Renovation Plans Unveiled for Duluth’s Historic Breakwater Light Station

DULUTH, Minn.– If you’ve taken a stroll down Canal Park, chances are you’ve seen the iconic lighthouse with the striking red roof.

But today, there was more than what meets the eye.

Doors opened to show just how much work is needed to restore the light station.

The ‘Lake Superior Maritime Museum Association’ nonprofit will be giving it a second life.

The ‘Duluth South Pier Breakwater Light Station’ first became operational in 1901.

Fixated with a green LED beacon, it is still operational today by the Coast Guard, despite it being automated.

That being said, they will be preserving some of Duluth’s precious history.

“The maritime industry really helped the development of the whole Twin Ports in the North Shore area at that time there, especially at the North Shore, there were no roads. Everything came by boat. So, to really understand the history of this area, you have to understand the maritime history, and it was a very dangerous job to be out on those ship,” said Al Finlayson, Treasurer, ‘Lake Superior Marine Museum Association’.

During the next few years, the light station will undergo renovations, receive security cameras, and get a professional cleaning.

The goal is to preserve the history that aligns with the mission of the ‘Lake Superior Maritime Museum’.

“The number one draw for people is still a big ship coming through the port, people get out of their booths in the restaurants, they run out of their hotels, and they want to they want to see that. So now to have something, that at some point in time with community and financial support, will be able to become an attraction, in and of itself, makes that even more special,” added Matt Baumgartner, President, Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce.

Renovations for the light station is expected to wrap up by 2027.

After it’s complete, it will open up for public tours, to showcase the significant historic landmark.