Raspberry Island Lighthouse
X5CW+62 Sand Bay, WI, USA
Name and Location
The Raspberry Island Lighthouse is located in the scenic Sand Bay, Wisconsin, USA, situated on a small island in Lake Superior.
Construction and History
The Raspberry Island Lighthouse was constructed in 1895 by the U.S. Lighthouse Service as part of a series of lighthouses built to facilitate safe navigation on the Great Lakes. The original structure was replaced in 1968 with a new tower and dwelling. Today, the lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, providing critical guidance to mariners traversing Lake Superior.
Architecture and Materials
The Raspberry Island Lighthouse features a simple yet sturdy design typical of many Great Lakes lighthouses. The original structure was constructed from traditional materials such as wood and stone, while the 1968 replacement used more modern materials like steel and concrete.
Light and Navigation
The lighthouse's light characteristic is a fixed white beacon with a range of 7 miles (11 kilometers). Its height above mean sea level is approximately 58 feet (17.7 meters).
Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can access the Raspberry Island Lighthouse via a scenic boat tour or kayak excursion. Please note that the site is not open to the public for self-guided visits due to safety concerns. Guided tours are available upon request, subject to availability.
Notable Views and Landscape
From the Raspberry Island Lighthouse, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Superior's shores, surrounding islands, and the dramatic landscape of the Upper Peninsula. The nearby Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offers a unique opportunity to explore the region's natural beauty.
Anecdotes and Folklore
No specific stories of former lighthouse keepers have been documented for the Raspberry Island Lighthouse. However, it is likely that these individuals played a vital role in maintaining the structure and ensuring safe passage for mariners.
Technical and Operational Details
The lighthouse remains an automated aid to navigation, providing critical guidance to mariners traversing Lake Superior.
Further Information
- National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) listing: 77000145
- U.S. Lighthouse Service records
Details
| Name | Raspberry Island Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| City | Sand Bay |
| Country | Usa |
| Coordinates | 46.9705319, -90.8049695 |
| Year of construction | 1895 |
| Historic significance | aid to navigation in maritime history |
| Architectural style | simple and sturdy design |
| Construction material | ["wood","stone","steel","concrete"] |
| Focal height | 58 |
| Tower height | 13 |
| Heritage status | true |
| Renovations | 1968 |
| Access description | scenic boat tour or kayak excursion |
| Accessible | false |
| Landscape type | rugged terrain, dense forests, and picturesque waterways |
| View description | breathtaking views of Lake Superior's shores, surrounding islands, and the dramatic landscape of the Upper Peninsula |
| Guided tours | true |
| Facilities | scenic boat tour or kayak excursion |
| Nearby attractions | ["Apostle Islands National Lakeshore"] |
| Light characteristic | "fixed white beacon with a range of 7 miles (11 kilometers)" |
| Light range | 7 |
| Automated | true |