Historic lighthouse and maritime museum perched on Lake Michigan, offering panoramic views, a restored light tower, and insight into Milwaukee’s Great Lakes navigation history.
General Information
Hours:
Seasonal hours, generally open late spring through fall
Closed during winter months except for special events
Fees:
General admission fee required
Discounts available for seniors, children, and members
Pet Policy:
Pets not permitted inside buildings; leashed pets allowed on grounds
Seasons:
Seasonal (typically May–October)
Location:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6wt4Z9P5ZJ4Qk3bZ8
2650 N Wahl Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Website:
https://northpointlighthouse.org/
How to Get There
From downtown Milwaukee: Travel north along Lincoln Memorial Drive toward Lake Park. Turn east near the park’s upper grounds and follow signs to North Point Lighthouse. Limited parking is available nearby, with additional access via walking and biking paths through Lake Park.
Overview
The North Point Lighthouse is one of Milwaukee’s most treasured historic sites, standing high above Lake Michigan on the city’s Upper East Side. First lit in 1888, the lighthouse once guided ships safely into Milwaukee Harbor as commerce and industrial shipping expanded along the Great Lakes. Its strategic location allowed keepers to warn vessels of shoreline hazards and shifting weather conditions long before modern navigation systems existed.
The cream‑colored tower rises more than 70 feet and is attached to a beautifully preserved Queen Anne–style keeper’s residence. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the lantern room, where sweeping views of Lake Michigan, Lake Park, and the Milwaukee skyline reward the ascent. The grounds also include former residences and outbuildings that highlight the daily lives of lighthouse keepers and their families.
Today, North Point Lighthouse operates as a museum dedicated to Great Lakes maritime history. Exhibits explore early navigation technology, lighthouse engineering, shipwrecks, and the evolving role of the Coast Guard. Special programs, guided tours, and community events further connect visitors to the vital role lighthouses played in supporting trade, safety, and regional growth. Both serene and commanding, North Point Lighthouse remains a visible reminder of Milwaukee’s deep connection to Lake Michigan and its nautical past.
Spiral stairs inside North Point Light Station, MilwaukeeKenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size AdjustedNorth Point Lighthouse Museum in Lake Park, MilwaukeeDiscoA340, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
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