The Grosse Point Lighthouse was built in 1873, after 28 shipwrecks near its
location on The Great Lakes. The most renown shipwrecks was the 'Lady Elgin'
in 1860, which was a vessel headed from Milwaukee to Chicago that killed over 300
people. 
Most of the passengers were headed for a Stephen Douglas presidential rally.
The water way that this light guards was an important location because it served as an "intersection" for vessels traveling to and from The Great Lakes to the Gulf and East Coasts.
A special consideration of this light is that it was designed by Orlando Metcalfe
Poe, who designed some of the most beautiful lighthouses in America on The
Great Lakes. In the 1860's, Poe was also a Chief Engineer and Captain under Union General Thomas Sherman, known for his burning of Atlanta during the Civil War, and Poe was instrumental to Sherman in the Union victories in Atlanta and Savannah. Sherman actually gave the order to Poe to burn Atlanta to the ground saving only churches and dwelling houses.
Some of Poe's lighthouses are reminiscent of elaborately decorated "chess pieces" with all the frills! He also designed the Wind Point Light in Racine, Wisconsin, about an hour away in addition to other Great Lake Lighthouses.
Grosse Point was designated a National Historic Landmark and is one of nine lighthouses to have this distinction.
Majesty Score: 3
At 113 feet, Grosse Point actually carries itself a little smaller due to being encompassed by large trees and a huge three story keeper's house (see below).
You might even drive by the lighthouse on Sheridan Road and not really know that this beacon is there. It is also in a residential area that prevents it from being separated out on a point, which would aid it in this score.
Water View Score: 3
Grosse Point stands a few yards away from Lake Michigan, but the water view is difficult when standing at the base due to the trees blocking it.
The beach there has a steel divider on the border of the property preventing visitors from heading south on the beach. The beach is somewhat restricted but still worth a short walk.
Preservation Score: 4
Grosse Point's light and keeper's station are well structurally preserved, a testament to Poe's skills. The light tower has not been structurally altered since it had been built in 1873. The grounds are decent and maintained.
In 1984, a connecting, enclosed walk way was rebuilt between the light tower and the keeper's house. Every keeper's dream!
Surrounding Area Score: 4
Grosse Point stands on the northern edge of the Northwestern University's campus. The neighborhoods around it are very affluent and if you drive north on Sheridan, you will see lakefront homes to die for.
As you can see our visit was in the fall, and I remember these homes by the size of the enormous pumpkins on their porches and their great manicured front lawns.
Accessibility Score: 5
The grounds are open year round. The light keeper's quarters and tower are open during certain times.
I would suggest visiting while the tower is open in order to get a close up of the 2nd order Fresnel lens. 
The museum and tower is open June through September on Saturdays and Sundays - - three tours a day, limited to 12 people each tour. Call: (847)-328-6961 for information.
Beacon Score: 5
Grosse Point is the last lighthouse on the Great Lakes to have an active 2nd order Fresnel lens. It flashes every 15 seconds. It is beautiful, and coupled with Poe's architecturally arched beacon windows makes for an impressive sight.
When looking at the light from the beach you really get an idea of the size and beauty of the lens as it reflects the sunlight through out it.
Overall Score and Overview: 29
Grosse Point is such a regal light! It has the feel of being very upscale.
Visitors should take advantage that this light borders the north edge of the Northwestern Campus. The campus has a really great Lake walk with a distant view of the city of Chicago (see right) and many quiet places!
Directions: Take Exit 35 East (Old Orchard Road) on I-94. Turn left on Crawford then make a right on Central. Central Ends at Sheridan Road, right near the light!
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