sturgeon bay lighthouse tour

Luke Collins

Lighthouses.

STURGEON BAY SHIP CANAL NORTH PIERHEAD LIGHT

This impressive red structure is located at the fully operational U.S. Coast Guard station on the Lake Michigan end of the Sturgeon Bay ship canal. The Pierhead navigation light was built in 1882, and the station was built with a tower light in 1899, renovated in 1903, and automated in 1972. The lower level breakwall is the only section of the grounds that are open to the public.

STURGEON BAY SHIP CANAL LIGHT

The Canal Station Light Tower, located on the northern bank of the entrance to the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, was built in 1899 and automated in 1972. To reach the Ship Canal Light and North Pierhead Light, visitors must park in the lot outside the station’s gate and follow the driveway that leads from the front gate to the seawall. Grounds are open to the public during the Lighthouse Walk, held the second weekend in June.

SHERWOOD POINT LIGHTHOUSE

The last manned lighthouse on the Great Lakes, this lighthouse was established in 1883 and automated in 1983. It is only open to the public during the Lighthouse Walk, held the second weekend in June. The rest of the year, the facility is operated as a rest and recuperation area for active members of the U.S. military on a rental basis.

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Door County Lighthouses: 3 You Can’t Miss in Sturgeon Bay

What’s the best way to take in all the rich maritime history and seasonal beauty that Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula has to offer? How about a bird’s eye view from atop one of many historic Door County Lighthouses?

More than a few of these historic landmarks were built over 100 years ago, and – although fully automated – are still in operation by the United States Coast Guard today. This means that public tours aren’t possible on a regular basis. Once a year, however, you’re in luck!

25 th  Annual Door County Lighthouse Festival

On June 8-10, 2018, Door County Maritime Museum will celebrate their 25th year of embarking on adventurous varieties of land-based tours and boat excursions that spotlight  Door County’s 11 historic lighthouses , including:

• Pilot Island Lighthouse
• Plum Island Lighthouse
• Eagle Bluff Lighthouse
• Old Baileys Harbor (Bird Cage)
• Cana Island Lighthouse

Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Light Tower

Sturgeon bay ship canal north pierhead light.

• Baileys Harbor Range Lights
• Chambers Island Lighthouse

Sherwood Point Lighthouse

• Pottawatomie Lighthouse

The Door County Lighthouse Festival  allows visitors access to each beacons’ storied past, incorporating supernatural events, naturalist narrations, and other intriguing aspects of unique, bygone eras.

Tickets for the Lighthouse Festival are on-sale now!  Be sure to secure your chance to view Door County history in a whole, new way.

Door County Maritime Museum will also be holding a photo contest highlighting your favorite Lighthouse Festival scenes and moments through July 1, 2018. You can send up to 10 original photos to  [email protected]  for your chance to become one of three lucky winners to receive historic prizes.

Although each beacon has its own interesting – and downright quirky at times – history, we’d like to focus on those we’re most familiar with in our own backyard.  Sturgeon Bay is home to three fascinating Door County lighthouses that you won’t want to miss!

This brilliant white, steel lighthouse tower was first constructed in 1899, and stands 78 feet from the ground. The coastal beacon sits ashore the North Pier of the  Sturgeon Bay/Lake Michigan ship canal  entrance.

At the time of its construction, this tower was unique. Its cylindrical design of reinforced steel, including a cast iron lantern at the top, was a revolutionary concept.

The tower, however, endured years of structural damage due to vibration issues that began to occur shortly after the lighthouse became operational. The wind often shook the structure to the point of disrupting its light function.

Several remedies were attempted over the years, and it was finally cured of this ailment by the construction of steel framework that still exists today.

Its grounds aren’t typically open to the public, but annual tours are offered in summer – and sometimes fall – during the Lighthouse Festival.

Want to check out two Door County lighthouses in one, convenient location? Don’t mind if we do!

Connected to the above mentioned light tower by way of steel walkway, this historic landmark was first constructed in 1881 and is one of the peninsula’s most iconic. It stands 35 feet above the water on the outer pier of the north entrance to the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal.

A brick dwelling was built around the original structure to fit multiple light keepers, due to a workload increase around the turn-of-the-century. While this landmark is famous for its bright red paint job, the first renovation project was actually white and was repainted at a later date.

Today, the North Pierhead Light stands as a testament against time as a fully functional light station. It was completely automated in 1972 and is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard to this day.

The structure, itself, is closed to the public, but the lower level break wall may be accessed year-round by those dying for a closer look.

Built in 1883 as a beacon for ships traveling from Green Bay to Sturgeon Bay, the 35-foot-tall lighthouse tower and brick, two-story keeper’s dwelling reside at Sherwood Point.

The lantern, here, once produced both a fixed white light and a flashing red light, but the bulb intended for the latter was quickly deemed defective. This caused the lighthouse to sporadically stop working, so the bulb was replaced with  a Fresnel lens , and a fog signal was added in 1892.

This architectural gem has been in operation by the U.S. Coast Guard since 1941 and wasn’t fully automated until 1983, making Sherwood Point the last manned beacon on the Great Lakes.

Today, the tower and attached keeper’s dwelling are used as a rental facility for U.S. military members looking for a place to recharge their batteries. The grounds can only be accessed publicly during the Lighthouse Festival tour dates.

Tour a lighthouse, then turn the lights out!

We hope you’re able to come enjoy a fun-filled weekend exploring the peninsula’s storied past and marveling at the incredible Door County lighthouses with their scenic landscapes.

But after all of the excitement, why not come relax with us at Bay Shore Inn? We have rooms and amenities to serve your every need and provide a quiet, cozy spot to rest your head – just like the keepers of old.

Make a reservation today!

Door County Lighthouses

Here are the 11 Door County Lighthouses:

• Baileys Harbor Range Lights
• Old Baileys Harbor Birdcage Lighthouse
• Cana Island Lighthouse
• Chambers Island Lighthouse
• Eagle Bluff Lighthouse
• Pilot Island Lighthouse
• Plum Island Lighthouse
• Pottawatomie (Rock Island) Lighthouse
• Sherwood Point Lighthouse
• Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Pierhead Lighthouse
• Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Lighthouse

Visiting Door County lighthouses is likely to be a highlight of your vacation here. Lighthouses have inspired admiration and captured imaginations from ancient times. From Alexandria’s lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, to today’s navigational beacons, lighthouses have stood as testaments to human ingenuity, given comfort to those in the chaos of the seas, and guided to safety those in danger.

Lighthouses delight all sorts of people : history buffs, romantic souls fascinated by the rustic and secluded lives of the keepers, tech geeks, nature lovers in search of beautiful scenes, and even social media influencers seeking out the most Instagrammable sights possible.

With eleven lighthouses, Door County is one of the best places in the world to explore lighthouses . This post will tell you everything you need to know to jumpstart your lighthouse pursuits on your next Door County vacation.

Are you planning a trip to Door County? Make sure to check out our post on Door County’s best hotels for your stay .

The 11 Lighthouses of Door County

Quick Facts:

• Built in 1869
• Automated in 1923
• Decommissioned in 1969

The Baileys Harbor Range Lights were designed and built to help mariners navigate the difficult passage into the safety of Baileys Harbor . Consisting of an upper light higher on a hill and a lower light below, safe passage could be assured when the two lights were aligned with each other.

This rendered the Old Baileys Harbor Birdcage Lighthouse obsolete, leading to its decommissioning.

The residence of the Baileys Harbor Range Lights was used as a church parsonage from 1930-1956 and as a private residence until 1965.

The grounds of the Baileys Harbor Range Lights are accessible by visiting the Ridges Sanctuary. A $5 fee applies. Tours are available from early June through mid-October. Check the Ridges website for more information .

For More Information:

For more information, check out our detailed post on the Baileys Harbor Range Lights .

Range Lights / Lighthouse Infographic

This lighthouse infographic illustrates how range lights, also known as leading lights, work:

Old Baileys Harbor Birdcage Light House

• Built in 1852
• Decommissioned in 1869
• Located on the privately owned “Lighthouse Island”

Despite its short life as an active lighthouse, Old Baileys Harbor Birdcage Lighthouse has deep connections to Door County’s history. Baileys Harbor was “discovered” when Captain Justice Bailey weathered a storm here in 1848. Venturing ashore, he discovered that the land around the harbor was resource-rich, with good timber and a promising place for a limestone quarry. He reported these findings to the owner of the shipping company for which he worked, Alanson Sweet.

Sweet capitalized on this discovery and established lumber and quarry operations out of Baileys Harbor. Using his powerful political connections, he convinced the Wisconsin State Legislature to establish Door County with Baileys Harbor as the first county seat, and he secured a contract from the United States Congress to build a lighthouse with stone from his own quarry! Construction commenced in 1852.

The lighthouse deteriorated quickly and was technologically surpassed by the Baileys Harbor Range Lights and thus was decommissioned in 1869, only seventeen short years after it was constructed.

The island on which the lighthouse sits is private property. Good views are only possible from the water. Some commercial boat tours enable views of this lighthouse.

For More Information

For more information about the Old Baileys Harbor Birdcage lighthouse, check out our in-depth post .

• Automated in 1944
• Still an operational navigational aid under the authority of the Coast Guard
• Open for tours

Towering 89 feet into the air, the Cana Island Lighthouse is a favorite destination for visitors to Door County. Of all Door County Lighthouses, this is the most popular.

Both the keeper’s house and the tower were built of cream city brick, but the extreme weather conditions on Lake Michigan caused the tower to deteriorate quickly. Because of this, the tower was clad in steel plates, with concrete poured in the gaps between the steel plates and the old brick walls of the tower. Few visitors realize that the tower and the home are made of the same material.

Access to the grounds of the Cana Island Lighthouse is free, but tours of the interior, which include an opportunity to climb the 97 steps to the top of the tower, come with a fee. Check the website of the Door County Maritime Museum , which owns the Cana Island Lighthouse, for up-to-date information on fees, tour times, etc.

Getting to the grounds of the lighthouse is likely to be quite memorable! A shallow causeway connects the island to the mainland, and in many water conditions, this causeway is underwater. Some brave souls will cross this causeway on foot, but the Door County Maritime Museum offers free tractor-wagon rides across the causeway.

For more information, check out our post on the Cana Island Lighthouse .

• Built in 1868
• Automated in 1955
• Grounds are open, but the buildings are generally closed to the public

Chambers Island is 7.5 miles off the shore of Door County in Green Bay. It is an inhabited island, though services are sparse: there is no commercial electricity on the island!

The Chambers Island Lighthouse was constructed on the west side of Chambers Island in 1868 to assist mariners in making the Chambers Island Passage. At that time, it was uncommon to attempt the Strawberry Islands Channel to the east.

Except for the octagonal tower, the Chambers Island Lighthouse is nearly identical to the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. The towers of the two lighthouses were given different shapes to assist mariners in identifying them.

The grounds are open to the public, as they are a park of the Town of Gibraltar. According to the website of the Town of Gibraltar, the lighthouse is open to the public when a volunteer is on site.

Getting There

The grounds around the Chambers Island Lighthouse are accessible either by private boat or charter boat. This is public land, so landing at the lighthouse site is permissible. Green Bay is generally calmer and safer than Lake Michigan, but caution is still advised. Only experienced and well-outfitted boaters should attempt making passage to Chambers Island. The Town of Gibraltar maintains a public boat dock at the lighthouse.

For more information, check out our comprehensive post about the Chambers Island Lighthouse .

• Automated in 1926
• Inside Peninsula State Park

Built to assist mariners navigating through the Strawberry Channel of Green Bay, the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is one of the most accessible lighthouses in Door County. 76 feet above Green Bay, the light still guides mariners during the shipping season and snowmobilers on the ice in the winter . It flashes for one second with a six-second delay, a code that helps to identify the light and its position.

The lighthouse has been restored by the Door County Historical Society. The Historical Society also runs tours, which include a climb up the tower.

Given its location inside Peninsula State Park , with a road leading to it, parking, and maintained walkways, this is the most accessible lighthouse in Door County. Admission fees to Peninsula State Park apply, and the Historical Society charges fees for tours.

For more information, check out our comprehensive post about the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse .

• Built in 1858
• Automated in 1962
• Still operational
• Originally located on Plum Island

Known as the “ Porte des Morts ” (Door of Death) Light, this light was built on Pilot Island in 1858. Originally located on Plum Island in 1846, it was moved to Pilot Island as mariners indicated that a light further east would be more helpful in making passage through Death’s Door. The light is located in a tower that protrudes from the roofline of a two-story keeper’s house. It is about 46 feet above Lake Michigan.

Pilot Island is under the authority of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the Green Bay National Wildlife Reserve. Visits to Pilot Island are not permitted.

Views of the Pilot Island Lighthouse are possible from the Northport ferry dock at the very tip of the Door Peninsula or on the Washington Island Ferry. A good set of binoculars or a spotting scope are necessary. Some private charter outfits are also offering cruises that get quite close to the lighthouse.

For more information, check out our comprehensive post about the Pilot Island Lighthouse .

• Built in 1895
• Automated in 1969
• Located in a National Wildlife Sanctuary

A set of range lights located on Plum Island guides mariners through the infamous “Death’s Door” passage to this day. Consisting of a lower “front light” 32 feet above lake level and a higher “rear light” 80 feet above lake level, mariners visually align the two lights one above the other in order to make safe passage from Lake Michigan to Green Bay through Death’s Door. The range between the two lights is 1,650 feet.

Plum Island was also once the location of a lifesaving station . The structure is still standing and is historically significant as a “Duluth-style” lifesaving station, one of only four such structures still existing in the world, and the only one on the Great Lakes. Efforts are being made by the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands to restore this majestic and inspiring building.

The most common way to see the Plum Island lights is via the Washington Island Ferry as it makes its passage between Washington Island and the Door Peninsula. This will be from a distance, however, so binoculars are a good idea to have on hand.

More adventurous types can visit the island, however. Plum Island is a part of the Green Bay Refuge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, which permits visits during daylight hours in the summer months. Check their website for the most up-to-date information . Except for a boat dock, facilities on the island are non-existent, and passage to the island is difficult, so only well-prepared and outfitted visitors should attempt this.

Visitors can get to the island by private boat or kayak. However, only experienced and well-outfitted boaters should attempt this. The Friends of Plum and Pilot Island are offering private charters to the island for those unable to make the passage privately.

Check out our comprehensive post about the Plum Island Lighthouse to learn more about this iconic light.

• Built in 1836
• Automated in 1956
• Located on Rock Island
• Wisconsin’s oldest lighthouse

Visiting the Rock Island Lighthouse, Wisconsin’s oldest lighthouse, entails a courageous journey involving two ferries, a trip across Washington Island, and hike across Rock Island. These efforts are handsomely rewarded with a stunning view, historical knowledge, and an experience few can boast of.

In 1832, a group of about thirty merchants and shipowners from Detroit petitioned Congress to establish a light marking the Rock Island Passage, the widest passage between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. Congress appropriated $8,000 for the construction of a 30-foot tower on the northern bluff of Rock Island, and it was constructed in 1836.

The current structure was built in 1858 after the original structure had badly deteriorated. It is a two-story stone house with an eight-foot tower on the north gable. This structure has been lovingly restored by the Friends of Rock Island, and free tours are available during the summer months.

While on Rock Island, take a swim on the beautiful sand beach for a rare and refreshing beach experience .

The Pottawatomie Lighthouse is located on Rock Island State Park .

While worth it, getting to Rock Island requires some advance planning. Most visitors will need to take the  Washington Island Ferry  from Gills Rock on the Door Peninsula to Detroit Harbor on Washington Island.

From Detroit Harbor on the south side of Washington Island, you will need to travel to Jackson Harbor on the north side. This is about an eight-mile trip. You can walk this distance, and some people do. But, you will probably want some sort of wheels, as you will be traveling on roads. Most people take their cars to Washington Island, but a less expensive option is to leave your car at Gills Rock and take a bicycle to Washington Island .

From Jackson Harbor on Washington Island, you will take  Rock Island Ferry  to Rock Island. The vessel that makes this passage is a small, passenger-only ferry.

You can take your own boat to Rock Island but exercise much caution. Only the most experienced and well-outfitted boaters should attempt to make this passage, as these waters are extremely treacherous; you will be crossing the infamous  Death’s Door . While sea kayakers will be able to pull their vessels up on land,  motor boaters will need to pay for mooring on Rock Island , and reservations are not available.

Rock Island State Park is one of the few Wisconsin State Parks for which a vehicle admission sticker is not required, because you can’t drive to Rock Island.

Once on Rock Island, take the Thordarson Loop Trail north to visit the lighthouse.

Rock Island State Park is worth a visit not only to visit the lighthouse, but it also has a beautiful sand beach and a beautiful and historic boathouse, and it boasts one of the most unique camping experiences in the Lower 48 .

For more information, check out our post on the Pottawattomie Lighthouse and also our post on Rock Island State Park .

Quick Facts

• Built in 1883
• Automated in 1983
• Last manned lighthouse on the Great Lakes
• Only Door County lighthouse built with red brick instead of the customary cream city brick
• Generally not open to the public

The Sherwood Point Lighthouse played a crucial role in the development of Sturgeon Bay as a major port in the Great Lakes. Until the construction of the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, Sturgeon Bay was a relatively minor port on the Great Lakes due to its seasonality, as it was heavily iced in most winters. However, when the ship canal was set to be built, it became necessary to construct navigational aids, and this lighthouse helped mark the west side of the north entrance to Sturgeon Bay.

The Sherwood Point Lighthouse is owned by the Coast Guard and is not open to the public. However, it is part of the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation program of the Coast Guard and thus is available to members of the military to rent as a vacation home . Additionally, access may be available during the Door County Maritime Museum’s annual Lighthouse Festivals .

For more information, check out our post on the Sherwood Point Lighthouse .

• Built in 1881
• Automated in 1972

There’s just something about the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Lighthouse that connects with the soul. While it is not the biggest or most architecturally sophisticated Door County lighthouse, there’s something about its ruggedness and its courageous position, far out into the waters of Lake Michigan, that connects with people. Despite being relatively small, this is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Door County, and easily recognizable from its frequent use in Door County literature and on people’s Instagram feeds.

Built in 1881 to guide ships into the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, the Pierhead Lighthouse is 35 feet above the waters of Lake Michigan. It is painted red given its status as a navigational aid right on the channel leading into the ship canal. Maritime navigational buoys have a color system: when returning from the sea, red buoys should stay on the right of your ship, and the green buoys should stay on your left. (The old nmemonic device to remember this is the alliterative “Red on the right when returning from the sea.”) This color scheme has been extended to this light.

The inside of the lighthouse is not generally available for public tour, although good views are available from the public access to the breakwater. To get here, take County Road TT east from the city of Sturgeon Bay until it makes a sharp left turn at the Coast Guard station. A gravel parking lot is located at this turn. A walkway continue straight ahead, with a yellow line down the middle. Make sure to stay on the left side of the yellow line, as veering to the right puts you on Coast Guard property.

Good views are also available from the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve, and this is a nice spot for a quick dip in Lake Michigan .

For more information, check out our comprehensive post on the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Pierhead Lighthouse .

• Built in 1899

This light was built in 1899 when it became evident that the North Pierhead Light House, while useful, was not sufficient to help guide ships to the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal from Lake Michigan. Piercing 107 feet into the air above Lake Michigan, it is an impressive and striking structure, although the structure as it currently stands has changed quite drastically from when it was originally constructed. The external bracing on this lighthouse was not added until 1903 and was put in place to solve a vibration problem. The original engineering did not adequately stand up to the rigors posed by Lake Michigan’s strong winds.

Good views are also available from the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve. Click here for a map to the Nature Preserve .

For more information about this lighthouse, check out our comprehensive post on the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Lighthouse .

Door County Lighthouses Open to the Public

The three Door County Lighthouses that are open to the public and have tours are:

While the buildings are generally closed to the public, the grounds around the following lighthouses are usually open to the public:

Potential visitors should remember that the Chambers Island and Plum Island lighthouses are not accessible from the mainland and require transportation by boat.

Door County Lighthouses Closed to the Public

The grounds to the following lighthouses are closed to the public, and these lighthouses can usually only be viewed from the water:

Door County Lighthouses Map

Door County Lighthouse Festival

A great time to visit Door County lighthouses is during the annual Door County Lighthouse Festival run by the Door County Maritime Museum. Some of the lighthouses that are normally closed to the public are made available for viewing and tours.

Island Lighthouses

The following island lighthouses, lighthouses that can be found on islands, can be found in Door County:

• Pottawotomie (Rock Island) Lighthouse

How Do Lighthouses Work?

Lighthouses are iconic structures designed to guide maritime pilots at sea or on inland waterways. They serve as navigational aids, signaling the location of hazards, shorelines, and safe entries to harbors using a system of powerful lights.

The basic functionality of a lighthouse is relatively simple but effective. At the heart of a lighthouse is its light source, which, in the past, ranged from open fires and candles to more modern electric lights. The light is usually amplified by a lens or a system of mirrors to increase visibility. The most significant advancement in lighthouse technology was the development of the Fresnel lens in the 1820s by French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel. This lens could capture more oblique light from a light source, thereby allowing the light to be visible over greater distances.

The light from a lighthouse is typically projected through a rotating mechanism, which creates a distinctive pattern or rhythm of flashes known as a characteristic. Each lighthouse has its unique characteristic, which helps mariners identify their locations by looking at the timing of the flashes.

Furthermore, modern lighthouses often incorporate electronic navigation systems, including radio beacons, which can send signals directly to a ship’s navigational equipment, providing precise data on location and guidance. In essence, lighthouses work as a crucial part of maritime safety, ensuring that vessels can navigate safely around dangerous areas, even in poor visibility conditions.

Wisconsin Lighthouse Road Trip

Door County is a pivotal stop on any Wisconsin Lighthouse Road Trip, boasting iconic beacons like Cana Island and Eagle Bluff Lighthouses. This picturesque peninsula offers a deep dive into maritime history, with stunning views and charming coastal scenes, making it an essential destination for lighthouse enthusiasts.

Cave Point Lighthouse

While Cave Point County Park doesn’t feature a lighthouse, nearby treasures like Cana Island Lighthouse, Baileys Harbor Range Lights, and Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Lighthouse are close by. These historic beacons offer glimpses into maritime heritage, just a short drive from the park’s dramatic shores.

Washington Island Lighthouse

While Washington Island itself doesn’t host a lighthouse, it serves as the gateway to Rock Island, home to a historic lighthouse. Visitors can journey from Washington Island to explore Rock Island’s picturesque lighthouse, immersing themselves in the area’s rich maritime history and stunning natural beauty.

Wisconsin Lighthouses on Lake Michigan

Door County is one of the best places to see lighthouses on Lake Michigan in Wisconsin. If we count Green Bay as being part of Lake Michigan, all of Door County’s lighthouses are on Lake Michigan. If we exclude Green Bay, the following lighthouses are on Lake Michigan: Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Lighthouse, Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Pierhead Lighthouse, Baileys Harbor Range Lights, Old Baileys Harbor Birdcage Lighthouse, Cana Island Lighthouse, Plum Island Lighthouse, Pilot Island Lighthouse, Pottawatomie (Rock Island) Lighthouse.

Wisconsin Lighthouses

Wisconsin is a prime location for lighthouse enthusiasts, and Door County stands out as the premier destination to admire these maritime beacons. With its scenic coastline dotted with iconic lighthouses, Door County offers unparalleled opportunities to explore a rich array of historic lighthouses set against breathtaking landscapes.

Green Bay Lighthouses

The following lighthouses in Door County are on Green Bay: Chambers Island Lighthouse, Sherwood Point Lighthouse, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. Additionally, if you are in the city of Green Bay, Door County is a great, nearby place to see lots of lighthouses.

Sturgeon Bay Lighthouses

Sturgeon Bay has a nice number of lighthouses. Lighthouses near Sturgeon Bay include the Sherwood Point Lighthouse, the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Lighthouse, and the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Pierhead Lighthouse.

Do People Live in Lighthouses?

At one time, the lighthouses of Door County were manned, and most of them had a residence attached to them. The last manned lighthouses was the Sherwood Point Lighthouse at the junction of Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay. However, none of the lighthouses in Door County have personnel that live there permanently anymore. But, in a sense, people still live short-term at the Sherwood Point Lighthouse, as military personnel can book it for short getaways.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are 11 lighthouses in Door County, Wisconsin. These historic structures played an important role in guiding ships through the treacherous waters of Lake Michigan during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Visitors can climb the stairs to the top of some of Door County’s lighthouses, but not all. For example, the Cana Island Lighthouse offers visitors the chance to climb its 97 steps for a stunning panoramic view of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area.

The oldest lighthouse in Door County is the Pottawatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island, which was built in 1836. This lighthouse is also the oldest lighthouse in Wisconsin, and it played a critical role in guiding ships through the dangerous waters near the Door Peninsula. Visitors can tour the lighthouse and learn about its history and significance.

Summary – Lighthouses in Door County

• Door County has 11 lighthouses .
• The Cana Island Lighthouse, Eagle Point Lighthouse, and Pottawatomie (Rock Island) Lighthouse are open to the public.
• Visiting lighthouses is a popular activity in Door County.
• Door County has one of the highest concentrations of lighthouses in the United States.

Mark Stoneman

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Door County Trolley

Scenic, ghost, wine tours & more, egg harbor, wisconsin, egg harbor, wisconsin

Scenic & Lighthouse Tours

Drinking tours, evening tours, winter, off-season tours, family friendly tours, trolley rentals, choose your tour by date.

Available year-round for your Door County wedding. Make your special day even more special with a ride on our trolley. We go anywhere! Capacity of 29 individuals. In-trolley speaker system. Comfortable, cushioned seats. Heated and enclosed for year-round comfort.

Service is available year-round for:

• Bachelorette Parties
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• Family Reunions
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Door County Trolley has been a staple in Door County since May of 2000. To learn about how this tour company began we must start with AJ Frank. AJ was a home care nurse for 12 years in Milwaukee. In 1999 he went on vacation to Savannah, Georgia with his wife and newborn son. They took a tour and he thought to himself, “I can do this!” Upon returning to their home in Cedarburg, AJ and his wife Cheryl sold their house, quit their jobs, and moved their family to Door County. He bought his first trolley and started Door County Trolley.

At Door County Trolley we believe in providing our guests with the best possible experience. We specialize in scenic tours and wine tours and offer 18 experiences for guests to chose from to truly explore the best of Door County. Don’t take our word for it. Trust our more than 2,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.9 stars! Your fun starts with Door County Trolley.

Over 2,000+ 5-Star Reviews From Guests!

Had a wonderful time with our friends on the tour! Enjoyed all of our visits to the wineries, distillery and cheese shop. A highlight of the tour was definitely the sleigh ride. Enjoyed our lunch at the beautiful English Inn. Our tour guide Henk was just a delight, with wonderful stories about the history of Door County and lots of greats spots to visit. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone!

My friends and I celebrated my birthday by doing a wine, spirits and beer trolley tour. Our Trolley tour guide John, made us laugh and kept us entertained all day long. We drank, we laughed, and we got home safe! Thanks to the Door County Trolley company for making this trip a memorable one! Can’t wait to go back on another tour!

I give this activity a 10 out of 10! Absolutely amazing with a great guide, beautiful scenery, and fantastic music. The entire trolley was interactive and you were able to quickly make friends with others out for a good time. Our guide definitely made a difference in keeping everyone pumped and did an amazing job of keeping us all engaged. I will be back for another tour and couldn't be happier to have used this service for our first girl's weekend!

We did this tour with a group of ten and had reserved online (highly recommended for a group). We did the murder and mayhem tour and it was fun and informative. The driver was engaging and he obviously knew a lot about the area, he had very good recommendations for places to eat or visit for the weekend. It a great way to see the area without having to battle the traffic.

Wow! What a fun night on the Ghost tour of Door County! Our trolley driver and tour guide, Ed, was such a spectacular storyteller and historian! I totally recommend this tour. Whenever I return to Door County, I’ll book the Murder and Mayhem tour because Ed guides that tour as well! Thanks so much Door county trolley!

Loved the scenic tour. Tour guide Boyd was very friendly, funny and informative. I’ve been to Door County many times. This tour filled in the blanks of places up there that I’ve wondered about. I would love to come back & do some of the other tours available. I would highly recommend this tour.

On June 12, 1928, there was a bank of fog outside at a distance of about 4 miles and as boats were blowing the fog signal was put into operation. About 12:20 p.m. a whistle, which I figured was a car ferry, was blowing, coming from the east shore, but she got about 2 miles south when off the canal with a moderate to almost fresh south wind. There the car ferry stayed, blowing its fog signal occasionally, and finally stopped at about 3 p.m., when I figured she had gone south. The Coast Guard station then got a call from the Ann Arbor car ferry office at Menominee wanting to know if the fog signal was in operation. When I got this information I told the Coast Guard on duty to call the Menominee office and have them radio the captain of the car ferry to run 2 miles north and come in. She went north and stopped, but I expect could not see the shore, but she could be seen from shore; when another call came wanting to know where she was then, and the Coast Guard answered that she was about 4 miles out in line with the canal. She was soon out of the fog and it was the Ann Arbor car ferry No. 5.

• 9 Most Inviting Towns in Wisconsin

Win yourself a trip to Wisconsin , the United States’ greatest producer of dairy products. It was in Badger State that the first ice cream sundae was served, and a satellite known as Sputnik IV from the USSR plummeted in 1962. It is a vibrant state with lush woods and forests in the Door Peninsula and epic islands and islets on Lake Michigan. But most of all, you will find yourself enchanted by the nine most inviting towns in Wisconsin, each promoting and preserving the histories and habitats of the region. So flow down the great Wisconsin River (named from the Algonquin word Meskonsing for “this stream meanders through something red” as a reference to Wisconsin Dell ), and let these nine small towns invite you to the milky wonders of Wisconsin.

Sturgeon Bay

Praised as one of the Top 10 Happiest Seaside Towns in the US, Sturgeon Bay has captured the attention and wonder of many a traveler with its pristine location beside Lake Michigan . At Sturgeon Bay, you will be awestruck by the evocative art pieces in the Millers Art Museum and Margaret Lockwood Gallery as well as the masterfully created glassware at the Popelka Trenchard Glass. As one of the finest towns in the Door County and in the Door Peninsula , Sturgeon Bay houses the Door County Maritime Museum which elucidates on the history of both the town and the peninsula. Watch boats travel across the Sturgeon Bay Canal, where a historic lighthouse watches over the entranceway to Lake Michigan. And from May 25 to 26, the Sturgeon Bay Fine Arts Fair will showcase many of the local talents and culture of the area. Only 43 miles from the city of Green Bay , luxuriate yourself in Sturgeon Bay’s finest establishments such as White Birch Inn or The Foxglove Inn.

Elkhart Lake

Approximately 26 miles from the serene waters of Lake Winnebago , Elkhart Lake is a riveting town of bucolic splendors and laidback simplicities. Visitors can go rowing and fishing on the lake which the town is named after. For those in love with the land, La Budde Creek State Wildlife Area and Kettle Moraine State Forest have an abundance of space for camping in the day or night and trekking through quiet woods and creeks.

The Sheboygan Marsh State Wildlife Area, similarly, contains many exciting features for the most adventurous of people to enjoy such as Sheboygan Lake and Sheboygan River. In addition, Henschel's Indian Museum and Hidden Springs Trout Farm educates travelers about the Native American lifestyle in Elkhart Lake. Racecar drivers can be thrilled to explore the Road America racetrack, which continues to host many regional races since its inception in 1955. And anyone worn and weary from all the fun exploration can always recharge for the next day at The Osthoff Resort.

Lake Geneva

Although dissimilar from being the Lake Geneva of Switzerland , the Lake Geneva in Wisconsin is a splendid resort town to wind down and refreshen from city life. Besides the shores of Geneva Lake, travelers can go ziplining and might spot recognizable fauna from Africa roaming the local safaris from above. Nearby, the Big Foot Beach State Park creates an relaxing atmosphere for recreational activities, while the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre conjures many mysteries and marvels for you to admire.

The Black Point Estate and Gardens—the 1888 summer estate of Conrad Seipp, a Chicago beer baron—opens its hallowed and ancient doors from May 1 to October 31. Neighboring this fabulous estate is the Baker House, built around the same period and now serving as a venue for local performances. For those eager to see the stars, the Yerkes Observatory—one of the ten best astronomical observatories in the world where many Nobel prize -winning astronomers worked since 1897—has all the gadgets and gizmos you need to contemplate the cosmos. As for opulent lodgings like the Seven Oaks Bed & Breakfast and Lake Geneva Lodge, you will not feel fatigued in the placid Lake Geneva.

About 44 minutes from Sturgeon Bay, Sister Bay to watch the watery barrier between Michigan and Wisconsin known as Green Bay. This is especially true when you are exploring Peninsula State Park, a 38-acre wide haven which provides perfect and unparalleled views of Green Bay from atop Eagle Tower. Aside from Peninsula State Park, there are dynamic and vibrant destinations for any outdoors person to love. The Three Springs Nature Preserve, for example, is a paradise for the local flora and fauna, while the Mink River Reserve has a number of creeks and marshes leading out into Lake Michigan. As for the Wagon Trail Campground, you can live the life of an old-school camper in those ancient woods. Partake in the annual Goat Parade and Al Johnson's Goat Festival on June, so celebrated due to an incident where a goat was spotted on a random roof. If you require accommodations, look to the Open Hearth Lodge, The Coachlite Inn, or County House Resort for a relaxing rest in the evenings.

Situated on Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River , the town of Stockholm is a wondrously charming town that brings the allure of Sweden to central America. Deriving its name from Stockholm , the capital city of Sweden, the Stockholm Museum elaborates on the mass migration of immigrants from Sweden towards a home away from the original home in the Old World. Thanks to its Swedish influences, Stockholm is a delightfully inviting town that welcomes visitors with pie from the Stockholm Pie Company and beekeeping lessons at the Heritage Woods. For explorers of all kinds, the Maiden Rock Bluff State Natural Area is a magnificent destination for you to roam. As for lodgings like the Rivertown Landing and Art Orchard & Guesthouse, you can feel as jolly and peaceful as the Swedish people.

Hayward is a town of undisturbed tranquility, home to numerous bodies of water like lakes Hayward, Round, Grindstone, and Bass. Furthermore, several preserves and parks dominate the area as best exemplified by the Bean Brook State Wildlife Management Area and Kissick Swamp State Wildlife Management Area. Marvel at the antique rods and reels at the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, and watch awesome activities and festivities at the Sawyer County Agricultural Fair Association. The Lumberjack World Championship on August is a particularly adrenalin-pumping event in Hayward as it brings many international competitors to see who can live up to the legend of Paul Bunyan . If you do intend to stay longer in Hayward, book a room at the Flat Creek Lodge.

Experience the biblical beauty of the Apostle Islands from Bayfield, a town with convenient access to the Jewels of Lake Superior . There are 22 islands to explore from Bayfield’s ports, with Madeline Island being the largest of the Apostle Islands and containing several preserves and parks like the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Elsewhere, you can tour the many historic lighthouses that have shepherded many ships to safe harbor in Bayfield, like the Devils Island Lighthouse. At the Copper Crow Distillery, the first Native American owned distillery in the US, you can sample some of the finest beer in the region. Or you go to the Eckels Pottery and Fine Craft Gallery to peruse some of the best pottery in Wisconsin. Prepare to purchase or pluck some exquisite apples during the Bayfield Apple Festival on October 4 - 6. Should you wish to spend your vacation in Bayfield, you can store your belongings safely in the Old Rittenhouse Inn, Lake Superior Lodge, or Pine Cottage.

Port Washington

Want a New England atmosphere in a state not part of New England? Then the Americana town of Port Washington has the fitting ambiance to charm you to stay. Only 27 miles north of Milwaukee , visitors can immerse themselves into the Victorian-era lifestyle of the 1800s at the Judge Eghart House. Stand upon the historic Port Washington Breakwater Light for the ferocious sprays of Lake Michigan. You can even scuba dive down Lake Michigan to see the many shipwrecks and other oddities deep in Lake Michigan. For a deeper appreciation of the bygone times, the Luxembourg American Cultural Center’s Roots and Leaves Museum narrates the history of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg , as well as the mass migrations from Luxembourg to America. And for a comfortable and secure sleep in Port Washington, The Harborview provides impeccable services for your daily needs.

Experience a new kind of vacation in the inviting town of New Glarus. It has earned the title “Little Switzerland of America” for the Swiss influence and décor of its architecture, notably seen in the Swiss Historical Village & Musuem. The Wilhelm Tell Festival on September—celebrating one of Europe 's best archers in the Middle Ages —and the Swiss Volksfest (Swiss Independence Day) on August 4 are among the many cultural facets honoring the townsfolks’ Swiss connections. At the Edelweiss Chalet Country Club, you can partake in riveting golf courses. At the New Glarus Brewing Company and the Whiskey Run Distillery, you can sample some of the fine wines and whiskeys New Glarus produces. And beyond the town perimeter lies the New Glarus State Park, a paradise for Wisconsin’s wildlife. Only 34 minutes from Madison , do not forget to find accommodations at either the Chalet Landhaus Inn, The Blanc Chalet, or Wolf’s Den.

In the state where Harry Houdini was born, allow the magic of Wisconsin to transport you in a billow of smoke into a new and wondrous experience. Go beyond the geographical treasures of the House on the Rock and the Cave of the Mounds, and tour the most inviting towns in the Badger State. Dive and delve into the past at Port Washington, where the waters of Lake Michigan conceal the skeletons of ancient vessels. Rejuvenate in serene dwellings like Elkhart Lake, or cherish the exquisite Swiss cheeses at New Glarus or Lake Geneva. Go island hopping in Bayfield, and explore the beauty of the Door Peninsula at Sister Bay or Sturgeon Bay. Either way, strengthen your bones with a fine glass of milk from a state renowned for its many dairy products.

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Fall Door County Lighthouse Festival

Fall: oct. 4-6, 2024.

This fundraising Festival weekend includes air, land-based, boat, and adventure tours that provide access to all 11 of the treasured lighthouses of Door County and 3 of our neighbors to the south. Many of the tour excursions are unique to the Lighthouse Festival weekends and provide visitors exclusive access to lighthouses not typically open to the public – Chambers Island, Plum Island, and Sherwood Point Lighthouses. There are tours for all levels of activity and accessibility. Some tours involve hiking. Boat tours depart from a variety of locations around the Peninsula, including Sister Bay, Gills Rock, and Baileys Harbor. A portion of each Lighthouse Festival tour ticket helps fund the Door County Maritime Museum & Lighthouse Preservation Society. FOR 2023: Grassy Island Range Lights and Algoma and Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouses are open OR hosting visitors! Please note: The interiors of the Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse, and the Sturgeon Bay Pierhead Lighthouse, are NOT open for visitors. You cannot get to the buildings, due to openings in the breakwalls.

Related Events

Spring Door County Lighthouse Festival

Door County Classic & Wooden Boat Show

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• Weather 5 Day Forecast ( via OpenWeather ) Today 52°F Tuesday 4/30 51°F Wednesday 5/1 61°F Thursday 5/2 46°F Friday 5/3 57°F

Door County Spring Lighthouse Festival

Sunday, Jun 9, 2024

• Door County Maritime Museum
• Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

See all 11 historic lighthouses surrounded by fall colors! Take a tour by air, boat or self-guided driving. This event gives visitors access to lighthouses not typically oepn to the public, including Chambers island and Plum Island. Make your reservations early - most tours sell out.?

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