Now owned by the state, it is periodically open to the public, and maintained by a local non-profit organization.

The interior has a six-level spiral concrete staircase, and the tower's top two levels are accessed by wooden ladders.

It is the only one of fourteen coastal observation posts to survive from the Second World War in the state.

During the war, the tower was connected to nearby Fort Dearborn by telephone to relay observational measurements.

The non-profit Friends of Pulpit Rock performs limited maintenance and restoration work on the structure, and periodically organizes public access.