North Point Lighthouse MuseumMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN
The North Point Lighthouse in Milwaukee, WI was originally established in 1855. It had a 28 foot tower built on the buff which made the elevation of the beacon at 107 feet. At that time, it was the highest on the Great Lakes. In 1868, the original lens had to be replaced along with the rebuilding of the lantern room. Then in the 1870’s, shore erosion caused 16 feet of the front yard of the lighthouse to break loose. At that point, the government made the decision it was time to build a new lighthouse 100 feet inland. With that, congress approved $15,000 to build the present lighthouse in 1886. |
The new cast iron tower was completed and the beacon was lit by January 10, 1888. Lake Park was the next step of design in 1893. It was two acres of land divided into two sections. After some time, 1900 to be exact, trees that had been planted along Lake Park began to block the light from the mariners on Lake Michigan. The city lights also began blocking the light not long after that. In 1907, Congress stopped the funding of the lighthouse due to the growth of trees and lights from the city, both of which obscured the light.
In 1909, U.S. Lighthouse Board regained federal control of the light station and was authorized $10,000 to double the tower’s height. In 1912, the new steel structure was added placing the beacon at 74 feet from the ground. In 1980, the lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Lighthouses. Then by 1994, lighthouses were no longer necessary due to modern navigation so the North Point Lighthouse was taken out of service.
The lighthouse is currently being taken care of by the North Point Lighthouse Friends, Inc which is a 501c3 not for profit organization which was incorporated in 2002.
In 1909, U.S. Lighthouse Board regained federal control of the light station and was authorized $10,000 to double the tower’s height. In 1912, the new steel structure was added placing the beacon at 74 feet from the ground. In 1980, the lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Lighthouses. Then by 1994, lighthouses were no longer necessary due to modern navigation so the North Point Lighthouse was taken out of service.
The lighthouse is currently being taken care of by the North Point Lighthouse Friends, Inc which is a 501c3 not for profit organization which was incorporated in 2002.
- OPEN TO THE PUBLIC -
- Saturdays & Sundays | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Throughout the year -
- Please check website for more details -
- Saturdays & Sundays | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Throughout the year -
- Please check website for more details -
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Learn more about the North Point Lighthouse by visiting their website.
Address: 2650 N. Wahl Avenue in Lake Park, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Phone: 414.332.6754
Address: 2650 N. Wahl Avenue in Lake Park, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Phone: 414.332.6754
Updated 09/23/20- LLS
