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Door County Lighthouses and Museums

Door County has a very rich maritime history. For most of two centuries, shipping has been an integral part of the development of the area in terms of industry, tourism and sustainability.  With the rocky shorelines and dozens of harbors, the need for lighthouses was imperative.  As a result, many were built throughout the peninsula and surrounding islands.

When you visit the museums and lighthouses dedicated to this industry, you will learn about:

  • The rich maritime history. 
  • The Belgians, Scandinavians and others who built lighthouses to guide the early settlers safely through and past the many harbors and rocky shores.
  • Shipbuilding and transportation on Lake Michigan and the Green Bay.
  • The first inhabitants of Door County and how they influenced other settlers over time.
  • Shipwrecks

Visit The Door County Lighthouses

 

Sherwood Point Lighthouse

This lighthouse was built in 1883 but wasn't automated until 1983. It remains as the last manned lighthouse in the country.

This lighthouse is used by the Coast Guard as a private retreat for its personnel.

Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal and Coastguard Station

Although built in 1899, it wasn't automated until 1972.

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse

This lighthouse is located in PENINSULA STATE PARK

It was built in 1868 and automated in 1926.

Ever since 1960, the Door County Historical Society has restored and maintained the structure to a time when the lighthouse keeper and his family would have lived there.

It is open to the public.

Chambers Island Lighthouse


This was built in 1858 and automated in 1961.

The Ridge Lights


These lights were built in 1869, automated in 1923, and remained functional until 1969.

During operation, the sailors could tell that they were on a safe course into Baileys Harbor when the upper and lower lights would line up over each other.

Cana Island Lighthouse


Past Baileys Harbor At the end of Cana Island Rd. , over the causeway .

This lighthouse was built in 1869 but wasn't automated until 1944.

This is still an active navigational guide which is maintained by the Door County Maritime Museum . There is a natural stone causeway that leads to the grounds that are open from 10am - 5pm

Potawatomi Lighthouse on Rock Island

Built in 1863, the Potawatomi Lighthouse is the oldest in the County.

Plum Island Lighthouse

This was built in 1895 and automated in 1969.

Pilot Island Range Lights


These were built in 1895 and automated in 1969.

Door County has a rich maritime heritage. Learn about the past and enjoy the future.


Sturgeon Bay Maritime Museum


120 N. Madison Ave. Sturgeon Bay.

This museum is right on Sturgeon Bays' waterfront and boasts 20,000 square feet.

The museum offers exhibits of three masted sailing vessels from the 1800's, Native American canoes, the Elba pilothouse, photographs, models, and antique motors.

Door County Historical Museum

18 N. 4th Ave. Sturgeon Bay.

This museum displays history ranging from the Indians, early settlers, agriculture, fishing, and local heritage, the development of the economy and the Pioneer Fire Company.

Miller Art Museum

107 S. 4th Ave. Sturgeon Bay.

This museum is located inside the Door County Library of Sturgeon Bay.

The museum was built in 1975 and has several exhibits that change as well as a permanent collection of 20th century Wisconsin artists.

Old Rugged Cross


1913 Maple Ave , Sturgeon Bay.

This cross is located at Friends church and marks the spot where the composer introduced the hymn in 1913.

Noble House Museum


4167 Highway 42, Fish Creek .

This is now in the National Register of Historic Homes. The house was built in 1875 by Alexander Noble.

This is a Greek revival home and is a great example of the early country Victorian influence.

Old Anderson House Museum


Highway 57 at Country Ln. and Fieldcrest Rd. Sister Bay.

This is a renovated farmhouse that was built in 1865.

This museum offers a view into the past with turn of the century furnishings and artifacts.

Old School House


Gateway Park , Sister Bay

This school was built in 1866 at a cost of only $200.

The students used to have to walk as far as 12 miles for their basic education. At the time, this log building was one of only 2 schoolhouses in Northern Door County.

Pioneer School House

9998 Moravia Street, Ephraim.

This schoolhouse displays original artifacts, photos, and costumes from the 1850's.

There is another original log cabin located adjacent to the schoolhouse.


Log Cabin of Asa Thorpe


Built in 1849, this is the oldest building in the town of Ephraim.

Ephraim Monument

This monument is placed to commemorate the landing of the Moravian's in 1853.

Gills Rock Maritime Museum

12724 Wisconsin Bay Rd. Gills Rock.

This museum features the history of commercial fishing.

There are two fishing tugs on display: the Hope and the Avery.

There are also exhibits of shipwrecks, navigation, and lifesaving items.

Art and Nature Center

Main Rd. Washington Island

This center is located in an old schoolhouse. The gallery features local artist.

The exhibits and displays include geologic history, information about birds, and wildlife.

Washington Island Farm Museum


Jackson Harbor Rd , at Airport Rd.

This is a three acre area with original log buildings, one rebuilt stone building, and over 20 pieces of old farm equipment.

Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum

Little Lake Rd. Washington Island

This museum features inside and outdoor exhibits about the islands commercial fishing industry.

Old fishing sheds house various artifacts, photographs, and videos. Find out about the local Coast Guard, fishing, and shipwrecks.

Jacobeans Museum


Little Lake Rd. Washington Island

This museum Features an old log cabin that has been restored with authentic furniture, as well as old Indian artifacts and early settlers possessions.

Thomas Goodliest House


This house was built in 1857, and is one of the first permanent houses in what became Door County .

It has been restored and authentically refurnished with old hand tools, homemaking artifacts,and implements.

 
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