Lighthouses have long been key to development and safety around the Great Lakes, guiding ships along nearly 11,000 miles of coastline. From the original 267 lighthouses constructed, more than 200 are still active. According to Lake Superior Magazine Circle Tour, 56 of those lighthouses are still operating on the Big Blue, each rich in history. Rock of Ages Lighthouse, located 22 miles from Minnesota and 4 miles out into western Lake Superior from Windigo Harbor at Isle Royale, ranks one of those legendary lights. Built in 1908—after two ships ran aground on the reef—it was one of Superior's most powerful. At 137 feet tall, the beam could be seen as far as 29 miles out. Since 2008, David Gerth has made it his mission to restore and preserve the Rock of Ages Lighthouse. He not only heads up the Preservation Society, but he's hands-on for the bulk of every summer along with a dedicated team of volunteers to diligently bring this light back to its glory. As Walt Lindala and Frida Waara learn, that job capitalizes "challenging." 

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