The original and oldest building at the station is the one-and-a-half story lighthouse built of Milwaukee “Cream City” brick in 1867. Lighthouse designs were typically used for multiple stations. South Fox was no exception. She is one of 11 known uses of the “school house” design in lights built in Michigan between 1866 and 1869.

In 1867, this was a lone building on a sandy hill. The landscape was so windblown, in fact, that a fence was built around the lighthouse in 1880. Additional buildings were added; lawns and landscaping eventually stabilized the grounds. The function of the building changed over time, as well. It was replaced by the transplanted skeletal tower in 1934.  It retained relevance as keeper housing throughout the station’s active period.

A short video tour is available here.