Longtail Point Lighthouse in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is one of the area’s more unusual historic sites. The remaining stone tower stands on Long Tail Point, a low island north of the mouth of the Fox River, where shallow water, sandy stretches, reeds, and thick summer growth create a landscape that feels part beach stop and part adventure.
Today, the lighthouse ruins share the island with boaters, swimmers, and curious explorers. If you are drawn to historic ruins, off-the-beaten-path places, and a little bit of effort for the reward, Longtail Point is a memorable stop.
Longtail Point Lighthouse in Green Bay, Wisconsin
The remaining tower from Longtail Point Lighthouse is located about 1.5 miles north of the mouth of the Fox River on an island in Green Bay. While only the limestone tower remains today, it is still a striking landmark and a reminder of the area’s maritime past.
Long Tail Point is also known as a popular place for boaters to stop, swim, and enjoy the shallow water. Depending on conditions, parts of the island feel more like a quiet sandbar and marshy shoreline than a typical lighthouse setting.
General Info
| Location | Long Tail Point, Green Bay, Wisconsin |
| Known For | Historic lighthouse ruins, shallow water, boating, and island exploration |
| Access | Boat, kayak, or other water access required |
| Setting | Shallow bay water, reeds, sand, and marshy island shoreline |
| County | Brown County |
| State | Wisconsin |
| Cost | No fee to view from the water; access depends on your launch method |
What to Expect
- A historic limestone lighthouse tower standing on a low island
- Shallow sandy areas popular with boaters
- Reeds, marsh grasses, shells, and seasonal vegetation
- A more adventurous approach than a typical lighthouse stop
- Best suited for people comfortable with water access and uneven terrain
A Bit of History
Longtail Point Lighthouse was built in 1847 using limestone gathered from the eastern shore of Green Bay near Bay Settlement. Today, the tower is the main remnant still standing, and even in its weathered state it remains an impressive structure.
Its isolated setting makes it feel different from many other lighthouse stops in Wisconsin. Rather than pulling up to a clearly marked historic site, getting here feels more like finding a hidden piece of Green Bay history out on the water.
The Island Today
Today, the island is also a popular place for boaters to stop and enjoy the water. The shallows can make it a nice place to anchor, wade, and spend time along the shoreline.
From some angles, Long Tail Point feels almost like a hidden beach day destination. It offers a mix of sand, shells, reeds, and protected water that makes it appealing even if you are not making the lighthouse your main goal.
From the beach photos, it may look like the island is all shells and reeds, but there are sandy areas too. That contrast is part of what makes it interesting — it is not a polished beach, but a changing shoreline with its own rough character.
Making Your Way to the Tower
Once you reach the island by boat, getting to the lighthouse is a different story. The tower may look close, but reaching it can mean pushing through thick waist-high vegetation, reeds, and wild raspberry bramble.
It is not the kind of place where flip-flops and a swimsuit are ideal exploring gear. What looks easy from the water can turn into a much rougher walk once you head inland.
Not everyone in the group necessarily has to commit to the inner-island adventure. Staying by the boat and enjoying the water is a perfectly good way to spend time here too.
These are the remains of Longtail Point Lighthouse in Green Bay and, sadly, as close as I got to the tower on this trip.
At one point, it felt like we were almost there. So close to the lighthouse, yet still not quite close enough.
Then came the snakes. Somewhere in the bramble patch, not too far from the lighthouse, was a bed of them, and that was enough to end the mission for the day.
Fear, panic, running, and a few not-so-graceful moments may or may not have happened after that. Let’s just say the lighthouse interior was not happening on this trip.
What to Bring if You Explore Long Tail Point
- Closed-toe shoes instead of sandals
- Long pants if you plan to walk through vegetation
- Bug spray during the warm months
- Water and sun protection
- A cautious mindset if you decide to push inland
For future reference, swimsuits, sandals, and casual beachwear are great for the shoreline but not ideal if your goal is reaching the lighthouse tower through the interior growth.
The inside of Longtail Point Lighthouse will have to wait for another day. I needed to nurse some scratches on my legs and maybe my pride too. Next time, I would definitely explore with better gear.
Even so, as the last sunlight of the day faded, it still felt like a very good day on the bay.
Why Visit Longtail Point?
Long Tail Point is worth visiting if you enjoy unusual lighthouse sites, shallow-water boating spots, and a little bit of wild shoreline adventure. It is not a polished historic site with easy walking paths, which is exactly part of its appeal.
If you go expecting a simple beach day, you can enjoy that. If you go hoping for a little exploration and a glimpse of one of Green Bay’s more hidden historic remnants, you can have that too.
Want to check the island out for yourself? Looking around the shoreline on Google Maps may help you decide on an easier kayak route or boating approach. It is a fun and definitely interesting experience.