Uncovering the Past of the “Witch’s Hat” Tower

Bob Dylan’s inspiration, lightning strikes, and more fun facts about the beloved landmark

By: Emma Wolters

Many students may recognize the Prospect Park Water Tower (nicknamed the "Witch's Hat") not by name but rather for its unmistakable shape, peering over the sleeping city each night with a warm yellow light. In addition, you might know of it as a not-so-secret date spot where you and a partner can adventure to watch the sunset over the city. However you've heard (or maybe haven't heard) of the iconic landmark, it's clear that this century-old structure has a bit of magic in it for the countless students that have visited over the years. It's even rumored that the old water tower was the inspiration for Bob Dylan's song, "All Along the Watchtower," after his time living in Dinkytown.

Perched atop Tower Hill at a modest 110-feet tall, the "Witch's Hat" was erected in 1913. The tower's capacity of 150,000 gallons was designed to improve water pressure for the Prospect Park neighborhood and aid firefighting efforts. Unfortunately, just a few years after its decommission in 1952, the tower's roof was brutally struck by lightning. As a response to the disaster, the city moved to bulldoze the operation, but it was soon forced to back down due to the relentless community organizing efforts of Prospect Park residents.

In the decades since the tower has undergone multiple renovation projects. Thanks again to vigorous community involvement in the restoration process, the "Witch's Hat" and surrounding Tower Park made it onto the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. Sadly, while the views from the park are offered year-round, a tour of the building and its observation deck is offered only one day of the year: the first Friday after memorial day.

So whether you're a Dinkytown dweller or Stadium Village settler, next time you see the cap of the "Witch's Hat" poking out over the horizon, go see for yourself what magic it holds for you.