Wind Point Lighthouse is located along Lake Michigan’s southern shore at 4725 Lighthouse Drive in the Village of Wind Point in Racine County, Wisconsin. The lighthouse was constructed in 1880 just feet from the shore of Lake Michigan, and is one of the oldest and tallest active lighthouses on the Great Lakes. Standing at 108 feet in height, this lighthouse was first used in 1880. The lighthouse remains in use today. Wind Point is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Read more about this designation at the Wisconsin Historical Society website.
Grounds at Wind Point
On the grounds of the lighthouse, you’ll find a small park, picnic area, and beach. Additionally, there is an oil house that was constructed in 1910. This building was used as storage for flammable oil for the light station beacon. Additionally, the original brick fog signal building, constructed in 1900, lies adjacent to the lighthouse.
Fog Signal Building
The fog signal building pictured below is home to lighthouse sirens that signaled low visibility on Lake Michigan. This signal could be heard for 10 miles into Lake Michigan, and was active from 1900 to 1964, when it was decommissioned.
Photos from the Lighthouse Grounds
The photos of the lighthouse and surrounding grounds were taken in July of 2024.
Lake Michigan Shipwrecks | Kate Kelly
Two miles off the shore of Wind Point in Lake Michigan lies the wreck of the Kate Kelly. Sunk in May of 1895 along with a crew of 7, the Kate Kelly wooden schooner met her end in 55 feet of water. Today, a red mooring buoy marks the site of the shipwreck in Lake Michigan east of Wind Point. An informational sign on the grounds of the lighthouse provides additional information on this notable wreck. For more information on this shipwreck, visit the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society.
Wind Point Lighthouse Tours
Lighthouse tours are available on the first Sunday of the month from June through October between 9am and 3pm. You can climb 144 steps to the top of the tower for a beautiful view of Lake Michigan and the surrounding community. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $6 for children age 11 and under. You can book tickets in advance using Eventbrite.
2026 Lighthouse Tower Schedule
- June 7
- July 5
- August 2
- September 6
- October 4
Parking at Wind Point
There is a small parking lot with 20 spots on Village Hall Drive near the lighthouse. Additionally, a larger parking lot is available at the south end of Shoop Park. Parking is free and restrooms are available near the lighthouse. Parking spots fill quickly in the summer months, and morning is the best time to visit.
Nearby Adventures
If you love Great Lakes beaches, consider a drive to Kenosha’s Simmons Island Beach, just 13.5 miles south of Racine. Simmons Island is one of my favorite beaches to comb for beach glass, marbles, fossils, and other unique treasures. Read more here: Discover Lake Michigan’s Historic Hidden Treasures | Simmons Island Beach.
Additionally, I’ve highlighted my three favorite beaches in southern Wisconsin in my recent blog article: Lake Michigan’s Hidden Treasures: Southern Wisconsin’s Best Beaches.
Enjoy this beautiful, scenic stretch of Lake Michigan’s southern shore!
-Erin