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Photo from Detroit Public Library Burton Historical Collection
ABOUT THE PARK

Palmer Park Lighthouse

Palmer Park's charming Lighthouse sits in Lake Frances within view of the historic Log Cabin. According to the Detroit Historical Society, sometime prior to 1900, the small lighthouse was constructed at the lake, and rowing boats were once even rented to park visitors.

In 1908, Souvenir of Palmer Park by McElroy gives the following description of the lighthouse...

In front of the Log Cabin, on one of five small islands in Lake Frances, is a light-house built on a stone foundation, which gives it an air of solidity and usefulness.
It was formerly lighted with an oil lamp and showed a beautiful red, white and blue flash light. The lamp is now out of use, but the park commissioner contemplates putting in an electric lamp. When this is done the light-house will be a unique ornament to the park.

People for Palmer Park is excited to announce the much anticipated restoration of this beloved landmark. Complimenting this restoration will also be the revitalization of Lake Frances in the coming months.

UPDATE 3/30/2021
Detroit City Council announced that a resolution to accept a donation from
People For Palmer Park for Lighthouse Renovations at Palmer Park has been approved. 
The funding will be utilized to: 
  • Remove existing scrub vegetation at the lighthouse and replace it with new landscaping
  • Repairs to the foundation, shingles, catwalk, lantern room windows and roof
  • A working light will be installed, complimenting the new exterior lighting of the log cabin
  • Restoration will begin in Spring 2021
  • Funding for the Lighthouse restoration has been made possible by a generous donation to People for Palmer Park

Here is a sneak peak of the interior of the Lighthouse from our
​Preservation & Beautification Committee taken in June 2018:
Many more historic photos of the Lighthouse at Palmer Park can be viewed here: 
Detroit Public Library's Digital Collections.