RECONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH A SHARED LOVE OF THE ARTS

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Lighthouse Point
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Lighthouse Point

Bagidaabii-neyaashi

Artists: Sherri Loonsfoot-Aldred & Aiyana Aldred

Artwork Interpretive Statement:

Layers of color wash over stone and water, merging the iconic lighthouse with the spirit of a village once here. In the rock face, the faint outline of two figures leaning together suggests that love and connection endure even as the shoreline changes.

Before you is an ancient rock peninsula that is a significant landmark on the Superior coastline. Bagidaabii-neyaashi, a seasonal village first named by the Anishinaabeg as “Snagging Point,” was a prime location for traditional fishing with hook and line. Trolling from canoes or rock faces, they wrapped the line around their wrist and wiggled it to attract fish. These areas were also ideal for bagida’waa, netting fish in the currents. Seine nets were originally hand-crafted from bark-fiber cords, but manufactured twine, often distributed by the U.S. government as part of tribal annuities, has been used for years.

Image Description Begins - A panoramic landscape pencil sketch depicts the rocky point that juts out into Lake Superior. Wigwams are nestled among pine trees and large rocks with canoes and fish drying racks near the shoreline. Out in the water two Anishinaabe fishermen cast a net from a canoe, and another canoe with a set net is further offshore. At the very end of the point a small person casts a line into the water - End of Image Description

Today, fishing is discouraged from the dangerous rock cliffs of Lighthouse Point, but Anishinaabeg and other anglers still make use of the area. If you follow the footpath next to the U.S. Coast Guard facility, you will find yourself out on the breakwall. A popular fishing point for locals in the early morning and evening hours, the long structure provides access to deeper water without the aid of a boat.

Image Description Begins - A panoramic pencil sketch captures the view from the end of the breakwall pier looking back towards land. The large rocks are piled to either side of the smooth concrete path that ends at some buildings on shore representing the U.S. Coast Guard Station. Along the shoreline to the right, the rocky point hosts the Lighthouse and trees. Along the breakwall a fisherman casts a line off the left side and a small fishing boat is anchored off of the right side of the breakwall structure. A fisherman holds a recently caught fish over the side of the boat. - Image description ends

Look out across the water, and you may see boats slowly trolling for salmon and lake trout. With binoculars, you may be able to spot the okandiikan, small flag buoys marking the nets of commercial fishermen that catch adikameg, whitefish. Whitefish is a deliciously mild fish that is often smoked or grilled. Have you experienced the flavor of fresh-caught fish?

The entirety of the peninsula is now a municipal park that connects to the public beaches to the north. Everyone is welcome to explore!

Links to Learn More:

Links to existing content hosted by partners or perhaps other projects on the MQTcompass that are not a blog like a public art listing. Mix of embedded content (video) and simple links

Visit and learn about the Marquette Lighthouse: https://mqtmaritimemuseum.com/marquette-lighthouse

City of Marquette Lighthouse Park & Other recreational areas/services: https://www.marquettemi.gov/departments/community-services/parks-and-recreation/

MI DNR Guide to Fishing Lake Superior: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/-/media/Project/Websites/dnr/Documents/Fisheries/Maps/Roadmap-LakeSuperior-fishing-accessible.pdf

Community Connections:

Submit a Story

Have a memory, story, or reflection inspired by one of the shoreline sites? Share your voice! Stories can be personal, historical, or reflective. Submit writing, images, audio, or video – This is the first phase of a living trail—a storytelling project that weaves together public spaces, community voices, history, and art to deepen our connection to the water, land, and people of Marquette.

Each stop along the trail invites you to slow down, reflect, and explore what makes this place meaningful. Through shared stories and creative contributions, we hope to spark curiosity, appreciation, and a stronger sense of belonging.

Your perspective matters. This is a space where all are welcome to share what’s important to them—about this place, its past, its future, and the community we shape together.

Cultural Trail Partners

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