North Point Lighthouse — Attraction in Milwaukee

The Search for Wisconsin’s Lights

Since my arrival in Wisconsin four days ago, I am looking forward to some new discoveries in a state I vaguely know. One of the key things on my list will be the search for lighthouses along the lakes. Today, my trek took me into Milwaukee County to view the 1888 North Point Lighthouse and climb the 84 steps. At first as I neared my destination, I thought my GPS got it all wrong when I viewed the splendid homes in the area. In the past, most of the lighthouses I found were located near vast wilderness of trees, rocky cliffs or at the end of breakers. Before disappointment could set in, the gleaming white tower and museum appeared from the surrounding trees in the nearby park. It was 11 in the morning and the doors would not open until 1:00. I took the opportunity to get some great photos from different angles and to explore the grounds. Located in an area called Lake Park, you feel as though you may be standing in New York’s Central Park. Fredrick Law Olmsted designed that famous landmark and that of the 1893 Chicago Exposition and was commissioned for the work of Lake Park. Lion Bridges join the north and south sections of the park as the lighthouse remains the beacon that overlooks Lake Michigan. You will learn the history of several lighthouse keepers including Georgia Stebbins, a woman who is reported to have held the position the longest, tending to the light by climbing the stairs an estimated 63,800 times. Overall: You are required to sign a waiver prior to climbing the lighthouse stairs. Don’t miss a short drive down to the lake for a...

A Milwaukee-must! This was definitely the best part of my Milwaukee trip. We went right when they opened and we were welcomed by the staff who seemed so enthused to be there. Tickets are $8 and you can either tour the museum yourself or have a guided tour which is included with your ticket— such a fair price. Our museum guide, Lisa (I'm pretty sure that's her name), was absolutely amazing. She's incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about every aspect of the museum. I honestly didn't know how interested I'd be in light houses and shipwrecks, but her ability to describe everything in such riveting detail completely pulled me in. She needs to write a book or podcast or something!

After the tour, we went up the lighthouse. We went at the perfect time because there were only two other people in the lighthouse who were exiting as we entered. The lighthouse was super cool and you get to go all the way to the top and look out!

Afterwards, we checked out their gift shop which was, surprise, also super cool. I definitely recommend supporting North Point Lighthouse and buying some merch if you can. They have genuinely neat stuff, not cheap stuff meant for a quick cash grab. Illustrations, t-shirts, pins-- and all pretty affordable too.

Overall, absolutely amazing experience. Please go check...

This is a pretty cool lighthouse. Its great to take photos of and it can be very photogenic too. It looks especially good against a blue sky.

One neat thing about the lighthouse is this little square place you can stand on. Then there is a round metal object that will show your image with the lighthouse behind you. This allows you to get your photos with the lighthouse if you are alone and don't have anyone to take your picture. I have used the device in the past.

Still most people walk right past the lighthouse. I think people who live nearby are used to it and see it all the time so its not really a popular location...or it wasn't today anyway.

During summer and autumn once the trees get the full set of leaves, you won't even be able to see the lighthouse from down on Lakeshore Drive. During the winter you can see it because the trees are bare...but you need to know where to look.

You can't go inside it or anything. You just look at the outside. There is an informational sign nearby and there is a hiking trail near the lighthouse too. A ravine trail. You can see the lighthouse from the trail down in the ravine.

I really didn't spend much time here at the lighthouse...just long enough to take some photos as there really wasn't anything to do and I wanted to explore the...