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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.

Baileys Harbor Range Light

The relit Range Lights in June 2015.

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.

Birdcage Lighthouse

The Baileys Harbor Birdcage Lighthouse.

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.

Cana Island Lighthouse

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.

Chambers Island Lighthouse

Chambers Island Lighthouse. Submitted photo.

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.

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. Photo by Len Villano.

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.

Pilot Island. Photo by Tim Sweet.

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.

Pottawatomie Lighthouse

Pottawatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island. Photo courtesy of the Door County Maritime Museum.

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.

Sherwood Point Lighthouse. Dan Eggert.

The Sherwood Point Lighthouse in Sturgeon Bay, one of 11 lighthouses in Door County. Photo by Dan Eggert.

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

  • 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, […]

  • Belgian Kermiss, Kite Festival & More Weekend Plans

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  • Plum Island Open to the Public

    Plum Island, located in the Death’s Door Passage between the tip of the Door Peninsula and Washington Island, will be open to the public Aug. 20 & 21, 9 am – 4 pm. The pier will be accessible that weekend for private boaters wishing to use it. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff and volunteers […]

  • Cana Island Lighthouse. 1913.

    Oh, the Keeper’s Life for Me: 164 Years of Lighthouse History

    Baileys Harbor, rich with lighthouses today, is lucky to have any at all, considering its initial venture in 1852. Everyone knows the village’s origin: The story of Captain Justice Bailey, who chanced upon the harbor as refuge from a storm and reported the rich resources of stone and timber to Milwaukee businessman Alanson Sweet. Sweet, […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • Festival Tours Showcase Peninsula’s Lighthouses

    The Door County Lighthouse Festival will take place June 10-12, and tickets remain for a variety of the land-based and boat excursion offerings. This year marks the 23rd annual event in which the Door County Maritime Museum (DCMM) spotlights perhaps the heaviest concentration of lighthouses in the country. Two different daylong, land-based tours visit the […]

  • Steel Bridge Songfest, Pork Fest & More Weekend Plans

    This weekend there are plenty of opportunities to learn about the various elements that make Door County so special. Explore historic lighthouses, interact with artists, and get up close and personal with the peninsula’s diverse flora and fauna. Friday, June 10 Steel Bridge Songfest Kick off the summer music fest scene with the 12th annual […]

  • Presentation on The Ridges Upper Range Light

    The rich history of the iconic Baileys Harbor Range Lights is closely intertwined with that of the Ridges Sanctuary. This summer The Ridges has embarked on a project to restore the Upper Range Light and its two outbuildings, the Oil House and Privy. Work is already underway with completion anticipated sometime in 2018. On June […]

  • Cana Island Lighthouse. Cathy Glasnap.

    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 […]

  • Rockabilly, Young Eagles Rally & More Weekend Plans

    This weekend offers the chance to get on the water, in the sky and on the dance floor in Door County! Check out our top picks for the weekend ahead. Friday, May 20 Death’s Door Tours Learn about the history of the islands, lighthouses, and shipwrecks that are scattered across Death’s Door. The tour departs […]

  • 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 […]

  • John Purves and Cana Island Light Station to Open May 1

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  • Land-based Tours and Boat Trips Planned for Door County Lighthouse Festival

    Tickets are now on sale to the general public for the 23rd annual Door County Lighthouse Festival. This year’s event is June 10-12, with a weekend filled with special land-based tours and boat excursions. Two different day-long, land-based tours, visit the five mainland lights and depart from either the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • Eagle Bluff Memories: Lemburgs Reminisce about the Lighthouse

    Like so many people, Ruby and Wayne Lemburg were drawn to Door County by their love for the water and boating. They were also interested in lighthouses. “It was a big thing,” Wayne says. “You could hardly pick up a magazine without seeing a lighthouse story.” So, on their first trip to the peninsula, years […]

  • Eagle Bluff Lighthouse

    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 […]

  • Actors imitate William and Julia Duclon on duty at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Museum.

    Visit Eagle Bluff Lighthouse After Dark

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