Chicago Harbor Lighthouse

East of Navy Pier and the mouth of the Chicago River, near the southernmost point of the northern breakwater defending Chicago Harbor, sits the automated operating Chicago Harbor Lighthouse. The multi-level structure, which is surrounded with rip rap, consists of a concrete foundation, two red-roofed structures, a tapering white cylinder in the middle, a parapet, and the light itself.

Although this tower is higher, the design is "unique... akin to that of the offshore sparkplug towers." It "bears some similarity" to the Rock of Ages Light at Isle Royale on Lake Superior, which is its contemporary, save from the alterations performed at the time of the transfer.

On July 19, 1984, the lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and on April 9, 2003, it was named a Chicago Landmark. Since there is no local organization dedicated to the preservation of lighthouses in Chicago, this light has benefited the most from preservation efforts. Pierhead lights in Illinois and Indiana, however, could someday require protection against destruction. From Navy Pier, particularly towards the end, you may get a nice view of the lighthouse. Boats, notably the several tour boats in the vicinity, offer better views.

Google rating: 4.8/5.0
Location: Chicago Harbor, US
Phone: N/A
Website: https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=234