I enjoy this lighthouse even though it is no longer a working light.

Fond du Lac Lighthouse, located at the southern end of Lake Winnebago, has become the symbol of the surrounding city, much like the Statue of Liberty represents New York City and the Golden Gate Bridge is linked to San Francisco. As you travel the streets of Fond du Lac, the image of the lighthouse is readily seen on bridges, road signs, and advertising. The community’s affinity for the lighthouse is perhaps because the beacon was built and lit during one of the city’s darkest periods. 

In 1932, lumberman W. J. Nuss generously offered to build a lighthouse in Lakeside Park using plans donated by noted architect Roger A. Sutherland. The offer was quickly accepted by the park board, and work on the forty-foot tower started the following May. At this time, the country was suffering through the depths of the Great Depression. Unemployment peaked at 24.9% in 1933, spreading a cloud of gloom across the nation. Charitably, the laborers employed on the lighthouse project were all out-of-work Fund du Lac citizens. The lighthouse was built at no cost to the city, with A.J. Rosenthal, Pierce Pereell, E.A. Becker, W.H. Manoske, H.B. Rossner, and A.R. Reiser all donating to the project. The local yacht club purchased a $200 beacon for the lantern room to guide mariners in and out of the harbor.

The bottom ten feet of the eight-sided lighthouse consists of a flagstone-covered base, while the upper section of the tower is of frame construction.

The laying of the cornerstone for the lighthouse on July 10, 1933 was a big even for the community, with several hundred people attending the ceremonies. Mayor Albert J. Rosenthal and Judge Heineman both spoke to the crowd from a flag-draped platform, and then Rosenthal, assisted by members of the park board, laid the cornerstone. 

Frank Russell, superintendent of the park department, oversaw the construction of the lighthouse. The top flight of stairs was finished in October 1933, and shortly thereafter the lighthouse was completed.

By 1965, the lighthouse had fallen into disrepair, and the city hired Waryzn Engineering and Service Co., a consulting firm from Madison, Wisconsin, to examine the structure. Commenting on the condition of the lighthouse at that time, Carl Jacobs, park superintendent, said, “The first two floors are weakened. Plywood was put over the floors but whether that is the answer, I don’t know. The top deck is not good. It may all have to be replaced. The railing is loose and would have to be replaced or repaired.” 

After the lighthouse was restored, a celebration was held on July 3, 1968. A plaque on a stone near the lighthouse reads: “Saved 1967, Restored 1993. Fond du Lac Evening Optimist Club.”

A wooden staircase, attached to the interior walls of the lighthouse, winds up through the tower permitting visitors to reach the observation deck, where an excellent view of Lakeside Park and Lake Winnebago is afforded.

I have gone more than once to be alone and with my daughter and her boyfriend. I like the fact that you can go in amd climb to the top and enjoy the view and just relax.

The park around it is also beautiful and they have a carousel and ice cream truck during the warmest months. I had picked Donald Duck to ride on the carousel and it was fun and felt like a kid again.

I also treated myself to a local diner! Treat yourself and just have fun!

My husband and I found this lighthouse shop on our way home from Door County and I fell in love!

I was able to find some trinkets and souvenir clothing that I treasure.

My daughter and I planned a road trip and we wnt back to the shop and the lighthouse in the area.

We toured the ship that was available as well as the lighthouse and we had the best time! Even just the shop is worth the drive!

I went to visit this lighthouse and walked the pier to view it on a beautiful day!

This public river access site is a site owned and operated by the State of Michigan. It is located on Harbor Drive near Tourist Park by the mouth of the Menominee River. It has a double boat ramp, paved parking area, and walkway to the lighthouse pier.

Place this on your list of must see this lighthouse! You may not be able to go inside but it is still an amazing one to view!

Another lovely day to do some exploring! Originally I was going to go to the Henry Vilas zoo but was way too peopley!! So I decided to venture to the Lake Kensoga state park to enjoy some quiet time by the water.

The air was a bit chilly by the lake but it was so beautiful, so very peaceful which is exactly what I needed today. I passed by some geese and luckily did not get goosed but I did catch a few shots of them along with a seagull.

I sat on the swing facing the water and was soothed by the sounds of the waves rushing over the shore.

I am always able to find happiness when I am near water especially the lake or ocean.🥰

I also took a drive back to Sun Prairie to get some nurishment at Gus’s diner- one of my fave establishments!

I decided to switch it up today! I am in Sun Prairie and went to the East towne mall to get my ring checked and cleaned. I shopped a bit and found the cutest earrings at hot topic- strawberries and bumblebees along with a strawberry shortcake perfume! So fun!

I remind myself to just take one day at a time and to find joy in the little things. Be silly and make yourself laugh! Find the beauty around you and throw away bad thoughts and take in the good.

Even if it’s found outside or inside a mall- find your own happiness! 

The Big Bay Point Light is a lighthouse which stands on a tall bluff over a rocky point near Big Bay, Michigan, approximately 24 miles northwest of Marquette on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Today it is one of a few operational lighthouses with a bed and breakfast. It is reputed to be haunted.

 I may have some more fondness for this lighthouse over any other due to being able to stay for 5 nights. It is a bed and breakfast run by a gentleman named Nick. The rooms are named for previous lighthouse keepers and we stayed in Assistant Temple room on the second floor. You could hear the waves of Lake Superior when you open your window and see the beauty of the landscape.

When you stay in this beautiful place you have access to the tower and able to go out on the platform and enjoy the view. Also a great place to watch the amazing sunrise and sunset over the water! There is also a shared dining space where you can enjoy the delicious (ok, yummy!) breakfast or take to your room or even outside to devour it.

This Lighthouse was built in 1896 to help mark a point between Granite Island and the Huron Islands.

You will have to drive to other destinations that you want to see, I recommend waterfalls and the shipwreck boat tour.

If you want to see what it would have been like to be a lighthouse keeper for a bit! Definitely ink this lighthouse onto your map with permanent marker! Perfect for a getaway for two!