Lighthouse Assistance Program

Lighthouse Assistance Program is a grant from the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) that funds the rehabilitation and repair of Michigan's historic lighthouses. The Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP) has awarded more than $3 million in matching grants to dozens of lighthouses since its establishment in 2000, supporting preservation projects that boost local tourism and coastal jobs across both peninsulas.

Funded by revenue from the "Save Our Lights" vehicle license plate, the program supports restoration, structural repairs, and Historic Structure Reports. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, government agencies, and individuals serving as lighthouse stewards in Michigan. Projects must involve measurable historic preservation work.

The 2026 grant cycle had applications due November 21, 2025.

Save Our Lights | MiPlace Michigan Economic Development Corporation Thousands of Resources, Ready to help.

Community Revitalization Program Small Business Training Series State Historic Tax Credit Request for Qualifications Community Development Block Grant Grant Administration Manual Historic Preservation Programs and Services Support Michigan's Historic Lighthouses Michigan's historic lighthouses endure everything Mother Nature throws at them, some for almost 200 years!

Each year, the Save Our Lights Historic Lighthouse Campaign supports lighthouse stewards through competitive grant awards for rehabilitation and repair. Contribute today! Anyone can donate to the Historic Lighthouse Campaign to fund lighthouse preservation grants.

For security purposes, enter Validation Code MxL! 2Ap5 to begin the donation process. Thank you for supporting the long term preservation of Michigan's historic lighthouses!

Donate to Support Michigan Lighthouses Love Lighthouses? We do too! Download our free lighthouse swag!

2025 Historic Lighthouses of Michigan Map Midnight on Gull Rock Island Four new postcards for 2025! Michigan's Historic Lighthouses Michigan has over 120 lighthouses along its shores, more than any other state in the country!

From tall and imposing like the Little Sable Lighthouse near Pentwater to diminutive and stout like the Detroit River Light near Lake Erie, each lighthouse has its own look and style while being originally constructed for the same vital purpose: to help safely guide mariners along the potentially trecherous waters of the Great Lakes.

Today, many lighthouses are open the public as living history museums, allowing people to walk the spiral stairs to the lantern, explore living quarters, and breathe in the fresh lake air.

Recognizing the iconic nature of these beacons as many were transferred out of federal ownership, in 2000 the State of Michigan established the Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP) to help lighthouse stewards restore and repair their historic lighthouses. Funded solely by the sale of the unique "Save Our Lights" vehicle license plate , annual MLAP grant awards support lighthouse preservation across the state.

More than $3 million in matching grants has been awarded since the program began, benefitting dozens of lighthouses. These investments boost local tourism and support jobs along coastlines across both peninsulas. Learn more about lighthouses in Michigan at the links below.

When you are ready to visit a real lighthouse, explore the lighthouse guides available at Pure Michigan , Michigan's official travel destination! Since 2000, dozens of lighthouse have benefitted from over $2. 9 Million in MLAP grant awards.

Explore an interactive map of all projects funded by the MLAP grant program. Lighthouse License Plate Order Form Get the plate. Save a light.

Order yours today! 2026 Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP) Announcement Letter The Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program Announcement Letter for 2026. 2026 Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP) Grant Manual The Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program Grant Manual for 2026.

Applications are due November 21, 2025. National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 (NHLPA) The NHLPA recognizes the cultural, recreational, and educational value associated with historic light station properties by allowing them to be transferred at no cost to Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit corporations, educational agencies, and community development organizations.

National Park Service Maritime Heritage Program The Maritime Heritage Program works to advance awareness and understanding of the role of maritime affairs in the history of the United States. Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP) Grants Impact Since the MLAP was established in 2000, the SHPO has awarded matching grants annually to promote the preservation of these historic maritime icons.

Grant funds are made available from the revenue generated by the sales of the Save Our Lights fundraising license plate . This map shows a complete list of all program grant recipients. Historic Structure Reports An Historic Structure Report (HSR) provides documentary, graphic, and physical information about a property's history and existing condition.

The HSR serves as an important guide for changes made to a historic property before and during a project - repair, rehabilitation, or restoration - and can also provide information for maintenance procedures. The creation of an HSR, by a professional who meets or exceeds relevant professional standards, is an encouraged preservation planning project which can be funded by a Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program grant.

Explore a sample HSR here. North Manitou Shoal Light Station Historic Structure Report Preserve Michigan Lighthouses Michigan has more lighthouses than any other U.S. state. Learn how you can help preserve them today!

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