Wisconsin has one of the largest collections of Great Lakes lighthouses in the country, and many of the most charming ones are an easy drive from Milwaukee. From active beacons to restored historic towers, each stop offers lake views, kid-friendly exploration, and a little glimpse into local maritime history.
If your family loves hands-on learning, climbing spiral staircases, or discovering new day trip destinations, these spots make for an unforgettable outing.
💡If you’re looking for more family-friendly places to explore within a short drive, this guide fits right alongside our Day Trips From Milwaukee roundup.
Quick Picks: Best Wisconsin Lighthouses Near Milwaukee
• Closest Lighthouse to Milwaukee: North Point Lighthouse
• Best Lighthouse Tower to Climb: Wind Point Lighthouse (Racine)
• Best Free Lighthouse Experience: Lakeside Park Lighthouse (Fond du Lac)
• Best Lighthouse + Playground Combo: 1860 Light Station + Possibility Playground
• Best Scenic Walk: Sheboygan Breakwater Lighthouse
• Best Lighthouse to View (Not Tour): Rawley Point Lighthouse
• Best Indoor Lighthouse for Little Kids: Milwaukee Central Library (Betty Brinn Children’s Room)
Wisconsin Lighthouses Overview
Wisconsin is home to dozens of historic lighthouses along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Some offer seasonal tower climbs, while others are best viewed from beaches, piers, or lakeside parks. Many of these stops are close to playgrounds, beaches, and walkable downtowns, making them easy, low-pressure outings for families. Whether you’re looking for a quick photo stop or a full lighthouse tour, these are some of the most kid-friendly options within driving distance of Milwaukee.
Lighthouse Tours in Wisconsin: What to Know
If you’re searching for “lighthouse tours near me,” here’s a quick look at availability:
• North Point (Milwaukee): Guided and self-guided tours; kids must be at least 5 years old and 38″ tall to climb.
• Wind Point (Racine): Tours on select days; kids under 6 cannot climb the tower.
• 1860 Light Station (Port Washington): All ages may tour the museum; kids must be at least 6 to climb the tower.
• Lakeside Park (Fond du Lac): Self-guided climbs seasonally, weather permitting.
• Sheboygan Breakwater: No tours; walk the breakwater for close-up views.
• Rawley Point (Two Rivers): No public access; view from Point Beach.
• Central Library Lighthouse: Indoor play lighthouse for kids to climb.
1. North Point Lighthouse (Milwaukee, WI)
Lake Park, 2650 N. Wahl Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211
Built in 1855, the North Point Lighthouse is one of Milwaukee’s oldest surviving structures. After being restored in 2007, it reopened to the public and now offers both guided and self-guided tours.
Families can climb the 74-foot tower for panoramic views of Lake Michigan, Lake Park, and downtown Milwaukee. Inside the adjoining Queen Anne–style museum, you’ll find maritime artifacts and interactive exhibits.
Kids must be at least 5 years old and at least 38 inches tall to climb. The climb includes 84 steps and a short ladder leading into the lantern room.
2. Wind Point Lighthouse (Racine, WI)
4725 Lighthouse Drive, Wind Point, WI
Standing 108 feet tall, Wind Point Lighthouse is one of the tallest and oldest active beacons on the Great Lakes. First lit in 1880, it remains operational today.
Families can explore the beautiful grounds year-round, including the gardens, picnic spaces, and lakeside views. Tower climbs are offered on select dates and typically require advance tickets (recommended).
Kids must be at least 6 years old to climb the tower. Walk-up tickets are sometimes available, but advance purchase through Eventbrite is best.
Looking for more hidden outdoor gems? See our Off-the-Beaten-Path Wisconsin Outdoor Guide.
3. 1860 Light Station Museum (Port Washington, WI)
311 Johnson St., Port Washington, WI 53074
Perched on a bluff above downtown Port Washington, the 1860 Light Station looks like an old schoolhouse—but inside, it has been beautifully restored to match its original 1860 layout. Families can tour the lighthouse keeper’s quarters, see historical artifacts, and climb the recreated lantern room housed in a square tower (a replica of the original one removed in 1934).
All ages may tour the museum, but children must be 6 years old to climb the tower.
While you’re in town, check out the Art Deco Breakwater Lighthouse down in the harbor, originally built in 1849 and improved in 1931.
💡Pair your lighthouse visit with a stop at Upper Lake Park’s Possibility Playground, or explore more local favorites in our Port Washington guide.
4. Lakeside Park Lighthouse (Fond du Lac, WI)
Lighthouse Drive, Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Tours available Memorial Day–Labor Day, 8 a.m. to dusk (weather permitting)
Admission: Free
Built in 1933 during the Great Depression, this 40-foot lighthouse sits on the shores of Lake Winnebago within Fond du Lac’s sprawling Lakeside Park.
A wooden spiral staircase wraps its way up the interior walls to a lovely observation deck overlooking the lake. On a clear day, the views are spectacular.
This is a great family-friendly stop—easy parking, beautiful park grounds, and free admission.
5. Sheboygan Breakwater Lighthouse (Sheboygan, WI)
604 N. 8th St., Sheboygan, WI 53081
Built in 1915, this skeletal steel pierhead lighthouse has a long history guiding ships into Sheboygan’s harbor. While you can’t go inside, families can walk the breakwater out to the tower for great views and photos.
A fun surprise nearby: DeLand Park is home to the salvaged remains of the Lottie Cooper, an 1894 shipwreck. An 89-foot section of the schooner is displayed along the lakefront.
6. Rawley Point Lighthouse (Two Rivers, WI)
Point Beach State Forest, 9400 County Rd O, Two Rivers, WI 54241
(920) 794-7480
Note: The tower may be viewed from the beach; tours are not available.
Park Admission: $8 daily or $28 annual (WI plates)
At 113 feet above lake level, Rawley Point Lighthouse is the tallest land-based lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Its iron skeleton tower is visible nearly 19 miles out over the water.
While the lighthouse is not open to the public (it’s used as housing for Coast Guard personnel), you can photograph and admire it from the beautiful beach at Point Beach State Forest.
7. Central Library Lighthouse (Milwaukee, WI)
Inside Milwaukee Public Library – Central Branch
Betty Brinn Children’s Room
This sweet indoor lighthouse is perfect for younger kids who love to climb and pretend. It’s tucked inside one of the best children’s library spaces in the city, complete with computers, reading nooks, and curated book collections.
A great rainy-day stop for lighthouse lovers.
💡For more details about the Children’s Room and other kid-friendly spaces, see our full post about Central Library.
Planning Your Lighthouse Road Trip
A lighthouse outing is a fun, flexible way to explore the Lake Michigan shoreline with kids. Here are a few planning tips to help make your visit smooth and low-stress:
• Best months to visit:
Most tower climbs only operate in the warmer months (late spring through early fall). Breakwater walks are safest when winds are calm and waves are low.
• Distance from Milwaukee:
All of the lighthouses on this list are an easy drive from the city, ranging roughly 30–90 minutes depending on the destination.
• Tower climb requirements:
Each lighthouse has its own rules. Many require a minimum age (usually 5–6) or height for kids to climb.
• Footwear matters:
For breakwater lighthouses like Sheboygan, sturdy shoes with good grip make the walk safer, especially if the rocks are damp.
• Weather notes:
Lake Michigan weather changes quickly. Strong winds, high waves, or rain may close piers, limit visibility, or halt climbs.
• Parking:
Most lighthouses on this list have nearby lots or easy street parking, making them simple stops with kids.
• Good for young kids:
Even if you skip the tower climbs, plenty of lighthouses offer space to walk, throw rocks, and enjoy the lakefront—making them great for younger children too.
Related Posts
• 100 Best Day Trips From Milwaukee
• Outdoor Things To Do in Wisconsin With Kids
• Best Milwaukee Beaches
Save This For Later
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
