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Racine Breakwater, WI |
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Description:
As the breakwaters forming the entrance to Racine Harbor were extended into Lake Michigan, a separate light to mark them became necessary. A wooden tower was positioned on the northern pier as early as 1872. As further improvements to the harbor were made, a steel tower was placed on the breakwater with
an elevated catwalk providing access to the lantern. The same tower was also located at one time on a separate crib where it was outfitted with a fog horn in addition to a bell.
The Coast Guard planned to dispose of the tower in 1987, but the community had grown fond of the structure and fought to save it. Today, the tower, without a light, stands as an ornament on the northern breakwater. A more modern skeletal tower marks the southern breakwater. From the observation deck located near the breakwaters, be sure and look offshore where you can seen a steel tower atop a concrete crib, which was once home to the unique and ornate Racine Reef Lighthouse that was sadly demolished in 1961.
Location: Located at the entrance to the harbor in Racine. Latitude: 42.73459 Longitude: -87.77199 For a larger map of Racine Breakwater Lighthouse, click the lighthouse in the above map or get a map from: Mapquest. Travel Instructions: From Interstate 94 west of Racine, take exit 333 and travel west on Highway 20 (Washington Avenue) 9.4 miles to Main Street in downtown Racine. Turn left onto Main and then right on Christopher Columbus (4th Street). Follow Christopher Columbus to the Racine Harbor Park at its end. At the far end of the park is a viewing platform from which you can view the South Breakwater Light and the more interesting Racine North Breakwater Lighthouse which is across the entrance to the harbor. The lighthouse is owned by the City of Racine. Grounds/tower closed. Find the closest hotels to Racine Breakwater Lighthouse See our List of Lighthouses in Wisconsin |
