The first lighthouse on this bluff was built in 1855, a structure of Cream City brick with a cast iron lantern room, sited high to make it visible out on Lake Michigan.

In the late 1880s it was jeopardized by erosion of the bluff and plans were made to replace it.

Eventually trees in the park obstructed the light from the view of ships, so in 1912 the tower was dismantled and a riveted steel addition was erected and the original 1888 section was placed on top raising its height to 74 feet (23 m)[3] and light focal plane to 154 feet (47 m).

The lens focused a 1,300,000 candlepower signal visible for 25 miles (40 km).

A $984,000 grant was used to restore the light station and it re-opened to the public as a maritime museum in 2007.