Questions and Answers
Quick answers about the Portage River Lighthouse, also called the Jacobsville Lighthouse. Each section links to the page with the full story.
Visiting
Can I visit the Portage River Lighthouse?
You can view and photograph it free of charge from the gravel area in front of the fence. The grounds and tower are a private home and are closed except on scheduled open house days. None are scheduled for 2026 or 2027.
Where do I park?
Park diagonally in front of the fence. Please stay off the grass and keep clear of the gate, the mailbox and other cars.
Can I fly a drone?
Not over the property without our permission in advance. It is a private home with children.
What is the best way to see it?
From the water. Keweenaw Boat Tours is our official partner.
Is it a bed and breakfast?
No. The Jacobsville Lighthouse Inn operated here from 2004 to 2019 and is closed. There is no lodging at the lighthouse.
How do I get the passport stamp?
Order it online for a $5 suggested donation, and we mail it within 30 days. You can also get it in person at the gift shop trailer when it is open.
Full story: Visit the Lighthouse
Names
Is the Jacobsville Lighthouse the same as the Portage River Lighthouse?
Yes. They are the same building. Portage River Lighthouse is the official name, and Jacobsville is the village it stands in.
Is it the same as the Keweenaw Waterway Lower Entrance Light?
No. That is the newer breakwater light nearby, which replaced this one in 1920.
Full story: One Light, Several Names
History
When was it built?
The light was established in 1856. The current 51-foot tower, built of sandstone blocks with a lime coating, and the brick keeper's dwelling date to 1869 to 1870.
When did it stop working?
The light was retired on August 1, 1920, when the breakwater light took over.
Who kept the light?
Nine head keepers between 1856 and 1920, from Michael W. Lyons to Franklin W. Witz.
Full story: Lighthouse History
The lens
What lens did it have?
A fifth-order Fresnel lens made by Henry-Lepaute of Paris.
Where is the lens now?
Nobody knows. It was removed after 1920 and we are searching for it. If you have a lead, write to Keeper@PortageRiverLighthouse.com.
Full story: The Lost Lens
Owners and restoration
Who owns the lighthouse?
Susan and Chris Harbourt, since 2022. It is their home.
What is being restored?
New roofs and utilities came first. Then the tower and the Keeper's Cottage in phases, one summer at a time. Next is the lantern room in summer 2027.
Are donations tax-deductible?
No. We are a private family restoration, not a nonprofit.
How do I get updates?
Join the monthly newsletter.
Full story: About the Keepers
Contact
How do I reach the owners?
Email Keeper@PortageRiverLighthouse.com.
Last reviewed: November 2026
Quick facts
Official name: Portage River Lighthouse
Also called: Jacobsville Lighthouse
Established: 1856
Current tower: 1869 to 1870, 51 feet
Light retired: August 1, 1920
Owners: Susan and Chris Harbourt, since 2022
Viewing: Free, from the gravel area in front of the fence
Contact: Keeper@PortageRiverLighthouse.com
“Portage River or Jacobsville? Same lighthouse.”
Portage River Lighthouse is the official name; Jacobsville is the village it stands in
Keep Reading
Follow the Restoration
One email a month from the Keeper's Log: what we fixed, what we found, and how the search for the lens is going. Join the newsletter.