Even after the establishment of the Sand Beach Harbor of Refuge Light in 1875, 30 miles (48 km) of coast line still remained completely unlit.

The Port Sanilac Light's foundation consists of dressed stone and timber.

[15] The placement and the unique shape were dictated by and created because of budgetary constraints (Congress appropriated only half the money requested).

[6] This "handsome" lighthouse shares its design with only one other, Ile Aux Galets, also known as Skilligallee Island Light, on Lake Michigan.

[16] The Port Sanilac Light tower is capped with a cast iron lantern room,[12] which still houses a fourth order Fresnel lens[14] manufactured by Barbier and Fenestre of Paris.

[12] This is one of only 70 such Fresnel lenses that are still operational in the United States, sixteen of which are use on the Great Lakes of which eight are in Michigan.

From M-25 in Port Sanilac, Michigan, turn east onto Cherry Street, taking it to the Lake Huron shore.