At one time, along with all other lighthouses, it was compulsorily purchased by Trinity House who were concerned that it was not always lit, making navigation around Portland doubly treacherous.
Rebuilt in 1869 it was visited by King George III who, when on one of his frequent trips to Weymouth, requested to see "this new lighthouse at Portland Bill".The Old Higher Lighthouse remained in use until 1906 when the current red and white lighthouse superseded it.

Sold to a private buyer for £400 it has since had around five owners before the current ones. Doctor Marie Stopes (pioneer of birth control) owned the lighthouse from 1923 until 1958 and some of her many visitors included George Bernard Shaw, HG Wells and Thomas Hardy who came to tea with his wife. During World War II Dr Stopes rented it out to naval officers who were visited by friends and family, including Margot Fonteyn (when a mere ballerina) and her mother.

The current owners bought the property in 1981 after it had lain derelict since the mid-1960s. Much love, sweat and tears has transformed the lighthouse into the completely refurbished building you'll find now. What was once the old paraffin store is now a warm, comfortable cottage available for holiday lets. Although separated from the tower by 30ft, access is available so that guests can make the most of the fantastic views along this part of the World Heritage Coast.

The Michigan City Historical Society hopes that you will visit with us at the Old Lighthouse Museum, the oldest remaining lighthouse in Indiana.

The Old Lighthouse Museum is open for public tours from April through October, every day except Monday. The museum is currently open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Central Time. The Old Lighthouse Museum will be open from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Central Time in September and October. Self-guided and audio tours as well as docent-led tours are available. The last tour each day begins at 3:30 PM Central Time. Call the museum at (219) 872-6133 to check on special hours or closings.

* Tour the historic 1858 Michigan City Lighthouse and climb the tower into the lantern room.

* Learn about the three Michigan City Lighthouses.

* See an exhibit about Miss Harriet Colfax, Michigan City Lighthouse Keeper from 1861 until 1904. She was a cousin of Schuyler Colfax, U.S. Grant's Vice President.

* See a collection of beautiful ship models that we now have on loan.

* See a new display of running lights from the ship, Showboat. The Showboat housed a theater in which the play Tobacco Road was performed.

* See exhibits about Lake Michigan shipwrecks, including a collection of picture postcards commemorating the Eastland Disaster, the tragic sinking of a steamship bound for Michigan City's Washington Park from Chicago in 1915.

* Learn about Abraham Lincoln's funeral train and its stop in Michigan City.

* Learn about local maritime history and the ships that have sailed in and out of our harbor.

* Learn a bit about the history of Michigan City, Indiana.

* Visit our gift shop and browse our fine selection of books, postcards, clothing, souvenirs, and Harbour Lights and Spoontiques lighthouse figurines.