Southport Light Station Museum

A seasonal attraction located at Simmons Island Park, 50th Street and Lighthouse Drive (4th Avenue). After years of extensive remodeling and renovation, the 1867 Light Station Keeper’s Cottage opened in May 2010 as a maritime museum featuring artifacts, maps and information about Kenosha’s important 19th century harbor. The first floor of the building has been restored to a 1907-08 time period, complete with historic paint colors and a period kitchen. Exhibits document Kenosha's harbor history, with information on its lighthouse keepers, shipping and commercial fishing history. A chart desk for nautical charts and maps displays historical harbor maps that date back to 1839, which shows the plot of Southport (what Kenosha used to be called). An authentic Fresnel lens, on loan from the U.S. Coast Guard, is on display. It has the size lens that used to sit atop the Southport Lighthouse. The second floor is open with exhibits about the restoration project and a re-creation of a lighthouse keeper’s bedroom/office. More exhibits in more rooms will be added over time.

The Southport Lighthouse, built in 1866, is the third lighthouse tower to have existed. During museum hours, visitors can climb the 72 steps to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the Lake Michigan shoreline. The tower stands 55 feet above the lighthouse grounds.

Adult and school group tours welcomed. Facility rentals available. Free parking. Suggested donations to tour the museum; there is a fee to climb the lighthouse (must be 8 years old or older).

Click here for directions to Southport Light Station Museum.