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Chicago Harbor Light Lighthouse

Fl R 5s🇺🇸Chicago Harbor/Lake Michigan, IL, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Chicago Harbor Light Lighthouse

Constructed in 1893, this lighthouse stands 20 meters tall with its focal plane at 25 meters. It is situated at the south end of the northern breakwater of Chicago Harbor, east of Navy Pier. The structure emits a red light. The lighthouse has been operational since its construction in 1893, serving the lakefront. It marks the entrance to the harbor, guiding vessels on Lake Michigan.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is a listed place on the National Register of Historic Places.

Background
The Chicago Harbor Light, or Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, is an automated active lighthouse, and stands at the south end of the northern breakwater protecting the Chicago Harbor, to the east of Navy Pier and the mouth of the Chicago River.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl R 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
5s
Focal Height
25m
Light Range
24NM (44.4 km)

Construction & History

Year Built
1893
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5095636 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
20m

Location

City
Chicago Harbor/Lake Michigan, IL
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
41.8894°
Longitude
-87.5905°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Chicago Harbor Light Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 25 meters and a nominal range of 24 nautical miles (approximately 44.4 km), Chicago Harbor Light is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Chicago Harbor Light Lighthouse at night?+
Chicago Harbor Light displays the characteristic Fl R 5s — 1 red flash every 5 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Chicago Harbor Light Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Chicago Harbor Light Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Chicago at 0.8 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Wicker Park (3.5 NM W), Stickney (9 NM WSW), Calumet (9.9 NM SSE), CALUMET HARBOR (10 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Chicago Harbor Light Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Chicago Harbor Light Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Chicago Harbor Light Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Chicago Harbor Light Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.