Let's Explore The Port Washington Breakwater Lighthouse
The Great Lakes are a collection of five large freshwater lakes in North America. Among them, Lake Michigan is the second largest and home to the Port Washington Breakwater Lighthouse, a light station in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. Lighthouses are navigational aids. Like lightships, beacons, and buoys, they enhance safety by providing more opportunities to obtain location points.
The Port Washington Breakwater Light And Pier
Constructed in the “Art Deco” style for $35,000, this Lighthouse was built in 1935 and registered with the National Register of Historic Places. The red light at the top of the current Lighthouse is called a harbor light. It flashes every 6 seconds, and boats can see it 8 miles from the port. Although no longer active, a fog horn was attached to the Lighthouse, giving two blasts every 30 seconds at 24-second intervals.
On Port Washington’s north bluff, overlooking the harbor, the city’s first Lighthouse was built in 1849. In 1860, this tower was replaced by a square, wooden tower mounted atop a new two-story brick residence for the keeper.
The Second Tower Light
Until the mid-1970s, United States Coast Guard personnel tended the second tower light. The keeper’s post was eliminated when the foghorn and light were automated. To keep lighting the night sky, a new 4th Order Fresnel Lens was installed in the original black lantern room in October 2007.
The south pier is the property of Wisconsin Electric Power Company, although the Coast Guard maintains the starboard light. The power plant and port were built simultaneously as part of the federal project. This project was another boon for the citizens during the Great Depression.
Fun Fact: New technology, such as a modern solar-powered beacon, replaces some lighthouse lights.
Walk Out To The Port Washington Lighthouse
Lighthouses are fascinating, and they become more intriguing when more readily accessible. The fourth Port Washington lighthouse is easily reached, but standing under it requires a half-mile walk to the end of the north breakwater. (totally worth it)
Along the way, you will see huge stones and concrete supporting the north side of the steel deck of the breakwater. People (and birds) can be found fishing along the way. And during high waves, spray and water will cover the walk.
Walking under the Port Washington Lighthouse, built on a huge concrete base, is exhilarating – especially when the lake is tumultuous. As you look up to the top, the porthole windows in the steel structure seem to hold secrets of days gone by, whispering peace mantras to those who passed by.
The City Of Port Washington, Wisconsin
The City of Port Washington offers many restaurants, shops, hiking, and events and even has a newly opened Possibility Playground.
The Upper Lake Park offers a large parking area that gives a birds-eye view of the Port Washington Lighthouse as it juts out into Lake Michigan. You can relax in the picnic area, watching boats enter and leave the marina.
Along the way, you will see huge stones and concrete supporting the north side of the steel deck of the breakwater. During high waves, spray and Water will cover the completely remodeled sidewalk that leads out to the arched structure’s base when the waves are high.
Walking under the Port Washington Lighthouse, built on a huge concrete base, is exhilarating – especially when the lake is tumultuous. As you look up to the top, the porthole windows in the steel structure seem to hold secrets of days gone by, whispering peace mantras to those who passed by.
Watch this video as I make the trek to the Port Washington Lighthouse on a cold late winter’s morning.
Lighthouses: Five Interesting Facts
Navigational aids and warnings of dangerous areas are the two primary purposes of lighthouses. In a way, it resembles a traffic sign at sea. Lighthouses have five other interesting facts you should know.
- Mariners can identify lighthouses during the day by their painted colors. Lighthouses may be painted all white if their surroundings and backgrounds are dark. Red and white stripes help mariners identify lighthouses against white backdrops, such as cliffs and rocks.
- The higher a lighthouse is above MHW (mean high Water), the farther away it can be seen at sea because of the earth’s curvature. It should not be so high that local sailors cannot see it. Therefore, shorter lighthouses are commonly built on top of cliffs, while taller lighthouses are built nearer the Water.
- A mariner can identify the location of a lighthouse by its flash pattern if it is relatively close to another lighthouse. It is not uncommon for lighthouses in different geographic locations to have the same flash patterns.
- Candles, lanterns, and electric lights eventually replaced open fires as the light source for lighthouses.
- Lighthousekeepers operated lighthouses before technology became so advanced. Now, most lighthouses are run by machines and monitored remotely. Fog signals are activated automatically when the automatic sensors detect extra moisture in the air, and radio signals are used to communicate with the ships.
Final Thoughts
This unique Lighthouse can be visited at any time of the year. In fact, over the cold winter months, Lake Michigan’s Water will freeze in fascinating ways – a special treat for photographers.
During the warmer months, however, this area is bustling with activities sure to please anyone passing through.
If you’d like more details on the history of the Port Washington Lighthouses, visit the Port Washington Historical Society.
My lighthouse images are for sale HERE.
Cheers to your next adventure!
Hi, I’m Kirsti.
My blog, Kirsti Out Wandering, is a guide for unique experiences. I explore less popular areas to uncover a destination’s culture and hidden potential.
From the perspective of a curious wanderer, I seek the potential rather than the obvious.
I hope you will wander along with me!