The tower was not completed due to the First World War and fell into ruins at a height of 8 meters. The National Socialists continued to build the tower, which was inaugurated in 1934 at a height of 18 meters; instead of a hall of fame, a swastika was placed on the west side. This was removed after the war and
from 1934 to 1936 the tower was open to the public as an observation tower. From 1936 to 1939, the Bismarckturm was used by the "Marinefunkstation Mitte" of the city of Soest. After the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, an observation post of the German Luftwaffe was housed here. From the end of the war in 1945 until 1958, the tower was closed, was not used and could no longer be entered;
it was used as a relay station for radio communication from 1958, and since the 1970s it has also been used by the local fire department and police and today even by the disaster relief service;
on April 5, 1984, the "Förderverein Bismarckturm" was founded. The tower is now owned by the district of Soest and was thoroughly renovated in 1987 and opened as an observation tower. It is maintained by the "Heimatverein Möhnesee e.V.". Weather permitting, the tower offers excursionists a view over the Soest Börde, Lake Möhnesee and the Arnsberg Forest.
source: Flyer Bismarck Tower, Heimatverein Möhnesee e.V.
Guided tours for groups are possible and can be requested from the Heimatverein Möhnesee e.V.