Grosse Point Lighthouse — Attraction in Evanston Township

⭐ Review of Grosse Point Lighthouse, Evanston, IL ⭐

I usually don’t write negative reviews, but I feel this one is necessary. After spending a beautiful afternoon at the nearby Baháʼí Temple, I decided to extend the day with a visit to Grosse Point Lighthouse. Unfortunately, the experience was disappointing from start to finish.

The lighthouse has very limited hours—only summer weekends, and only three tours per day (2, 3, and 4 pm) with a maximum of 8 people each. That’s just 24 visitors per day. Luckily (or unluckily) we made it in, but at $15 per person the value is simply not there.

The “tour” consists of reading a few small posters, watching a poorly presented video on a tiny TV with weak sound, then immediately being rushed upstairs. No meaningful stops in the watch office or living quarters—no stories, no context. You get maybe 90 seconds at the top before being ushered down again. That’s it.

The grounds outside are pretty, the beach is nice, and I recommend enjoying those instead. But the paid tour felt like a complete rip-off. Save your $15, look at photos online if you want the view, and take a 10-minute stroll through the grounds. That’s more rewarding than the so-called “tour.”

Parking is another headache—on hot days the lot is packed with beachgoers, and there’s no reserved parking for lighthouse visitors. Plan to park on the street.

Overall: thumbs down for the inside tour. Beautiful landmark, but very...

A very nice place to visit. There is a little door round the back that lets you into a basement area that actually existed before the light house. Its a large open space that seemingly defies logic. There are no props or columns to hold the ground above from collapsing. Its as though the space wills itself open. There are a series of small walls, that have long since crumbled, centrally located and it looks as though there was a tribe of people that lived here roughly 2500 years ago. Centrally to this is a well. The well is the only thing that still stands and still has water within. No one can tell you how deep this well is. People have recorded seeing fish in the well but no species they recognise. Divers have been sent in but after one died mysteriously they have stopped sending...

Went to the Grosse Point Lighthouse in Evanston on Tuesday morning and was not disappointed! The area is gorgeous and even in the chilly weather I enjoyed walking around and taking in all the views.

The surrounding area is so pretty and calm. I only saw a few other people, but the space is so big it was as if I were alone. The area is well kept too so make sure you keep it clean when you go.

Parking on site is free and there were more than enough spots available. Walking around the grounds is free as well, but there is a small admission fee to go into the lighthouse. There are tours available, but I didn’t check it out. I recommend...