Standing guard over Manitowoc’s harbor on Lake Michigan, this lighthouse has guided mariners since 1839, making it one of Wisconsin’s earliest navigational aids. The active light marks the entrance to the Manitowoc River, sitting at the end of the north breakwater pier. Its striking red structure against the blue lake makes it a favorite among photographers, with golden hour and winter ice formations offering the most dramatic shots. While the lighthouse is not open to the public, visitors can walk the breakwater for close-up views. Nearby, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum — home to the USS Cobia submarine — and the SS Badger car ferry terminal make Manitowoc a compelling lakeside destination for history and maritime enthusiasts.

Explore Nearby

• Fischer Creek State Recreation Area — State Park in Wisconsin
• Kohler-Andrae State Park — State Park in Wisconsin
• Cedarburg Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Wisconsin
• Springwater Volunteer Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Wisconsin
• Newport State Park — Dark Sky Site in Wisconsin