Talk about a bright spot: The Grosse Point Lighthouse along the shore of Lake Michigan just north of Chicago is the only National Historic Landmark lighthouse on the Great Lakes. The imposing yellow-brick structure was built as a navigational marker for the port of Chicago in 1873, a time when the flow of ships entering and leaving the area was more than 12,000 annually.
Today, although not fully operational, the lighthouse continues to cast a warm glow over the water. Want a view from the top? Mount the lighthouse's 141 steps (an equivalent of climbing a 12-story building) for a panoramic look at the lake and other North Shore landmarks, such as the Baha'i House of Worship. At ground level, there's a visitors center that doubles as a maritime museum. Here, an antiquated logbook, a keeper's uniform and a short film illustrate the colorful history of the lighthouse. Wrap up your trip with a stroll through the surrounding parkland, where you'll find a public beach, wildflower gardens, picnic shelters and the Evanston Art Center, a historic manor hosting exhibitions by local and international artists.
Grosse Point Lighthouse, 2601 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, 847/328-6961. www.grossepointlighthouse.org. Guide-led walks to the top are offered Sat. and Sun. at 2, 3 and 4 p.m., June-Sept. (Note that children age 7 and under aren't permitted to climb the lighthouse.) Admission $5, children ages 8-12 $3.