Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse

Fl R 4s🇺🇸Eastern Wisconsin, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse

Also known as: Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse

Constructed in 1872, the Milwaukee Pierhead Light stands 12 meters tall. Its focal height reaches 13.5 meters above the water. The tower is painted red, and it emits a single red flash. The light was first lit in the same year it was built. This active aid to navigation is situated in Milwaukee harbor.

Why it matters: This aid to navigation is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Background
The Milwaukee Pierhead Light is an active lighthouse located in the Milwaukee harbor, just south of downtown. This aid to navigation is a 'sister' of the Kenosha North Pier Light.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl R 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
13.5m

Construction & History

Year Built
1872
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q6861794 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Color
red

Location

City
Eastern Wisconsin
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
43.0259°
Longitude
-87.8954°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near US, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse at night?+
Milwaukee Pierhead displays the characteristic Fl R 4s — 1 red flash every 4 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 Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Milwaukee at 0.2 NM to the S. Other ports served include West Allis (4.6 NM W), Racine (18.3 NM SSE), Mukwonago (21.5 NM WSW), PORT WASHINGTON (21.7 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Milwaukee Pierhead 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 Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Milwaukee Pierhead 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.