Wind Point Lighthouse

Taking advantage of being in the area to attend another event, and given favorable weather conditions, I stopped by the Wind Point Lighthouse north of Racine to do a little photography. It’s been over 30 years since I last visited here, but this magnificent tower still sends its beacon out over the waters of Lake Michigan.

The text of the Wind Point Lighthouse historical marker reads as follows:

The Wind Point Lighthouse

To assist navigation around the point into Racine harbor, the Wind Point Lighthouse began functioning in 1880 with a kerosene lamp, focused and magnified by a third order Fresnel lens. Its light could be seen for 19 miles.

At 108 feet, it is one of the tallest and oldest lighthouses still serving navigation on the Great Lakes. Its fog horns, which last sounded in 1964, could be heard for 10 miles.

In recognition of the key role this lighthouse has played in the maritime history of Racine County, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

In 1997, the National Park Service awarded ownership of the property to the Village of Wind Point. The Coast Guard still maintains the light as a public navigation aid.

Erected in 2002 by Friends of the Wind Point Lighthouse in memory of Judge Richard G. Harvey Jr.

Today’s photos appear in the gallery below. It was there on a Sunday afternoon, and the tower was open to anyone capable of climbing to the top. I’ve done it in the past, but the view from the top is just a memory to me now. In some of the pictures you’ll see those who climbed the tower.