Kimberly Point Lighthouse

Kimberly Point Lighthouse (also known as Neenah Light) is a lakeshore landmark in Neenah, Wisconsin, that blends natural beauty, maritime heritage and civic pride. The lighthouse sits in Kimberly Point Park where Lake Winnebago meets the Lower Fox River, and it has become an emblem for the community as well as a peaceful gathering place for both locals and visitors.

The land that became Kimberly Point Park was donated in 1929 by a member of the Kimberly family, prominent in the history of Neenah and its paper industry. The idea was to create a park overlooking the confluence of Lake Winnebago and the Fox River. The lighthouse itself came later, in 1945, built with funds also donated by the Kimberly family. It was constructed by the Flour Brothers Construction Company of Oshkosh using brick and Haydite block. Initially the lighthouse stood about forty feet tall, but in 1954 an extension took it up to forty-nine feet.

Architecturally the structure is relatively modest yet meaningful. It follows a Colonial Revival style, adapted for its purpose as a working navigational light rather than as a decorative structure alone. The materials—brick and lightweight block—give it lasting solidity, while its design reflects its utilitarian role and its setting in a public park rather than remote coastlines. It remains active today, guiding boaters in and out of the Neenah harbor area, a reminder that even relatively modern lighthouses play a part in safety and navigation. Don't forget to check out this place, Pierce Park, in Appleton, WI too.

The setting is part of its charm. Kimberly Point Park spans about three and a half acres of shoreline, with roughly eight hundred thirty feet of lakefront. Visitors find picnic areas, playgrounds, walking paths, shaded spots, grills, fishing decks and open space to enjoy the views of the water and the sky. The juxtaposition of water, trees, greenery and the lighthouse gives it a tranquil and scenic quality. The park hours are generous; people come for sunrise, afternoon relaxation, evening walks.

Historic significance is formalized: the lighthouse was added to the Wisconsin State Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places. The park and light are part of Neenah’s heritage—both as a functional light for navigation and as a symbol of community identity. Because the park came from a gift and the lighthouse itself was donated and built through community resources, the structure embodies a sense of shared legacy.

Over time the lighthouse has needed upkeep and restoration. There is a “Kimberly Point Lighthouse Preservation Project” underway, aiming to restore both exterior and interior features, improve accessibility so more people can fully experience the site, and ensure its condition remains strong for future generations. These efforts show how much value people place on its history and presence.

When visiting one notices the way the lighthouse seems to tie together land and water. Boat traffic, fishing, leisure, watching the sky or sunsets, birdwatching—all of these are part of what draws people here. It isn’t large or grand like some lighthouses on the Great Lakes, but its setting in a city park makes it very accessible. It is open to the public in the sense that one can stroll the park, sit near the water, enjoy the view, use the amenities. Interior access is limited, and special events or restoration work sometimes affect what parts are open.

The lighthouse is also important for photography and for simply being a quiet place to pause. From certain angles you get views across Lake Winnebago, or across to the river’s flow, and the contrast of the light tower against sky or water makes for striking scenes. Local families, joggers, walkers and artists use the park; it’s a place both for daily use and for special memories.

In short, Kimberly Point Lighthouse is more than a navigational aid. It is a connector—between land and water, history and everyday life, community identity and scenic beauty. If you want, I can tell you what time of day it’s best visited, or whether there are guided tours or viewpoints that are especially pretty.

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