In 1878 the lighthouse was decommissioned and the lens, which was made by Bardeau of Paris was moved to a new location across the canal. The three Duluth lighthouses are located near Canal Park. Lighthouses are located on the south pier and the newest of the lighthouses is located on the North Pier. In 1901 a new rear range tower light was built, a skeletal structure, 70ft high accessible from below by a spiral staircase. In 1901 a combined light tower and fog signal building was also completed on the outer end of the pier.
Circular stairs lead from the floor of the tower, to the upper deck.
The building was provided with a parabolic sound deflector. A 1150 ft. tramway was built in the gallery of the superstructure and extended from the gallery to a manhole in the base of the front range. It was provided with a car to enable the keeper to reach the outer light during storms. It shone 2 seconds and was eclipsed 2 seconds. The light could be seen 11 miles out into the lake.