Cana Island Lighthouse - Door County
Cana Island,  Door County Wisconsin
Located on an island near Bailey's Harbor in Door County Wisconsin

Prints & Downloads

Map

Keepers:
William Jackson (1869 – 1872)

Location


To reach the lighthouse,  drive North of Sturgeon Bay on HWY 57 to Bailey's Harbor.   Just north of Baileys Harbor, watch for signs that will lead you to the light house.  
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​​Google Maps HERE

History

Key Historical Highlights:​

the lighthouse was built to replace the Baileys Harbor Lighthouse in 1869 and was first lit in 1870. It is still used as an active navigational aid under the jurisdiction of the US Coast Guard.

The keeper's quarters, privy, and tower were the first buildings and were made of cream city brick, but the brick of the tower deteriorated quickly because of storms and icy winters. In 1902, a steel cladding was added to the tower to protect it from further deterioration.

On October 15, 1880 a terrible storm called the Big Blow of 1880 destroyed seven ships near this lighthouse, and on October 12, 1928, the freighter M.J. Bartelme went aground in the fog at this location after attempts to free the ship failed.

Photography

There is a small fee to go out to the lighthouse Island.   There is a causeway that you can walk to the Island.  There is a service that can give you a wagon ride to the island during certain times of the year.

Its a GREAT dark skies location for the Milkyway.

When the Great Lakes are high, you may get wet when crossing.  The photo above shows the dry causeway as of October 2024.
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