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Racine Reef Lighthouse

Fl W 6s🇺🇸Eastern Wisconsin, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Racine Reef Lighthouse

Built in 1899, the Racine Reef Light stood in Lake Michigan, approximately two miles offshore from Eastern Wisconsin. Its primary function was to mark the hazardous Racine Reefs, extending from the shoreline. The structure provided a white light at a focal height of 15 meters. This lighthouse was operational and first lit in the same year it was constructed. It was removed in 1961 and a skeleton tower was erected on the original foundation.

Background
The Racine Reef Light was a lighthouse located in Lake Michigan some two miles east of Racine, Wisconsin, marking the edge of its eponymous shallows. It was torn down in 1961 and replaced with a skeleton tower on the same foundation.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Focal Height
15m

Location

City
Eastern Wisconsin
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
42.7333°
Longitude
-87.7333°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Construction & History

Year Built
1899

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q18156842 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Racine Reef Lighthouse at night?+
Racine Reef displays the characteristic Fl W 6s — 1 white flash every 6 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.
Which ports and harbors does Racine Reef Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Racine Reef Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Racine at 1.8 NM to the W. Other ports served include Kenosha (9.6 NM SSW), Pleasant Prairie (14.9 NM SSW), Milwaukee (18.7 NM NNW), West Allis (20.7 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Racine Reef Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Racine Reef 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 Racine Reef Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Racine Reef 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.