What Is the Duluth Harbor South Breakwater Outer Light?
This is the southern light at the entrance to the world’s largest inland harbor!
What Makes It Historical?
The lights leading into Duluth Harbor came about as a result of the city’s competition with neighboring Superior, Wisconsin! Since Superior was situated on the St. Louis River, Duluth needed its own way to draw ships to its port. So from 1870 until April 1871, Duluth constructed a canal that gave ships quick access to its enormous harbor! Four years later, the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad connected Duluth to St. Paul, causing shipping to explode here and with it, a need for improved guidance!
The first light was installed on the canal’s south pier June 2, 1874 with a fifth order Fresnel lens that could shine for twelve and a half miles in clear weather (upgraded to fourth order in 1877). In 1889, it was joined by a taller light further down the canal toward the harbor, making this one the Outer Light! However, these were just the forerunners of today’s Nationally Registered lights!
Starting in 1895, the Duluth Ship Canal got a makeover with a new south breakwater and north pier made of concrete. Replacing the two demolished lights fell to the Eleventh U.S. Lighthouse District, and on September 1, 1901, the new South Breakwater Outer Light, equipped with its original Fresnel lens and fog whistle, shone forth once more, visible for 17 miles out on the lake! Since 1976, the light has been automated, and while its lens has been replaced with LED, this historic lighthouse still shines a fixed green light all night long!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Become a member of the Lake Superior Marine Museum Association!
- Donate to the Lake Superior Marine Museum Association!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
The closest address is:
702 S Lake Ave
Duluth, MN 55802
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Visit the outside any time you like, but the lighthouse isn’t currently open for tours!
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