Category: Door County Lighthouses
Former Door County Maritime Museum Director Bob Desh wrote this of lighthouses:
A variety of towers have played essential rolls in the nation’s maritime history. Signal towers, watch towers and light towers in a wide variety of shapes and sizes once dotted America’s coastlines, including here on the Great Lakes, where Door County lighthouses remain important guides. These historic maritime towers continue to fascinate.
While the idea behind the lighthouse was a practical one, there’s something elusive about them which fascinates many people. Perhaps it’s their link with the past; perhaps, that they served a heroic purpose. That fascination is very palpable here in Door County where its 11 lighthouses constitute one of the highest concentration of lights in the United States.
The light tower’s intention is to simply save lives, to protect all mariners as they approach rocky shores and bring light in the midst of the fog and darkness. It almost seems as though these breathtaking structures are guarding a secret from the rest of society, tales of lives that were saved and souls that were once housed within their walls.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=451&v=y7kiuMmroS4
Door County Lighthouse Tours
Door County Lighthouse Festival: June 7 – 9, 2019
Boat excursions and guided land-based tours to all 11 historic Door County lighthouses giving visitors access to lighthouses that aren’t typically open to the public, including Chambers Island, Plum Island and Sherwood Point lighthouses.
Many of the Door County lighthouses also offer docent led tours and/ or group tours. Check out all the Door County lighthouses for more information!
Baileys Harbor Range Lights
Ridges Sanctuary
Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
Situated within the grounds of The Ridges Sanctuary, the Baileys Harbor Range Lights actually replaced a failed first attempt in 1852. The first lighthouse was a circular stone structure with an iron top that resembled a birdcage. Today, it is privately owned and can only be viewed from the water.
Birdcage Lighthouse
Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
Located on an island near Baileys Harbor, the Birdcage Lighthouse wasn’t kept open for very long. It’s brief history though is what lead to the creation of the Cana Island Lighthouse as well as the Range Lights.
Cana Island Lighthouse
8800 E. Cana Island Rd
Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
Door County’s most photographed and painted lighthouse, Cana Island Lighthouse gives visitors breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the peninsula.
Chambers Island Lighthouse
Chambers Island
Located on Chambers Island off the shore of Fish Creek, the Chambers Island Lighthouse is closed from the public but the grounds are still accessible to visitors.
Eagle Bluff Lighthouse
Within Peninsula State Park
Fish Creek, WI 54212
Tucked away in Peninsula State Park, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse offers picturesque views of Green Bay waters and a look into the historic site.
Pilot Island Lighthouse
Pilot Island
Located on a small island between the mainland and Washington Island, Pilot Island Lighthouse is still in the process of rehabilitation after years of neglect.
Plum Island Lighthouse
Plum Island
Located off the tip of the peninsula on Plum Island, the Plum Island Lighthouse grounds and dwelling are currently off-limits to visitors. The island, however, started to offer special days and excursions where people can explore the island.
Washington Island, WI 54246
Hailed as the “Grandfather” of Door County lighthouses, Pottawatomie Lighthouse boasts a long history and was the first lighthouse to be built in the county.
Sherwood Point Lighthouse
Sherwood Point
Nasewaupee, WI 54235
Perched along the southern side of the canal, Sherwood Point Lighthouse boasts a rich nautical history. While the grounds are off limits to civilians, boaters can catch a glimpse of the unique lighthouse.
Sturgeon Bay Canal North Pierhead Light
Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Located at the northern side of the entrance to the Sturgeon Bay Canal, the Sturgeon Bay Canal North Pierhead Light is now privately owned. The dwellings and tower are closed to the public but the lower level breakwall is still open.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipNpaqQ_nWY&t=23s
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The Sharrows, Marina Fest & More Weekend Plans
Labor Day Weekend is upon us, and with it comes incredible chances to take in Door County’s vibrant art, music and people. Guffaw your way through a hilarious fall comedy, gear up for some outrageous karaoke, or get your hands on some beautifully quilted pieces. Friday, Sept. 2 Opening Reception Step into The Hardy Gallery, […]
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Belgian Kermiss, Kite Festival & More Weekend Plans
Summer is quickly coming to a close. Be sure to take advantage of the beautiful August weather. Survey the land on Plum Island, watch some Shakespeare in Potawatomi State Park or spelunk through the Horseshoe Bay Cave. Friday, Aug. 19 Honey Dewdrops Take a picnic dinner and a bottle of wine to enjoy before Woodwalk […]
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Death’s Door Sunset Cruise Scheduled for July 16
The Friends of Plum & Pilot Islands (FOPPI) are hosting a Sunset Cruise through beautiful Death’s Door Passage. This is a critical fundraising effort to assist them with the important work of protecting and preserving Door County landmarks. The cruise is scheduled for July 16 at 6:30 pm, leaving from the Island Clipper dock in […]
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Alternative Option Offered to Cross Cana Island Causeway
Cana Island Lighthouse & Tower remains one of the Door County’s premier tourist attractions despite the fact that the island is, once again, a true island. The historical structures on the island are maintained by the Door County Maritime Museum under the jurisdiction of the Door County Park System. The raising waters of Lake Michigan […]
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Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Open for Daily Tours
Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is now open for tours daily from 10 am with the last tour at 3:30 pm. Located in Peninsula State Park, this picturesque lighthouse has been restored by the Door County Historical Society and is furnished back to the 1883-1918 days when it was home to Captain Duclon and Julia and their […]
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Cana Island Tours Offered during Blessing of the Fleet Fest
The Door County Maritime Museum will participate in the Blessing of the Fleet event in Baileys Harbor on May 21, highlighted by special restoration tours of Cana Island. “Tours of Cana Island Light Station include admission to the island, a climb up the historic lighthouse tower and a special detailed overview of our current and […]
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FOPPI Announces Volunteer Work Days
The Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands (FOPPI) have recently announced their 2016 work day volunteer opportunities. Work days will be extended from one to two days. Transportation will be provided on the USFWS boat (from Washington Island). Due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances, work day itineraries may change prior to the work day […]
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Tickets Now On Sale for Lighthouse Festival
Tickets are now on sale for the 23rd annual Door County Lighthouse Festival, June 10 – 12. The festival includes boat excursions and guided land-based tours spotlighting 11 historic Door County lighthouses. This much-anticipated festival gives visitors access to lighthouses that aren’t typically open to the public, including Chambers Island, Plum Island and Sherwood Point […]
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Free Admission to Maritime Museum for Kids through March
The Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay will offer free admission to children 12 and under with an accompanying paid adult beginning Jan. 24, and continuing on Sundays through the end of March. Among the highlights is the new 40th anniversary commemorative exhibit related to the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Highlights include a […]
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Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Closes for Season Oct. 23
The Door County Historical Society’s interpretive site, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Museum will close for the 2015 season at the end of day Friday, Oct. 23. “It was a wonderful summer and fall,” said Patti Podgers, museum curator. “Our guests were delightful and we enjoyed everyone who participated in a tour or stopped by with a […]
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Visit Eagle Bluff Lighthouse After Dark
As night descends over the Door Peninsula, the lamp is lit at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. And as its beam brightens the night sky, the voices of past keepers whisper in the dark, their stories echoing in the dark. For the next two weekends, the Door County Historical Society invites guests to step back in time […]