National Park Service to Deconstruct Chequamegon Point Light Tower Due to Structural Failure

BAYFIELD, Wis. - Apostle Islands National Lakeshore plans to dismantle and remove the historic Chequamegon Point Light Tower on Long Island in summer 2026. The National Park Service (NPS) announced the deteriorating 42-foot tower can no longer be preserved in place. Shoreline erosion and storm damage have caused significant structural failures, including failing footings, severed anchors, and damaged structural braces. The tower poses an imminent safety risk. If not addressed, it threatens to collapse into Lake Superior.

"Protecting public safety and preserving the integrity of our maritime heritage are core responsibilities," said Superintendent BriAnna Weldon. "Unfortunately, the Chequamegon Point Light Tower has reached a point where in-place preservation is no longer feasible. Deconstruction is the safest and most responsible path forward."

Historical Significance

Erected in 1897, the Chequamegon Point Light Tower was part of a network of navigational aids along the southern shore of Lake Superior. Part of the historic Long Island Light Station complex, the tower marked the entrance to Chequamegon Bay. In 1987 the tower was moved 100 feet east to its current location due to shoreline change. Over time, many of its character defining features were removed. Only the exposed steel lattice frame and lantern room remain today.

Preservation & Compliance Framework

The National Park Service, in consultation with the Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), evaluated the tower under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. While not individually listed on the National register of Historic Places, the tower is a contributing feature to the Long Island Light Station historic district. NPS will dismantle the remaining structure and relocate it to an off-site storage location.

Decommissioned USCG Aid to Navigation

The National Park Service and the U.S. Coast Guard have coordinated closely on the removal of an adjacent decommissioned USCG aid to navigation (ATON). All historic ATONs on Long Island have been replaced by a single USCG buoy offshore. The USCG is contributing funding and concurrence toward removal of the tower and the ATON.

Timeline and Next Steps

The National Park Service is currently contracting specialized services for this project. A detailed timeline will be shared once contractors are selected and logistics are finalized.

Once removed, the NPS will assess potential long-term storage or interpretive uses for the tower's remaining elements in consultation with partners and subject-matter experts.

Visitor impacts are expected to be minimal. Long Island is difficult to access due to shifting sands, shallow waters, and lack of regular boat service.