Port Washington is a historic city on a picturesque bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Unique features include the 1860 Light Station, which is the oldest operational lighthouse in Wisconsin, and the annual Port Fish Day.
Port Washington is located a short distance to the north of Milwaukee and is considered to be part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area.
It is the county seat of Ozaukee County and has a population of slightly more than 12,000 inhabitants.
Aerial view of Port Washington, WI
Downtown Port Washington has a number of historic buildings near the lake shoreline and is said to have the largest collection of pre-Civil War structures in Wisconsin.
General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) - the Milwaukee airport is located around 35 miles south of Port Washington. It serves both domestic and international destinations and is the primary airport for the Milwaukee area.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - this Chicago airport is just over 100 miles south of Port Washington. O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) - Approximately 130 miles south of Port Washington, Chicago Midway is the city's secondary airport, offering a mix of domestic flights and limited international destinations.
The I-43 interstate highway runs a short way to the west and north of Port Washington, connecting it with Milwaukee and Chicago to the south and Sheboygan to the north.
Wisconsin state highways 33 and 32 head west from the city and eventually join up with state highway 60 towards the city of Hartford.
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The Port Washington area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi and Menominee, before European settlers arrived.
The first permanent non-Native American settler, Warner William Wheeler, claimed land in the area in 1835 and named it "Wisconsin City." However, the name was later changed to "Port Washington" in 1841, as it was a major port on Lake Michigan and a crucial stopover for ships traveling between Green Bay and Milwaukee.
During the mid-1800s, the city experienced rapid growth thanks to its thriving commercial fishing industry and its strategic location on the lake. This led to the development of the city's harbor, which was expanded in the 1860s and 1870s to accommodate larger ships and more cargo.
The construction of the 1860 Light Station, which still stands today, was another significant event in Port Washington's history. The lighthouse was built to guide ships safely into the harbor and prevent accidents on the treacherous Lake Michigan waters.
Port Washington area video overview
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Port Washington became a popular tourist destination for visitors from Milwaukee and Chicago, who flocked to the city's beaches, resorts, and fishing opportunities. The city continued to grow and prosper throughout the 20th century, becoming a thriving commercial and industrial center.
These days the Port Washington downtown area, with its historic buildings and quaint streets, is a popular destination for visitors who enjoy shopping, dining, and exploring local culture.
The annual Port Fish Day, which celebrates the city's fishing heritage, is another beloved event that draws crowds from around the region.
The Port Washington Visitor Information Center is located in the Pebble House, a building at 126 E Grand Ave decorated with smooth stones from the Lake Michigan shoreline decorated with smooth stones from the Lake Michigan shoreline. Otherwise known as the Edward Dodge House, it was built back in 1848 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The visitor center is open Monday through Friday and on Saturday mornings.
The original lighthouse was built in 1849, but the 1860 Light Station is preserved from the remodelling in that year. Visitors can climb to the lantern room for views over the city and lake as well as visit a museum on the first floor.
The Light Station is open five days a week, from Wednesday through to Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
1860 Light Station in Port Washington
The Port Washington Historical Society operates the 1860 Light Station as well as a Resource Center with exhibits in one of the historic buildings in Downtown Port. It is open two afternoons a week.
The society has also organised a self-guided Walking Tour of Franklin Street in the historic downtown area, which can be followed with either a paper map or using the QR codes on the buildings.
There are two beaches in the Port Washington area. North Beach is located at the foot of Upper Lake Park bluffs north of the breakwall and can be reached via wooden steps. South Beach, as the name suggests, is located south of downtown.
The city of Kenosha offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. Kenosha's lakefront is a standout attraction, with the Kenosha Public Museum, Civil War Museum, and electric streetcar system that connects to the HarborPark and downtown area.
Sheboygan is known as the "Malibu of the Midwest" for its excellent surfing conditions. The city's lively arts scene is highlighted by the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and its annual Levitt AMP Music Series, which hosts free concerts in the heart of Sheboygan.
Manitowoc is a city with an interesting maritime history. It is known for constructing submarines during World War II and it hosts the annual Sputnikfest, celebrating the 1962 crash landing of a piece of the Soviet Sputnik 4 satellite. It is also the Wisconsin port for the SS Badger ferry.
Situated at the intersection of Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Sturgeon Bay is the heart of the beautiful and historic Door County area. The region features unique attractions such as the Door County Maritime Museum and the Cana Island Lighthouse, dating back to 1869.
Visit Port Washington : www.visitportwashington.com
Port Washington Historical Society : www.pwhistory.org
Downtown Port Washington : downtownport.com