1860 light station

Didn't actually go in it, but we walked up next to the lighthouse and it was pretty cool to be up near a landmark like this.

This was a highlight for me on my trip to Port Washington. Walking thru the door, you instantly get a peek back in time. The first floor is set up with all of the essentials that a 19th Century lighthouse keeper and his family would need. It's so authentic, that it seems like perhaps the family just left on an errand and will return shortly. Visitors are allowed access to the light tower, provided they are able to climb three levels of ladder-like stairs. Once up top, you have a great 360 degree view of Port Washington.Don't miss an opportunity to visit this place.

We enjoyed our visit to the lighthouse keepers quarters and the climb in the tower. The residence was nicely restored and great informational displays on the walls.

This was a great place to learn about the town's lighthouse and some of the shipwrecks in the waters of Lake Michigan around it. The docent's were very nice, friendly and knowledgeable and did a good job of making the most of this small historic site. There is quite bit of very steep stair climbing so wear good shoes and if you are afraid of heights this may not be for you. If you like a view and are interested in maritime history on the great lakes this was well worth the $4 per adult price of admission. They do not let children under 6 go on the very top floor and it would not be a place for anyone with a handicap. The entire tour took about one and a half hours, but could be done in less time I think.

Nice lighthouse, but located in a neighborhood, so no pretty view of the lake and difficult to take pictures without going into someone's yard. I don't really like docents that feel they need to explain every piece of furniture, so the tour was too long for me.

The light house, part of the historic light station, sits atop St Mary's Hill overlooking Lake Michigan, downtown Port Washington and the Marina area. The Port Washington completed the beautiful restoration in 2002. Explore the Light keepers living quarters - be entertained and charmed by knowledgeable docents, climb stair to the top of the light tower and soak in spectacular lake views all the way south to Milwaukee.A small gift shop offers a nice collection of remembrances.The grounds include and an outer building filled with maritime artifacts - some recovered from ships that sank of the area shores. A kiosk ,telling the history of the light station, stands near the southwest edge of the site. There is a minimal charge for touring the lighthouse. Before visiting, check for days and hours that it will be open.

The 1860 lighthouse is staffed by volunteers and managed by the Port Washington Historical Society. Guided tours are given of the restored keeper's quarters. The building is furnished to reflect the time period between 1860 and 1923. Visitors are able to make the climb to the top of the lantern room and see a replica fourth order Fresnel lens. There are three sets of ladder stairs to the top. The building is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from mid may through mid October. The building is located on a bluff overlooking the city. It marked the community of Port Washington for mariners traveling the waters of Lake Michigan while the pierhead light at the end of the breakwater marked the entrance to the harbor. On clear days one can see downtown Milwaukee, Cudahy and the Oak Creek power plant. For the admission price visitors can also go through a small maritime museum on the grounds. Tours for groups can be arranged by contacting the light station or the Port Washington Historical Society.

Amazing restoration of the Light Station and story of the keeper's family in Port Washington, WI. Climb up to the top to see the Lens up close and enjoy the spectacular view of Lake Michigan. Open May through October, weekends and for group tours. Maritime museum is also on the property in an outbuilding.

This is a great place to learn about the mariners on the Great Lakes and the lighthouses that helped to protect them. It is high on the hill near the old Catholic Church. The view itself is worth the trip up. Steep ladders, but great views and tours.

Interesting light house to visit, was surprised it was inland and not on the coast. Nominal fee, but I thought worth it. Ladders are steep so beware. Good view from top of light house. Port Washington is a small place, but the main area has many places to eat and a small market on the Saturday morning I was there.

This refurbished lighthouse is a very good stop to view Port Washington history. Set on the top of the highest hill it is well worth the nominal charge to take the tour and climb to light tower at the top. Those of limited physical ability and agility should stay on the lower level. May not be thrilling for children.

A very quaint village and lighthouse. Very informative tour guides. The tower is doable but be forewarned the ladders are very steep requiring you to climb up & down like you do on a ladder. The view is wonderful from the top.

It seemed odd that the old lighthouse was so far from the water, but there is a current lighthouse on the water. It's actually in a neighborhood and it's a nicely refurbished building that is open to the public on weekends. It doesn't cost much and has lots of interesting artifacts, plus you can climb the tower. The tower itself is kind of a miracle. It had been missing and was restored by the Luxembourg government. I heard the story at the Luxembourg museum in Belgium WI and had to come and see it for myself. Interesting history.