Penrod/Hiawatha

The first lighthouse constructed at the mouth of the St. Joseph River dates back to 1832. The harbor at the twin cities of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, Michigan was an important port in Southern Lake Michigan for early cargo and passenger ships.
The present lighthouse structures were built in 1907. The two lights work well as range lights for ships approaching the harbor. The inner light is about twenty feet taller than the outer light and houses a fog signal. The steel catwalk enabled keepers to tend the lights during stormy weather when the pier below was awash with waves.
Public parks on both sides of the St. Joseph River allow visitors access to both the North and South Piers.