Name and Location

The Chequamegon Point Lighthouse, also known locally as the "La Pointe Light", is located at the entrance to Chequamegon Bay in Wisconsin, United States. Its official name is Chequamegon Point Lighthouse.

2. Construction and History

The lighthouse was built in 1896 and has been guiding mariners safely into the bay since then. It features a distinctive red-and-white striped tower with a square base and a pyramidal roof, characteristic of late 19th-century American lighthouses. The lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (#85002185).

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse was constructed using limestone and brick materials. It stands at a height of 33 feet (10.06 meters) with a focal height not available.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse originally had a light range of 7 nautical miles (12.96 kilometers) with a characteristic of Fl (3) W 15s, meaning it flashed every 15 seconds, three times, followed by a white light. The lighthouse was automated in 1983.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds and take guided tours during the summer months (May to October). The opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The entrance fee is $5 per person (children under 6 years old, free).

6. Notable Views and Landscape

From its hilltop location, the lighthouse offers a panoramic view of Chequamegon Bay and surrounding landscape. The nearby forests and wetlands provide habitat for various wildlife species.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

The lighthouse has been featured in various photographs, including those by renowned photographer Edward S. Curtis. Several vessels have met their demise in the area due to poor visibility, strong currents, and treacherous shoals. The lighthouse has also been visited by notable figures, including Rear Admiral David D. Porter, who inspected the station in 1896.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse's coordinates are 46.7285906° N, -90.808916° W. Its current use is not as a functioning aid to navigation.

9. Further Information

For more information on the Chequamegon Point Lighthouse, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources or refer to "The Lighthouses of Wisconsin" by Norman W. Cox (1985) and "Lighthouses of the Great Lakes" by David R. Sturtevant (1997).