Love!! It is so beautiful here. The beautiful color of the Great Lakes with all the greenery it was heaven. The lighthouse staff were all wonderful, welcoming and excited to show you around. There's tons of information about the lighthouse it's history and the lakes history as well. Climbing up the lighthouse was fun, the last bit is a ladder just fyi. It's sturdy but a little scary. Well worth the views tho!!! The staircase is slim so going as it opens is best to avoid crowds for sure. Easy street parking read more

See all

Come visit the North Point lighthouse to learn about the fascinating history of the Great Lakes and how lighthouses helped ships (most of the time) to navigate a dangerous waterway. Aside from the history, the view from the top of the lighthouse is stunning. it's 71 steps to the top. But well worth it. I was fortunate to visit on a beautiful September day. read more

See all

North Point Lighthouse is a nice stop if you're driving along the lake, spending some time at the nearby beach, or checking out some of the nearby mansions. The lighthouse is well-kept and the central point of interest in the peaceful park that stretches along the ridge overlooking the shoreline. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area! read more

Beautiful lighthouse, parked at the lake park waterfall parking lot, walking along Oak leaf trail to this lighthouse. Passed by the statue of general Walcott. read more

See all

Growing up in the west, you hear about the Great Lakes, but can't really imagine the greatness. Then you move to Milwaukee and get your first glance of Lake Michigan and, frankly, you're a little stunned. Or, at least, I was. And, then, I made my way to North Point Lighthouse. And, my mind was blown again. I've spent a lot of time on the Oregon Coast and have seen and toured many lighthouses. North Point Lighthouse is truly special. If you go during operating hours, there is a museum on the property with exhibits focused on the maritime history of the Great Lakes. You can also climb to the top of the lighthouse for a pretty spectacular view of the Lake, Milwaukee, and the surrounding park grounds. But, even if you don't go during regular business hours, it's still pretty cool. The lighthouse makes for gorgeous photographs, especially in the late spring when the contrast of green against the bright white of the lighthouse is just gorgeous. Also, be sure to check out the stone lion guardians of the lighthouse near the path just beyond (on the lake side) of the lighthouse. Get to it! read more

North Point Lighthouse - View of the lighthouse from the path - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

See all

The North Point Lighthouse is one of the great hidden gems of Milwaukee, and I wish more people from both the city itself and the outlying areas knew more about it! It has everything you could want for a perfect afternoon out with friends, family, or as a couple--there's the museum and lighthouse itself of course, but there are also large, open spaces in front of and behind it that makes for a perfect place to have a picnic or let your dog run around, and the back space also hosts weddings every once in a while, giving both guests and the wedding party amazing views depending on which way the ceremony faces. And, it's situated in the heart of Lake Park, arguably one of the Milwaukee County Parks System's best parks, with walking trails leading away from the lighthouse in all directions and stunning views of Lake Michigan in the distance from bluffs way above the Great Lake. The museum itself is very educationally fulfilling, interesting, and informative, and it's well worth your time if you can spare an hour or two. There are little exhibits spread throughout what was once the lightkeeper's dwelling on the first floor (the second floor is off-limits and open to staff only), and the museum focuses on both the lighthouse itself and the history of maritime travel on the Great Lakes in general, with a specific emphasis on shipwrecks in Lake Michigan. They are constantly updated and refreshed to keep them new and relevant, so I would at least recommend a self-guided tour if you don't have the time for a guided one. The highlight of the museum though is, of course, the actual lighthouse. While you can't climb out to the railing that lines the very top of it, you can climb stairs all the way to the top from the inside and get a 360-degree view of the area around the lighthouse, including breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. This also is perfect for people who visit in the winter, as the glass separating you from the platform and freezing cold air outside allows for all-seasons viewing. The stairs are steep, so I wouldn't recommend them for people with walking problems or a fear of heights. The only thing to really be aware of it when comes to the museum is that, as of now, it's only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1p-4p, so make sure you plan accordingly if you're trying to get into the lighthouse. The land around the lighthouse and its museum is what makes this spot truly special though, allowing for a perfect mix of nature and man-made wonder. In front of the lighthouse is a large open lawn, and it's big enough for dogs to run around in, numerous families to have picnics in, and there are benches set near the street that look up at the lighthouse, giving you a perfect reading spot in the shade during the summertime. There's also a large space in the back that accommodates weddings and other large gatherings, and we've walked past it many times over the years while walking our dog and seen everything from a wedding to a family reunion to a large and lively work function/gathering. The property has large tents they can set up, so it can host large groups rain or shine. The walking trails that branch off from the lighthouse also provide numerous ways for you to walk further into Lake Park or towards the edge of it before continuing into the city, and the best part is staring out at Lake Michigan through the skeletons of trees in the wintertime, with all of their leaves gone and the grey waters of the Great Lake far below you. This is a very special property, and I hope it continues to stay well-maintained and functions as a gem for the city of Milwaukee and its residents and visitors for years! read more

North Point Lighthouse - View of the lighthouse on a stormy summer afternoon from the backside of the property - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A historic lighthouse and small museum with artifacts from boat wrecks and the longest serving light keeper in Wisconsin. A short but steep walk up the lighthouse offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan! read more

Neat lighthouse with a small museum! I definitely recommend climbing to the top and I enjoyed learning about Georgia Stebbins, the lighthouse's former female keeper. They were only open from 1pm-4pm on the day I went so just keep in mind they have limited hours. Added perk is the convenient free parking! read more

Cute little Lighthouse along the shore of Milwaukee. Street parking. You can pay to tour the lighthouse and museum. I was running low on time so we just drove by to see the exterior. Small light house surrounded by land. Very pretty scenery. One of the few popular sites in Milwaukee. Worth a stop by if you have time. read more

North Point Lighthouse - Street Sign - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

See all

A great little (and tall) stop in Milwaukee for tourists or residents. For a nominal fee you'll get a brief but informal history of the lighthouse as well as some local history on Lake Michigan including how and why immigrants came over from New York. The first floor of the adjacent house is a mini museum and then the 6 flights up the lighthouse (72 steps or so) is self guided. The last flight of steps is a ladder/hatch to the viewing area of the lighthouse which is small and only holds about 5-6 people at a time. There is a 360 view and I am sure on a clear day it is magnificent. We went on a mostly cloudy day so it wasn't the best but we still appreciated the scenery below and beyond. The neighboring and beautiful Lake Park is also a great place to stop before/after. It appears to me that the price increases by about a $1 per year, but groupons are often available for 2 for 1 price. We had an expired groupon and they still accepted it in its' entirety and didn't ask us to pay the difference. Midwestern manners...part of the reason why I love Wisconsin. read more

See all

An update as of January 2019: A new exhibit has gone on display in the museum at the North Point Lighthouse. Little known in Milwaukee is a manufacturing company that is known world-wide for making high quality diving equipment for the navy and specialty uses. DESCO (Diving Equipment & Supply Company) was founded in 1937 to manufacture diving equipment developed by Max Nohl and Jack Browne. Max Nohl was a marine engineer in Milwaukee, educated at MIT, and the holder of a diving depth record (420 feet) he set in Lake Michigan on December 1, 1937. Nohl's productive life was cut short in a tragic head-on collision in 1960. He is not as well known as his sister, Mary Nohl. Mary's well-known art environment in nearby Fox Point is in the care of the Kohler Foundation. (See https://www.yelp.com/biz/mary-nohl-art-environment-fox-point) While you're there, be sure to check out the fourth order Fresnel lens that was in use at the lighthouse until it was decommissioned in 1994. The lens is on a rotating mount with a low wattage light to demonstrate how the steady beam and flash was seen up to 19 miles out on Lake Michigan. The flash is created by a bullseye lens, demonstrated in the display. If the light was the same wattage as the lighthouse, you'd be blinded by it. Each lighthouse had a unique pattern of flash, X seconds apart where X is the time between flash. Mariners could check the timing between flash to verify their location at sea. North Point was 30 seconds between flash. The order of Fresnel lens identifies the size and weight of the lens. A first order lens is about 3 times the size of this one. Fourth order Fresnel lenses were in wide use in United States lighthouses. The special display celebrating DESCO is on display to May, 2019. You can learn about the history of SCUBA and see some of DESCO's famous products. read more

See all

Great historical site with friendly staff. You can get a guided tour or do a self guided. There is a stairway up most of the lighthouse, with a short ladder going to the very peak. Not for those with a fear of heights, but if you can get past it, The view is amazing! read more

This is a beautiful park and the North Point Lighthouse is the icing on the cake. I have seen an old postcard of Lake Park from years ago featuring the lighthouse and can just imagine people enjoying the area back in the day. The lighthouse received a nice facelift around 2007 as well. A web site is maintained about the lighthouse and there is information there about dates when the lighthouse is open for tours. read more

North Point Lighthouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

North Point is a Milwaukee Landmark. reading about the history, the idea for it started back in 1835. Milwaukee had around ten residents then. Over the next year or so the population rose to 400. The early settlers petitioned Congress for needed improvements, and 5K was appropriated in 1837 for creating this harbor lighthouse. Over the years it's seen many improvements to increase the tower height and various other upgrades. Jump to now, we have this little treasure to be adored. It's our own lighthouse right on the shore of Lake Michigan just on the outskirts of downtown. There's nothing like taking a walk around the park or neighborhood and enjoying the views from the bluff this lighthouse has. It's well kept and you can even go in as long as you come by at the right time, Saturdays and Sundays, throughout the year.1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. Also can schedule private tours. read more

North Point Lighthouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

See all

Worth a visit! We paid $8 each to walk around the museum and climb the lighthouse. The information in the museum was very interesting and there was the sweetest older man working at the museum that showed us around and told us more historical facts. The views from the lighthouse were stunning! It was worth the climb (which wasn't very bad at all, maybe 4 flights of stairs and 1 sturdy ladder). We had a blast!! read more

North Point Lighthouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

See all

Visited Dec, 2020 while family was visiting from Florida. It was during the week so it was closed. It was the week before Christmas so it was decorated for the season. Great location for picture taking. Nice place to overlook the lake and to do some walking. Parking in good. Dog friendly as far as walking outside. v v read more

We stopped here on a whim on a Sunday afternoon. Honestly, I didn't even know this place existed until I saw another Yelper leave a review. I am so glad that we decided to check it out. This is an outstanding gem of a museum. We gladly accepted the offer of a tour. Our tour guide was friendly, thorough, and wonderfully knowledgeable, not just about North Point, but about the start of the city of Milwaukee and how the landscape has changed over the last couple hundred of years. The climb up to the light house was awesome, and my twelve year old loved looking out over miles and miles of beautiful Lake Michigan from the lantern room at the very top of the lighthouse. read more

Sorry to say, we stopped by the lighthouse at a time when it was not open. However, we still enjoyed walking about the grounds and admiring it's beauty. Apparently, it's been around since the mid 1800's. But she really doesn't look a day over 50. Be sure to take time to walk around the surrounding park and to take in the amazing views of Lake Michigan. It's sure to take your breathe away. Lighthouse tours are available Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. Please go and post a review to let me know what I missed. Thank you. read more

We visited the North Point Lighthouse during our Milwaukee Mile Tour. It was the last stop for us. We were greeted at the desk by a friendly tour guide who challenged our four year old to climb to the top of the lighthouse. If she did she would get a certificate to take to school. She accepted the challenge. Because it was so busy there was quite a wait to get up the stairs. I don't anticipate such a wait outside of the Milwaukee Mile Museum Tour. When we did get to the top there was a tour guide to tell us about history of the lighthouse as well as the women you lived there and tended the light. Besides the climb to the top of the lighthouse (which sports a fantabulous view). There is a museum and gift shop. You can rent the lighthouse for weddings and other special events. Can you imagine the photo opportunities there! School groups may also come and learn about this era in history. If the Lighthouse is not open at the time you stop, you can walk the grounds and enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Michigan. read more

We visited the NP Lighthouse during a recent Milwaukee Stay-cation. For $5, you can tour the mini-museum and learn about the history of lighthouses on/around Lake Michigan near the 414 -- and climb to the top (about 75 feet). The tour "guide" -- stationed at the top -- was incredibly knowledgeable and full of cool facts about life in the lighthouse in the 1800's. We had to wait a bit for the "top dog" expedition but it was worth the time we spent in the museum. A stellar historic site with spectacular views and beautifully maintained grounds. While up top we witnessed a proposal, which was kind of cool to see. Notes: No "official" bike rack, but you can tie up at the chain near the edge of the grounds. Even if you're afraid of heights, the information in the museum section is worth a look. read more

If you love history, if you love Milwaukee's history, this is a must stop. For a fin you get a great guided tour of the facility and the chance to hike on up the stairs and ladder to the very top where you'll be greeted with an astounding view of the city and lake. That alone is worth the $5. The interior and grounds have been very nicely re-furbished and makes me questions my memories of the place being fairly run-down after it was shuttered. It's truly a gem. read more

Loved my visit to the North Point Lighthouse. To start with, it is in such a beautiful neighborhood, in a beautiful park, with FREE street parking. Amazing view of the lake from ground level and from the tower. Super friendly staff who give mini tours as guests arrive and lots to look at in the ground floor museum for those who don't want to climb. Learned a lot here! read more

See all

We stopped here because we had some extra time and it was perfect for something quick to do in Milwaukee. I would have loved to stay longer. The museum is small but has a lot of interesting information and artifacts. The lighthouse is easy to climb and the view from the top is amazing. There is a small ladder you have to climb to get to the very top but it's not bad at all and it's totally worth it. read more

How often do you stumble upon an 1800's light house hidden in the woods? Lake park is beautiful, this just adds a little more mystique.

From California my wife and I went on vacation to Chicago and surrounding areas. We stumbled upon this lighthouse and decided to take a tour. Expecting to walk in, pay a few bucks and scout around for 10-15 mins, we were given a very thorough tour from a man that grew up in the house. I learned quite a few trivial things that I had never thought of before. October was a beautiful time of year to go and we were very pleased with our experience and would definitely recommend it. read more

Terrific tour and historic overview from Dana, our tour guide. Nice hike up to the top of the lighthouse.