Built in 1931 and idled since 1971, the 900-plus foot structure of steel and concrete once loaded lake freighters downbound to blast furnaces in Detroit, Cleveland and elsewhere. Since then, it has served the singular purpose of delighting and intriguing tourists and locals alike. That is until Orehenge came along.

“You have about a one-week window,” said Bugsy Sailor, owner of the Upper Peninsula Supply Company of Marquette and unofficial authority on all matters Marquette. “I generally try to avoid the crowd. People are interested …”

In fact a sizable crowd of people gathered at the ore dock early Tuesday morning, when the sun is visible as it rises in the east, peeking through through the bottom of the structure. It’s a phenomenon that takes place typically around Nov. 20 and Jan. 20 each year.

In order for the sun to be perfectly framed, the sun needs to rise at about 119 degrees. Additionally, the weather needs to cooperate, which it did Tuesday.

A small crowd gathers at the Ore Dock in the Lower Harbor in Marquette Tuesday morning, awaiting the arrival of Orehenge. (Photo courtesy of Ron Mattson)

Travel Marquette, a destination and promotional organization for Marquette County, lists Orehenge on its internet homepage, said Anna Solberg, Travel Marquette community engagement manager.

“It takes place twice,” she said. “I just received an inquiry from someone wanting information.”

According to the Travel Marquette site, “Observers can expect the sun to rise from the left corner of the Ore Dock, passing through its center before reaching the top-right corner. The optimal viewing time is around 8:26 a.m. when the sun breaks the horizon and becomes centered within the Ore Dock. To fully appreciate the spectacle, it’s advisable to arrive around 8:00 AM, as some of the most brilliant colors tend to appear before the sun emerges fully.”

Bud Sargent can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 544. His email address is bsargent@miningjournal.net.