Wisconsin Lights - Manitowoc Breakwater

From the S. S. Badger deck looking at the Manitowoc
Breakwater Light as cross into the harbor.
5/21/2018  dwm photo

Our four hour crossing of Lake Michigan ended in the Manitowoc harbor as we passed the Manitowoc Breakwater on the way to our dock.

The old lighthouse turns 100 in November, 2018.  It is the fifth beacon built to guide boats into the harbor and safety of the Manitowoc River.

I floated past the light aboard the S.S. Badger which is the 14th descendent of the Pere Marquette car ferry line.

By car, I mean railroad car.  That's why the large ferries were outfitted with tracks so the cars and their cargo could roll on board.  In 1900, records show the S.S. Pere Marquette hauled 27,000 railroad cars across the lake.

The Breakwater light is getting
touched up for its 100th birthday.
5/21/18  dwm photo

Because of the car ferry, the Manitowoc harbor has seen a lot of boat traffic since the flame was first lit in 1839.

This breakwater light, like the one in Milwaukee, is a fortress.  According to its history at the lighthouse friends website, it was built with 1/4" steel plate atop two levels of concrete construction.

The lantern room caps the building with similar space for the foghorn below it.

Lake Michigan awaits outside the harbor. 5/21/18 (dwm)

An electric foghorn was installed in 1964 and in 1971 the keepers were no longer needed as the lights were put on automatic pilot.

By 2009, it was deemed excess property and offered for sale.  The individual who bought it is reportedly planning to restore it to its original glory as a bright light on the lake.

I look forward to a return trip someday to get a closer look of this rock and light for the ages.