Boom Island Lighthouse

The Boom Island Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on Boom Island in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

History

• The Boom Island Lighthouse was constructed in 1906 to serve as a navigational aid for mariners approaching the city's harbor. The tower stands at approximately 30 feet (9 meters) tall and features a distinctive octagonal shape with a lantern room at its top.
• Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone several restorations and renovations to ensure its continued functionality.

Architecture

The Boom Island Lighthouse is constructed from local stone and features a unique blend of Victorian and Art Deco architectural styles. The tower's eight-sided design provides stability and resistance to wind and weather conditions. The lantern room contains a first-order Fresnel lens, which produces a beam of light that can be seen for up to 10 nautical miles.

Light Characteristics

The Boom Island Lighthouse emits a fixed white light with a range of approximately 10 nautical miles. The light is visible from a distance of several miles and serves as an important aid to navigation for mariners entering the city's harbor.

Current Status

The Boom Island Lighthouse remains an active navigational aid, although it has been automated since its restoration in the 1990s. The lighthouse is no longer used as a primary aid to navigation, but it continues to serve as a historic landmark and educational resource for the community.

Location and Accessibility

The Boom Island Lighthouse is located at Northeast 8th Avenue in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short walk from the nearby park or by taking a guided tour of the island.

Heritage Status

The Boom Island Lighthouse has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lighthouse is also recognized as a Minnesota State Historic Site and is protected by local preservation ordinances.

Notable Historical Events

• During World War II, the Boom Island Lighthouse played an important role in the war effort, serving as a navigation aid for Allied ships entering the harbor.
• In 1999, the lighthouse underwent a major restoration project to ensure its continued functionality and historic integrity.