Outer Island Lighthouse

The Outer Island Lighthouse is situated on the northern tip of Outer Island, one of the Apostle Islands, in Lake Superior, Ashland County, Wisconsin, United States.

Location and Accessibility

• The lighthouse can be accessed via a short walk from the shore, with parking available nearby.

History

The Outer Island lighthouse was designed by United States Lighthouse Board Eleventh District Chief Engineer Orlando Poe and constructed under his successor, Godfrey Weitzel's supervision in 1895.

It is reportedly one of the most remote lighthouses on the Great Lakes.

Architecture

The lighthouse stands at a height of 27 meters (89 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of 130 meters (430 feet).

The tower is constructed from red brick and features a distinctive square base.

The keeper's quarters, attached to the lighthouse, consists of a two-story structure.

Light Characteristics

The Outer Island Lighthouse emits a white light that can be seen up to a range of 12 nautical miles.

The light has a period of 10 seconds and is reported to have been an important aid to navigation for mariners in the area.

Current Status

Currently owned by the National Park Service, the lighthouse is part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 (reference number 77000145) and listed in the Library of Congress Historic American Buildings Survey, WI-318.

Heritage Status

The Outer Island Lighthouse has been designated as a heritage site, with its historic significance recognized by the National Park Service.