Grosse Point Lighthouse: Beacon of the Great Lakes

Standing proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Grosse Point Lighthouse has served as a vital navigational aid for over a century. Constructed in 1873 after concerned residents petitioned Congress for a lighthouse, its purpose was to prevent future maritime disasters. The catalyst for this was the sinking of the Lady Elgin passenger steamer in 1860, which resulted in the loss of nearly 300 lives.The lighthouse, designed by Orlando Metcalfe Poe, boasts an Italianate architectural style. The 113-foot tower is made of cream city brick and originally housed a second-order Fresnel lens, one of only five on the Great Lakes. The light's visibility extended 21 miles out into the lake, guiding ships safely into Chicago Harbor.In 1934, Grosse Point Lighthouse became the first in the U.S. to employ a photoelectric cell to automatically turn the light on and off. Though decommissioned as a Coast Guard navigation aid in 1941, it was relit in 1946 as a private aid to navigation. Today, the Lighthouse Park District of Evanston maintains the site.Visitors can explore the grounds year-round and tour the lighthouse on weekends from June through September. The tour includes a climb up the 141 steps to the top of the tower, offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. The site also features a museum with exhibits on the lighthouse's history and the Lady Elgin shipwreck. The Garden Club of Evanston maintains beautiful wildflower and butterfly gardens on the property, adding to the site's appeal.