The first coordinates for this cache are:
46 42.270
92 01.024
In Fall and Winter when leaves are off the trees, from this point, you can see the remains of the Minnesota Point Lighthouse. This was the original lighthouse that aided early navigation through Superior Entry. The lighthouse was built in 1858, and decommissioned in 1878. The lighthouse service also established a wharf further west on the point. Today, the location of this lighthouse seems far from the entry, but this indicates the changing nature of this natural inlet due to the rivers that empty into Allouez Bay and in turn into Lake Superior at this point.
Behind you are the remains of the old U.S. Coast Guard station and dock established on Wisconsin Point in 1900, and remained in service until 1960.
To decipher the next coordinates, solve this problem:
Number of bollards on the Coast Guard Station dock + 27 = AB
46 4B.610
092 00.AB8
This stage of the cache takes you to the Wisconsin Point Lighthouse, which is now the primary aid for ships entering the Port of Superior. Built in 1913, the lighthouse replaced a wooden pier head light at this location. Instead of having a white all around light, this lighthouse serves as a pier head light with a range of 21 nautical miles, using a green beacon to aid ships navigating the entry. The lighthouse is also equipped with a fog signal that operates May through October. The lighthouse and fog horn were automated in 1970, and continue to be active aids to navigation today.
To decipher the coordinates of the final location:
Count the number of stair steps from the breakwater up to the lighthouse platform + 18 = CD
46 42.CD0
092 00.D1C
This cache was placed as a partnership between Wisconsin Historical Society, Superior Public Museums, University of Wisconsin-Superior Jim Dan Hill Library- Lake Superior Maritime Collection, Wisconsin Maritime Museum, and University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute. We hope you enjoyed learning about the lighthouses of Superior Entry. To learn more about Wisconsin’s maritime heritage please visit our other geocaches in the Superior area and across the state, or visit wisconsinshipwrecks.org and maritimetrails.org!