Cana Island Lighthouse

Door County’s most photographed and painted lighthouse, Cana Island Lighthouse gives visitors breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the peninsula.

The Cana Island Lighthouse, built in 1869.

The 8.7-acre island includes the 89-foot-tall light tower, the original home of the lighthouse keeper and his family, and the oil house where fuel for the light was stored. A high point of the Cana Island experience is climbing the 97 steps of the tower’s spiral staircase to reach the gallery deck.

Cana Island Lighthouse History

1869: The Cana Island Lighthouse was built alongside the Baileys Harbor Range Lights. Flooding was a problem because the “highest point” on the island, in the late 1800s, was less than seven feet above the average lake level.

1870: William Jackson was the first keeper. His wife was appointed assistant keeper.

1872: During a storm, William’s boat capsized and he and one of his sons had to swim to shore. He retired shortly after. Julius Warren became the new keeper. His wife Sara was later appointed assistant keeper.

1875: William Sanderson is the new keeper. His wife Sarah was later appointed the assistant keeper.

1882: Congress fails to appropriate sufficient funds to pay assistant lighthouse keepers. Sarah is let go as assistant keeper.

1884: The Lighthouse Board decides to take action to prevent continued flooding of the station.

1890: A breakwater, hexagonal stone oil house, hand railing for the tower stairs, and a footbridge on the causeway were built.

1891: Jesse Thomas Brown is the new keeper.

Cana Island. Photo by Ferdinand Hotz.

1902: Metal plates were riveted together around the tower instead of repairing the deteriorating brickwork.

1907: A steel rod was run between the first-floor joists to prevent bulging of the south wall. Concrete walks were poured to replace the wooden ones.

1913: Conrad Stram is the new keeper.

1918: Oscar Knudsen is the new keeper.

1919: Knudsen was awarded the Lighthouse Efficiency Flag for having the model station in the district.

1924: Clifford Sanderson, son of former keeper William Sanderson, is new keeper.

1933: Ross Wright is the new keeper. He is the last civilian keeper.

1934: Power lines are strung across the causeway to the lighthouse.

1939: The Coast Guard absorbs the Lighthouse Bureau.

1941: Wright retires. The station is used for military training activities during WWII.

1945: After the war is over, Ralph McCarthy leases the station to use as a summer residence.

1970: Control of the island and lighthouse is given to the Door County Maritime Museum.

1977: Louis and Rose Janda and their children serve as the summer caretakers.

1995: The Janda Family left the island.

2007: The island and lighthouse are officially transferred to Door County.

2008: Visitors are allowed to climb the tower.

Aerial view of Cana Island Lighthouse. Photo by Dan Eggert.

Cana Island Lighthouse Tours and Fees

Because of wind and weather, the causeway can become flooded. Come prepared with proper footwear that can withstand the water and protect your feet.

Cana Island is open from May through October every day of the week from 10am-5pm with the last tower climb starting at 4:30pm. In order to climb the tower, children must be at least 5 years-old and 42in tall.

Adults: $12 (includes entrance to the island, keeper’s quarters and light tower)
Youth (5-17): $9 (includes entrance to the island, keeper’s quarters and light tower)
Children 4 & under: Free
Members: Free

Cana Island and keeper’s quarters only:
Adults — $7
Youth (5-17) — $4
Children 4 & under — Free
Members — Free

Docent led group tours, of 15 or more people, are available. It’s $7 per person or $12 with the tower climb. Call for more details.

Cana Island in Fall

Cana Island Lighthouse