Door County in Wisconsin sits between Lake Michigan and Green Bay. With more than 250 miles of shoreline, it has long been a place where ships needed guidance. That guidance came from lighthouses tall towers with powerful lights that helped sailors avoid danger. Today, these lighthouses still stand as symbols of safety, strength, and history. This guide offers a look at the lighthouses of Door County, how to visit them, and what makes each one unique.
Guide to Door County Lighthouses: History & Tours
| Lighthouse Name | Built Year | Tour Access | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cana Island Lighthouse | 1869 | Walk-in & climbable | Scenic views, island access |
| Eagle Bluff Lighthouse | 1868 | Guided tours | Museum-style interior, bluff setting |
| Baileys Harbor Range Lights | 1869 | Self-guided trail | Twin towers, working range lights |
| Sturgeon Bay Canal Light | 1882 | Pier access only | Red tower, active navigation aid |
| Sherwood Point Lighthouse | 1883 | Limited public access | Final staffed lighthouse on the lakes |
| Rock Island Lighthouse | 1858 | Seasonal tours | Wisconsin’s oldest light station |
| Chambers Island Light | 1868 | Boat access | Remote location, rarely visited |
| Plum Island Range Lights | 1895 | Seasonal tours | Wildlife refuge setting, restoration |
| Pilot Island Light | 1858 | Not open to public | Viewable only by water |
Why Lighthouses Matter in Door County
Sailors have long called the waters between the Door Peninsula and Washington Island “Death’s Door.” Strong waves, hidden rocks, and shifting sandbars made sailing here dangerous. Lighthouses helped guide ships into safe harbors.
Each tower used to be lit by oil lamps and mirrors. Now, some are still in use with modern lights, while others have become museums. They all carry the stories of sailors, lighthouse keepers, and Wisconsin’s maritime past.
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Cana Island Lighthouse: A Visitor Favorite
Cana Island Lighthouse sits just northeast of Baileys Harbor. A short walk across a stone path leads to the island. This white, brick tower rises 89 feet into the sky. Visitors climb 97 steps to reach the top.
The view from the gallery includes the lake, shoreline, and the original keeper’s quarters below. A small museum shares the history of shipwrecks and daily life on the island. Cana Island is one of Door County’s most photographed lighthouses and open to the public from spring through fall.
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Eagle Bluff Lighthouse: History on the Bluff
Eagle Bluff Lighthouse stands inside Peninsula State Park near Fish Creek. Built in 1868, this lighthouse helped ships sail into the sheltered waters of Green Bay.
Tours take visitors inside the restored living space of the keepers. You see furniture, oil lamps, and the tools used to maintain the light. It is a popular stop for school groups and families. The setting on a rocky bluff makes it one of the most scenic lighthouses in Wisconsin.
Baileys Harbor Range Lights and the Birdcage Tower
Baileys Harbor once used two towers to guide boats into its harbor. These “range lights” still function today. Walk a short trail through the woods, and you find the lower and upper lights lined up.
Near them stands the old Baileys Harbor Lighthouse, known for its rare “birdcage” lantern. Though not open for tours, it can be seen from the water. This spot gives visitors a glimpse into an early system of navigation and the unique style of lighthouse design.
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Sturgeon Bay Lights: North Pier and Canal
The bright red North Pierhead Light in Sturgeon Bay welcomes ships into the busy canal. A metal catwalk runs above the pier, once used by keepers during storms. You can walk the pier today and stand right next to the tower.
Just inland stands the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Lighthouse, taller and not open for tours. These two towers show the importance of the canal in moving goods across the Great Lakes.
Sherwood Point Lighthouse: The Last Staffed Light
Sherwood Point Lighthouse began shining in 1883 near the western entrance of Sturgeon Bay. It was the last lighthouse on the Great Lakes to be automated. Before that, keepers lived on site and cared for the light 24 hours a day.
Now managed by the Coast Guard, it opens for tours only during special events. The red brick building and well-kept lawn give a peaceful feel, perfect for quiet sightseeing.
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Rock Island and the Oldest Lighthouse
Rock Island Lighthouse, also known as Pottawatomie Light, was built in 1858. It stands on Rock Island State Park, which is accessible by two ferries from the mainland. A trail leads to the lighthouse, where volunteers guide guests through rooms filled with history.
This is the oldest lighthouse in Wisconsin. Its strong shape and white stone walls show the long connection between people and the lake.
Remote Lights: Chambers, Plum, and Pilot Islands
Some lighthouses sit in very remote places. Chambers Island Lighthouse is on a private island, reachable only by boat. It was once used to guide ships but is now rarely visited.
Plum Island Range Lights are under restoration. Guided tours run during the summer and include walking trails, a boat landing, and historic buildings.
Pilot Island Lighthouse is closed to visitors. You can only view it by boat. Fog often surrounds the island, giving it a mysterious look that matches its stormy past.
How to Plan Your Visit
- Most lighthouse tours open between May and October
- Cana Island, Eagle Bluff, and Rock Island offer regular public tours
- Boat tours visit Plum Island, Pilot Island, and Chambers Island
- Annual Lighthouse Festivals allow special access to usually closed sites
- Good walking shoes and a camera are highly recommended
- Some lighthouses include steep climbs, so check ahead for accessibility
Whether you explore by land or water, visiting Door County’s lighthouses gives you a deeper connection to the lakes and the people who lived by them.
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FAQs
1. How many lighthouses are in Door County?
2. Which lighthouses can I climb?
3. When is the best time to tour them?
4. Are any lighthouse tours free?
5. Can I see all the lighthouses in one day?
Lighthouses in Door County are more than old buildings. They are silent guardians that helped shape the region. Each one stands as a story in stone and light a memory of keepers, sailors, storms, and safe landings.
From the white tower of Cana Island to the rugged beauty of Rock Island, every visit offers history, learning, and amazing views. Exploring these lighthouses helps visitors connect with Wisconsin’s past while enjoying the peaceful shoreline that makes Door County special.