Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse

The Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse is a nonprofit organization working to preserve, restore, and celebrate one of Chicagos most treasured maritime landmarks.

Built during the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition and relocated to its current location in 1917, the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse stands just east of Navy Pier, where it has welcomed generations of residents, visitors, and mariners to Chicago. The lighthouse is a designated Chicago Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Our vision is to restore this historic beacon, return it to public life, and create a Classroom on the Lakefront where future generations can experience Chicagos architectural, maritime, educational, and cultural history.

Although the offshore lighthouse is not currently open to the public, it can be viewed from Navy Pier, the lakefront, and many Chicago sightseeing and architectural boat tours. The Friends are working toward safe future access, restoration, educational programming, and public tours.

Visit SaveTheLighthouse.org to discover the lighthouses story, follow its restoration journey, attend an upcoming event, or support the effort to preserve this iconic piece of Chicago history.

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