Cana Island Improvements

Workers remove layers of parge (cement, stucco and limewash) from the tower’s parapet, exposing the Milwaukee Cream City brick for the first time since 1902, when steel cladding was affixed to the tower.

Another major step in the restoration of Cana Island is now under way at the iconic historical attraction on Lake Michigan north of Baileys Harbor.

“The first weeks of the restoration at Cana Island Light Station consisted of deployment and staging of heavy equipment,” said Trudy Herbst, director of development for the Door County Maritime Museum, which oversees historical interpretation on the island that is part of the Door County Park System.

Crews will examine the copper dome, brickwork and the lantern’s eight glass panels in preparation for repairs. Once the inspections and evaluations are complete, workers will tuck-point the brick and then re-set the glass panels.

According to Herbst, work projects will continue over time as funds become available. Plans under discussion and on the drawing board are contingent on future funding.

The light station and its buildings will continue to be open during normal business hours from 10 am – 5 pm daily, with occasional closings of the light tower or museum experience in the keeper’s house. For more information visit dcmm.org.