with the 29 men who were lost in the 1975 wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald as that ill-fated freighter was built and launched in River Rouge. This lighthouse is automated and has no need for a live-in keeper. Its presence is a reminder of those sentinels who were a part of the river’s history and the people who struggled to keep them shining. The light has been certified by the Coast Guard as an Aid...

The Mariners Memorial Lighthouse is a park on the location of the Great Lakes Engineering Works which built more than 300 ships- Including the Edwards Fitzgerald. (Yes from the song-The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot) The park is about 100-ish yards long and seems to be a well-known fishing spot. A good spot to watch ships prowling the Rogue River. It’s got a pretty good view of downtown Detroit and a dramatic view of the new suspension bridge under construction. The park is also home to a small memorial lighthouse. I’ll be honest the place isn’t fancy… But it’s a pretty cool stop. While you’re in the area stop by the old fort and visit the Basilica. Both are...

The road in is rough to say the least! In the winter months when we visited the park looks pretty rough, you’ve been plopped in the middle of an industrial park, but there’s a fantastic river view, a great view of the new bridge being built, a decent playground and the memorial lighthouse. There was a booth for entry fee but was not manned when we were there. Boat launch and...