Historic Duluth Lighthouse Has New Owner With Big Plans

In the immediate Twin Ports area, there are three lighthouse structures currently on Lake Superior. One of them just announced a new owner with some big plans for the structure.

Each of the three active lighthouse structures has gone up for sale in recent years, with Duluth's North Pier Lighthouse hitting the market in 2021 and the lighthouse at the Superior Entry on Wisconsin Point listed in 2024.

The third lighthouse, the red-roofed South Pier Lighthouse in Duluth's Canal Park, just got a new owner.

The Lake Superior Maritime Museum Association (LSMMA) announced on August 19 that they had acquired the lighthouse.

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The nonprofit organization noted they were "pleased to share this new adventure with you and hope you will join us" while asking for donations to contribute to the renovation project they have planned for the historic structure.

The LSMMA is a 501c (3) nonprofit that was founded in 1973 to collect and maintain artifacts related to the maritime history of the Twin Ports area. They are partnered with the Corps of Engineers on the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Canal Park and are involved with the Duluth Harbor Cam webcams that show various viewpoints of the Duluth-Superior Harbor.

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The organization's website highlights that the South Pier Lighthouse has been shining since being established by the federal government in 1901, replacing a wooden structure built in 1874.

Business North reports that the LSMMA plans to refurbish the structure, with a board member of the organization saying, “We’re excited to acquire this iconic facility, refurbish it, and share it with the community".

The restoration plans will not only rejuvenate the structure, but they will also afford the LSMMA the opportunity to provide public tours.

Fixing issues from a combination of natural wear, vandalism, and a pigeon infestation over the years is part of the restoration efforts.

The LSMMA tells Business North they hope to be able to get restoration efforts underway and share the structure with the public "within the next couple of years".

Once this project is complete, it will give the public the opportunity to explore one of the iconic structures in Canal Park. The historic lighthouse is still used by the Coast Guard as a navigational structure with an active fog horn and green beacon that can be seen from up to 17 miles away.