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Dane County Lighthouse Lighthouse

Al Red/White🇺🇸Madison, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Dane County Lighthouse Lighthouse

Constructed in 1959, the Dane County Lighthouse is a 12-meter cylindrical steel tower. It features a white exterior with a red band positioned beneath the lantern. The light displays alternating red and white flashes, visible for 11.6 nautical miles. This active aid to navigation stands on the west side of the Tenney Park Lock entrance on Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin. The lock system connects Lake Mendota and Lake Monona via a section of the Yahara River.

Why it matters: This lighthouse provides guidance for recreational boaters transiting the Tenney Park Lock, facilitating safe passage between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. Its unique location within an urban park and a lock system highlights its role in inland waterway travel.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Al Red/White
Flash Type
Alternating
Light Color
Red/White
Raw Code
Al RW
Focal Height
14m
Geographic Range
11.6NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1959

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with a red band under the lantern
Material
steel

Structure: A 12m round steel tower with lantern and gallery, painted white with a red band under the lantern.

Location

City
Madison
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Wisconsin
Sea Region
Located on the west side of the entrance to the Tenney Park Lock from Lake Mendota, in Madison, Wisconsin. The lock allows boats to pass between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona through a section of the Yahara River.
Latitude
43.0952°
Longitude
-89.3707°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Milwaukee(65.1 km)
ARLHS No.
USA-1316
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Dane County Lighthouse Lighthouse at night?+
Dane County Lighthouse displays the characteristic Al Red/White. 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/white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Dane County Lighthouse Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Dane County Lighthouse Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Maple Bluff at 1.3 NM to the N. Other ports served include McFarland (5.6 NM SSE), Dane (10.9 NM NNW), Cambridge (17.2 NM ESE), Prairie du Sac (18.9 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Dane County Lighthouse Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Dane County Lighthouse 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 Dane County Lighthouse Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Dane County Lighthouse 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.