General Info:
Crisp Point was one of four original Lake Superior Life Saving Stations. It was built in 1875 and became operational in 1876. Plans to build Crisp Point Lighthouse were originally proposed in 1896 and every year after, until it was finally approved in 1902, to be built with a budget of$18,000. Fifteen acres of land with a quarter mile of lake frontage was purchased in 1903 for $30. Due to continuous erosion, the lighthouse grounds now consist of less than three (3) acres. On May 5th, 1904 the light became operational. The tower housed a fixed 360 degree red fourth order Fresenel Lens. The lighthouse tower stands fifty-eight feet in height from its base to the ventilator ball of the lantern. The tower was placed on a ten foot deep and fourteen foot wide concrete foundation. The lighthouse station also contained a service building attached to the tower, a two family, two story brick keepers house, fog signal building, a boat house, oil house, and barn. Over time numerous cribs, groins, and sheet piling were constructed to prevent erosion, only to be destroyed by the massive forces of Lake Superior. In 1965, because of vandalism and maintenance problems, the United States Coast Guard decided to destroy all remaining buildings except the light tower and its attached service building. In 1996 the service building to the tower perished, the result of numerous Lake Superior storms. It was at this time, Crisp Point Lighthouse was listed as the most endangered lighthouse in the United States. Beginning in 1998 and other years since, large stone has been placed along the shoreline to help slow the threat of erosion. Erosion caused by wind and water will always be a major concern at the light. The service building to the tower was rebuilt over a two year period and opened in 2008. In 2009 the Crisp Point Visitors Center opened. The center is a replica of the fog signal building, containing historical displays, merchandise and restrooms. In the Fall of 2012, a new solar powered light was installed in the lantern room and was turned on in May 2013. This marked the first time the lighthouse had been lit in 20 years. The light is now operated seasonally from May to November as a Private Aid to Navigation (PATON). PLEASE NOTE THAT THE VISITOR CENTER IS ONLY OPEN FROM APPROXIMATELY MAY TO NOVEMBER AND THAT COUNTY ROAD 412 IS NOT SNOWPLOWED OR MAINTAINED IN THE WINTER. The Crisp Point Light Historical Society (CPLHS) was formed in 1992 and is a nonprofit 501.C.3 organization. CPLHS is an all volunteer group whose purpose is to restore and preserve Crisp Point Lighthouse for future generations. The solitude and tranquility felt at the light are irreplaceable and the sunsets are some of the best you'll see anywhere. We invite you to visit Crisp Point Lighthouse, it is definitely worth the trip.