Grosse Point Lighthouse
2601 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
Name and Location
Grosse Point Lighthouse is an historic aid-to-navigation located in Evanston, Illinois, on the Lake Michigan shoreline. The address is 2601 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Cook County, IL 60201, USA.
Construction and History
The Grosse Point Lighthouse was erected in 1873 to guide mariners entering the Chicago harbor. It has a long history of guiding ships for over a century and today stands as a landmark museum operated by the City of Evanston's Parks Department. The lighthouse was first illuminated in 1873 with a three-wick kerosene lamp and silvered reflector.
Architecture and Materials
The tower is constructed from brick/concrete masonry, typical of 1870s lighthouses. While exact materials are not detailed in available records, the construction method is well-documented. The tower height is 36 feet, with an elevation (focal plane) of approximately 183 feet above lake level.
Light and Navigation
The light characteristic is Fl(1) W, period 15 s (one white flash every 15 seconds). The original nominal range was about 17 nautical miles on a clear night. The lighthouse is designated as a National Historic Landmark ("nhl": yes).
Accessibility and Visiting
The grounds are open to visitors, but tower interior tours are subject to seasonal scheduling. Please consult the City of Evanston Parks Department or official website for up-to-date hours and any admission fees.
Notable Views and Landscape
Panoramic views from the top offer a sweeping view north toward Wilmette and south toward Chicago's skyline. The surrounding landscape features grassy bluffs, promenades, and beachfront in Milburn Park.
Further Information
For further information, please visit the following links: Wikipedia, Wikidata, National Register details and NHL summary, Archival source: National Archives, Catalog ID 28892264.
Details
Name | Grosse Point Lighthouse |
---|---|
City | Evanston |
Country | Usa |
Coordinates | 42.0638948, -87.6760214 |
Year of construction | 1873 |
Events | many maritime events |
Stories | ships entering the Chicago harbor |
Construction material | "brick/concrete masonry" |
Focal height | 183 |
Tower height | 36 |
Heritage status | true |
Access description | grounds open to visitors; tower interior tours subject to seasonal scheduling |
Accessible | true |
Landscape type | grassy bluff, promenades, and beachfront in Milburn Park |
View description | sweeping views north toward Wilmette, south toward Chicago’s skyline |
Guided tours | true |
Facilities | interpretive displays, occasional guided tours, panoramic views of Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan |
Light characteristic | "Fl(1) W, period 15 s" |
Light range | 17 |