The Great Lighthouse Hunt in Illinois: Fewer Than You Think, But Way More Interesting
Ah, lighthouses. Those stoic sentinels of the sea, guiding wayward sailors and setting the mood for countless nautical novels. But what about Illinois? Landlocked Illinois, you say? Surprisingly, yes! The Prairie State does have a handful of lighthouses, though they're not exactly guarding against crashing waves on stormy seas.
 |
| How Many Lighthouses Are In Illinois |
On the Shores of Lake Michigan: A Lighthouse Lineup (Without the Long Lines)
Illinois' lighthouses are all clustered along the shores of Lake Michigan, keeping an eye out for, well, freighters and enthusiastic paddleboarders. Here are some of the key players:
- Waukegan Harbor Light: This squat, red brick lighthouse is a working lighthouse, keeping an eye on things 24/7. You can't climb it, but you can take a selfie with it and pretend you're braving the high seas (Lake Michigan can get pretty rough, don't knock it!).
- Grosse Point Lighthouse: This grand dame of Illinois lighthouses is a real looker. Built in 1873, it's a classic white lighthouse with a red roof, and it's even open for tours during the summer. Perfect for an afternoon of lighthouse lounging (because that's a thing, apparently).
- Chicago Harbor Lighthouses: Now, these aren't your typical lighthouses. These are a collection of strategically placed lights on water intake cribs. Not the most glamorous, but hey, they do the job!
Beyond the Big Names: The Illinois Lighthouse You Never Knew Existed (Probably)
- Metropolis Lighthouse (aka Hope Light): Okay, so this one isn't actually on Lake Michigan. It's a replica lighthouse on the Ohio River, but it's worth mentioning because it's a beacon of... hope? Optimism? Picturesque river views? You decide!
Fun Fact: Illinois also has a bunch of range lights along the Mississippi River and the Illinois Waterway. These aren't your classic lighthouses, but they help guide boats by forming a visual line in the water. Not as exciting, but way more important for commercial shipping!
So, How Many Lighthouses Does Illinois Actually Have?
The answer, like a good lighthouse pun, is a little hazy. It depends on how you define "lighthouse."
QuickTip: Reread for hidden meaning.
- Classic lighthouses: 3-4 (depending on whether you count the replica)
- Water intake crib lights: Who even knows, but there are a bunch!
- Range lights: Lots, but they're not the same as lighthouses (sorry, range light enthusiasts!)
The important takeaway: There aren't a ton of lighthouses in Illinois, but the ones they do have are pretty cool (and there are some fun extras!).
FAQ: Become an Illinois Lighthouse Whisperer (Not Really, But Sounds Cool)
How to get to the Illinois lighthouses?
Most Illinois lighthouses are easily accessible by car. Check each lighthouse's website or a travel guide for specifics.
Tip: Keep your attention on the main thread.
How to climb an Illinois lighthouse?
 |
Currently, only the Grosse Point Lighthouse offers tours that include climbing the tower.
How to take the best picture of an Illinois lighthouse?
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
Golden hour is your friend! Early mornings or late afternoons will give you the best light for your lighthouse photography.
How to learn more about Illinois lighthouses?
The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the American Lighthouse Foundation are great resources!
Tip: Highlight sentences that answer your questions.
How to build your own Illinois lighthouse replica out of Legos?
Now that's a question I can't answer (yet). But hey, if you do it, send me a picture!
 |
