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Lighthouse Renovations Near Completion At Apostle Islands National Lakeshore In Wisconsin

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Published Date

September 15, 2014
Alternate TextA cruise to Devils Island Light and the other lighthouses at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the Ultimate Lighthouse Cruise, is scheduled for this Saturday./David and Kay Scott

The multi-year Light Station Preservation Project for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore'™s six historic lighthouses is nearing completion. 

With powerful storms and bone-chilling cold a common occurrence, life as a Lake Superior lighthouse isn'™t an easy one.  Depending upon the condition of each lighthouse, preservation work included new concrete footings, plastering, painting, and repairs to roofs, sidewalks, and lanterns. In some cases, encroaching trees were cleared to return the grounds to the time when lighthouse keepers were stationed there. 

Due to the scheduled preservation work, only the Raspberry Island Lighthouse remained open for visitation during the 2014 season. 

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is considered home to one of the most outstanding collections of historical lighthouses in the country.  The oldest of the group was put into service on Michigan Island in 1857.  Oddly, the lighthouse was initially scheduled for a different island and closed after only a year, although it was repaired and relit a decade later.  Additional lighthouses were added to other islands through the 1890s.

The national lakeshore is near the end of its September Lighthouse Celebration, which includes a daily cruise to one of the six lighthouses.  The last trip, the Ultimate Lighthouse Cruise, is scheduled for this coming Saturday. Individual cruises during the celebration included a Raspberry Island Lighthouse Keeper'™s Tour, an Outer Island Voyage, and the Ultimate Lighthouse Tour.

Although the active lighthouses have been automated for many years, the national lakeshore accepts volunteer lighthouse keepers during the summer season.  Volunteers, who live on the islands, are expected to tend to routine maintenance and guide visitors on tours through the facilities.  Volunteers typically remain at a lighthouse for two weeks and must bring their own food, bedding, and most other necessities.  Each facility has a propane stove, heater, and refrigerator, plus twin beds, and brooms. 

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