Grosse Point Lighthouse was built by the United States Government in 1873 as the lead lighthouse marking the approach to Chicago after several shipwrecks demonstrated its need. The promontory on which it stands was named Grosse Point (Great Point) by early French explorers and traders in the 17th century. While the grounds of Grosse Point Lighthouse National Landmark are open to the public free of charge year-round, tours of the lighthouse are held seasonally due to weather conditions. Evanston, Illinois