Two Harbors Breakwater Light

The Two Harbors Breakwater Light is a lighthouse on a breakwater in Two Harbors, Minnesota, featuring a square pyramidal frame structure painted white. The building rises about 25 feet (7.5 meters) tall and is topped with an octagonal lantern that guides ships into the harbor.

The current structure was built in 1906 to replace an earlier iron post marker from 1895 that guided ships on Lake Superior. This modernization of navigation equipment made voyages safer for the increasing amount of shipping traffic in the area.

This structure stands as a marker of maritime tradition along Minnesota's North Shore, showing how vital this location was for shipping iron ore across Lake Superior. Visitors can see how such navigation aids shaped the economic life of the region.

The lighthouse stands at the end of a public breakwater that is accessible on foot, allowing visitors to walk out for closer views and photographs. The location offers views of the harbor and Lake Superior, especially pleasant on clear days.

This structure serves both as a light beacon and a fog signal station, with an electric horn system that replaced the original manually operated bell. This dual function shows how essential reliable navigation aids were in all weather conditions.

Location: Two Harbors

Inception: 1897

Height: 7.5 m

GPS coordinates: 47.01056,-91.66972

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:02