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Seneca Lighthouse

Fl (2) Red 6s🇺🇸Seneca, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Seneca Lighthouse

A 6m hexagonal wood tower, painted white, is set on a square concrete base. Located on the south bank of the Illinois River in Seneca, Illinois, its light is at a focal height of 8 meters. The light characteristic is Fl R 6s, with a visibility range of 9.7 nautical miles. Site access is permitted, but the tower is not open for entry. It was formerly part of the US Coast Guard system and is now under private care.

Why it matters: This structure marks the south bank of the Illinois River for watercraft. Its ongoing upkeep by private interests shows a dedication to maintaining local navigation markers.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) Red 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl R 6s
Focal Height
8m
Geographic Range
9.7NM

Location

City
Seneca
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Illinois
Sea Region
Illinois River in Seneca, marking the south side of the river.
Latitude
41.2976°
Longitude
-88.6054°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Channahon(20.3 km)
USCG No.
5-6325

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6m
Tower Shape
hexagonal
Tower Color
white
Material
wood

Structure: A 6m hexagonal wood tower, painted white, mounted on a square concrete base.

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Seneca Lighthouse at night?+
Seneca displays the characteristic Fl (2) Red 6s — 2 red flashes 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. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Seneca Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Seneca Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Marseilles at 4.4 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include MORRIS CITY (8.9 NM ENE), Ottawa Lake (11.2 NM WNW), Oglesby (20.1 NM W), CHANNAHON (20.4 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Seneca Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Seneca 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 Seneca Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Seneca 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.