With so much coastline along the Great Lakes, Wisconsin is home to some historic and beautiful lighthouses. Up in Two Rivers, there’s a lighthouse in a state forest that has all kinds of unique characteristics. Hiking to see it takes you in and among some of the most pristine parts of the state. There are few places with views like this anywhere in Wisconsin and this state forest ensures that they’re protected for us all to see and experience. For a totally unforgettable day in nature, you have to visit Rawley Point Lighthouse in Point Beach State Forest.
Point Beach State Forest is a nearly 3,000-acre public area in Two Rivers that's home to all kinds of amazing things to see and do.
This is a truly cool and unusual state park, as it has the forest and the beach access. A portion of the area is designated as a National Natural Landmark. Sat right along the Lake Michigan coast, this gorgeous forest is the perfect place to spend a day exploring.
Rawley Point Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on the Great Lakes, standing 113 feet above the beach.
It is named for Peter Rowley, who established a trading post in the area in 1835. Part of the metal structure of the light was actually taken from the Old Chicago Harbor Light and repurposed here.
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Though the lighthouse isn't open for touring, it's still approachable and viewable from multiple places in the state forest.
It makes for a gorgeous backdrop at dusk. With spectacular unblocked views of the eastern horizon, this is a great place to visit for sunrise, as well.
Finding such pristine space along the Great Lakes is nearly impossible.
There are actually three separate natural areas here with unique characteristics. The Two Creeks Buried Forest area has sediment that dates back at least 11,000 years.
The Ridges Trail is the one that connects the parking lot to three different loops along the shoreline, including the Red Loop Trail, which will take you to the lighthouse.
Part of the Ice Age State Trail passes through here and there are six miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. You'll find half-mile loops and a seven-mile trek. Basically, there's something for everyone here.
But of course, the main attraction here is the opportunity to hike for miles along the Lake Michigan coastline.
There's also a bike trail through here, so basically there's no excuse not to explore this truly gorgeous state forest. The views up and down the shore are beautifully breathtaking. You'll love feeling the wind across the water and exploring the dunes, beach, and forest. Once you've worked up a sweat, visit the beach to take a dip and cool off in the lake.
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You'll never grow tired of the view out across the lake.
Whether it's early morning sunsets or late afternoon moonrises, there's a good chance you'll get to take in a show as the sky lights up and changes colors.
Point Beach State Forest also has campsites, making it a little easier to be there bright and early for the sunsets.
At night, you'll enjoy great views of the stars in an area that's fairly unpolluted by light. There's really no time when the views here aren't breathtaking - you just have to wander a bit to find them.
Rawley Point Lighthouse is located in Point Beach State Forest. A Wisconsin State Parks admission sticker is required for admission. They can be purchased for $8 for a single day or $28 for the year. Campsites have an additional charge.
Address: 9400 County Road O, Two Rivers, WI, 54241.
Learn more about the forest here and the lighthouse here on the state Department of Natural Resources website.
If you love amazing Wisconsin lighthouse experiences, you have to check out this amazing place where you can walk across Lake Michigan to a lighthouse.
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