North Point Lighthouse
Historic 19th-century lighthouse museum offering panoramic Lake Michigan and city views from its tower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Open for tours
North Point Lighthouse
Best Time
Open for tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 19th-century lighthouse museum offering panoramic Lake Michigan and city views from its tower.
"Climb to the top for breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline!"
🎯 Book in Advance (if possible)
While not always required, check if advance booking is available to secure your spot, especially for group tours.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing many stairs to reach the top, so comfortable footwear is a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lighthouse Tower Views
Top of the lighthouse
Ascend to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee skyline. Truly unforgettable!
Maritime History Museum
First floor of the lighthouse
Explore artifacts and learn about the rich history of lighthouses and Milwaukee's maritime past.
Architectural Grandeur
Exterior of the lighthouse
Admire the stunning 19th-century architecture and the stately lions guarding the entrance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
+1Climb to the Top
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book in Advance (if possible)
While not always required, check if advance booking is available to secure your spot, especially for group tours.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing many stairs to reach the top, so comfortable footwear is a must!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning photos of Lake Michigan and the city from the tower.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush your visit; explore the museum and enjoy the views. Avoid arriving too close to closing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book in Advance (if possible)
While not always required, check if advance booking is available to secure your spot, especially for group tours.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing many stairs to reach the top, so comfortable footwear is a must!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning photos of Lake Michigan and the city from the tower.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush your visit; explore the museum and enjoy the views. Avoid arriving too close to closing.
💰 Admission Fee
There's a modest admission fee, typically around $7-$8, for the tour. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise North Point Lighthouse for its stunning Lake Michigan views and rich maritime history. The museum offers fascinating insights, and the climb to the top is a highlight for many. However, some guests have encountered issues with staff rushing them before closing or inconsistent experiences with different tour guides. The climb itself can be physically demanding due to stairs and a ladder.
"Closed when we got there, but beautiful landscaping and architecture. We captured a spectacular cloud above due to the thunderstorm brewing. Gorgeous views from outside of Lake Michigan along with two stately lions guarding the back entrance."
Lynette Willingham
"Carleen was great the other staff not so much. We got here 20 minutes before closing. And were there for about 10 minutes before another tour guide demanded us to leave because she had a bus tour going through. We paid just like the tour did and should never have been treated as less than their bus tour."
Stephanie Richardson
"If you love history make sure to visit this charming lighthouse. First floor is a museum of artifacts. You can then climb to the top of the lighthouse and see the most breathtaking views of Lake Michigan."
Leaha Chustz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
North Point Lighthouse is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It's accessible by car and is a popular destination for cyclists, with many people biking from downtown. Parking is available nearby, but can fill up quickly on busy days.
Yes, there is parking available near the lighthouse. However, it can get crowded, especially on weekends during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
While specific bus routes may vary, the lighthouse is located in a well-connected area of Milwaukee. Checking local transit schedules for routes serving the East Side is advisable.
Yes, the lighthouse is situated in a beautiful park area with lovely landscaping and views of Lake Michigan. It's also near a par 3 golf course.
Many visitors enjoy a scenic bike ride from downtown Milwaukee to the lighthouse, making the journey part of the experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
North Point Lighthouse is typically open for visits and tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 PM to 4 PM throughout the summer. It's always a good idea to verify hours before your visit.
Admission for the lighthouse tour is generally around $7-$8 per person. +1 This fee grants access to the museum and the climb to the top.
While not always mandatory, it's wise to check if advance booking is an option, especially if you're planning a group visit or traveling during a busy period.
The lighthouse museum and tower are generally only accessible during the posted tour hours. The exterior grounds and park are accessible at other times.
Visitors need to be able to climb many stairs, and the final ascent involves a ladder. It's recommended for those who are physically able.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The first floor houses a museum with artifacts detailing the history of the lighthouse and maritime navigation. You can then climb to the top for spectacular views.
The views from the top are breathtaking, offering sweeping vistas of Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee city skyline.
The climb involves numerous stairs, and the final section requires ascending a ladder. It's best suited for those who are comfortable with heights and physical exertion.
Restroom facilities are typically available in the park area surrounding the lighthouse.
Photography is generally allowed inside the museum and from the top of the lighthouse, but always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the lighthouse offers incredible panoramic shots of Lake Michigan and the city. The exterior architecture itself is also very photogenic, especially with the lions.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local ordinances and park rules before flying a drone in the area.
Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots, while midday provides clear views from the tower.
While generally permitted, be respectful of other visitors and any posted rules. Professional photography sessions might require permits.
Expect stunning landscape shots of Lake Michigan, cityscapes, and detailed architectural photography of the historic lighthouse.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
The museum on the first floor is packed with maritime artifacts and historical narratives, offering deep insights into Milwaukee's past and the importance of lighthouses on the Great Lakes. 📸 Photographers
The panoramic views from the tower are exceptional, providing opportunities for sweeping cityscapes and expansive lake photography. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Beacon of History: The North Point Lighthouse Story
Today, the lighthouse serves as a maritime museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The first floor is dedicated to exhibits showcasing artifacts, historical photographs, and information about the lives of lighthouse keepers and the evolution of Great Lakes navigation. This immersive experience provides context for the lighthouse's importance and the challenges faced by those who maintained it.
For those seeking an even more profound experience, the climb to the top of the lighthouse is a must. This journey involves navigating a series of stairs and a final ladder ascent, culminating in unparalleled panoramic views. From this vantage point, visitors can appreciate the vastness of Lake Michigan and the sprawling beauty of the Milwaukee skyline, truly connecting with the lighthouse's historical purpose and its enduring allure.
Experiencing North Point Lighthouse: Tips from Visitors
Beyond the climb, the museum on the first floor offers a rich historical context. Visitors appreciate learning about Milwaukee's maritime heritage and the role of lighthouses.
Practical advice from visitors often includes arriving early to secure parking and avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
![Historic Greendale - Caption reads, "[Untitled photo, possibly related to: Housing, Greendale, Wisconsin]". Original black and white negative by John Vachon. Taken September 1939, Wisconsin, United States (@libraryofcongress). Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540. See it on Unseen Histories at https://www.unseenhistories.com/untitled-photo-suburbia – The original unrestored public domain scan can be found at https://www.loc.gov/resource/fsa.8a04781/](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.unsplash.com%2Fphoto-1632918572896-0beda2f9f319%3Fcrop%3Dentropy%26cs%3Dtinysrgb%26fit%3Dmax%26fm%3Djpg%26ixid%3DM3w3ODc2Nzh8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxIaXN0b3JpYyUyMEdyZWVuZGFsZXxlbnwwfDB8fHwxNzU4NTMzNjk1fDA%26ixlib%3Drb-4.1.0%26q%3D80%26w%3D1080&w=3840&q=75)
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