Explore Door County’s Stunning Lighthouses: A Complete Guide to the Best Views

If Door County had a greatest hits album, lighthouses would be track one. With over 300 miles of peninsula and island shoreline, Door County is home to 11 historic lighthouses—each with its own story, charm, and Instagram-worthy view. Some stand tall and proud at the edge of the lake; others are nestled deep in nature preserves or perched on remote islands. But every one of them represents the spirit of Door County: resilient, beautiful, and just a little bit romantic.

Whether you’re a history buff, a day tripper, or simply a sucker for a good view (no judgment—we are too), this guide will walk you through all 11 lighthouses you can find in Door County, along with tips, local insight, and a heads-up about the Door County Lighthouse Festival, one of the best times to see them all in action. We’re talking full-blown Lighthouse Lovers Dream Tour! 

If there's one thing that captures the rugged charm and timeless beauty of Door County, it's the lighthouses—those steadfast sentinels standing watch over the waters of Lake Michigan and Green Bay. 

These historic structures have guided ships, saved lives, and sparked countless love stories (and Instagram posts) for generations.

Tips for Your Lighthouse Tour Across Door County

• Wear comfortable shoes – You’ll be walking on trails, bluffs, and sometimes even through water.
• Bring a camera or binoculars – Whether it’s for birds, boats, or beacons, you won’t want to miss the views.
• Plan ahead – Some locations have limited hours or seasonal access, especially the interior tours.
• Pack snacks or a picnic – Many of these stops are in scenic parks perfect for a bite with a view.
• Respect posted signs – Especially at operational lighthouses like Sherwood Point, where privacy is important.
• Check seasonal hours – Many tours are only available late spring through early fall.
  

Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal North Pierhead Light
Distance from Bridgeport: ~10 minutes
Location: Sturgeon Bay
Access: Walkable pier (weather permitting)​
Our journey begins close to home. Just a short drive from Bridgeport Waterfront Resort, the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal North Pierhead Light is impossible to miss. Its bold red color and cylindrical shape make it one of Door County’s most striking landmarks. It sits at the eastern end of the ship canal, a man-made waterway connecting Lake Michigan and Green Bay.

From the viewing area near the Coast Guard station, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the canal and lake. The lighthouse is especially magical at sunrise, when golden light reflects off the water and the lighthouse glows against the morning sky. While you can’t enter the tower, the setting alone is worth the visit—and your camera will thank you.

Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Light (Coast Guard Station)
​Location: East side of the Ship Canal
Access: Limited – viewable from outside the gates
Not to be confused with the North Pierhead Light, this white cylindrical tower is located inside the active Coast Guard station. While access is restricted, you can get a great view from nearby paths or during the Door County Lighthouse Festival. It’s one of the few remaining staffed lights on the Great Lakes.

Sherwood Point Lighthouse
Distance from Bridgeport: ~20 minutes
Location: West of Sturgeon Bay
Access: Limited – public only during special events​
Located on the western shore of Sturgeon Bay, Sherwood Point Lighthouse offers one of the most peaceful and tranquil views in the area. Built in 1883 and perched on a wooded point, this charming brick lighthouse is notable as the last manned lighthouse on the Great Lakes, and it's still used as a residence by the U.S. Coast Guard today.
Because it’s an active property, public access is limited to occasional open house events—but don’t let that stop you from visiting. The nearby shoreline offers excellent views of the building, especially at sunset when the sky turns pastel and the waters shimmer with fading light. It’s an ideal stop for those who want to soak in the quieter side of Door County’s lighthouse lore.

Cana Island Lighthouse
​Distance from Bridgeport: ~35 minutes
Location: Baileys Harbor
Access: Walk or ride across causeway (subject to lake levels)​
For an unforgettable lighthouse adventure, Cana Island is the crown jewel of Door County’s lighthouse scene. Located just north of Baileys Harbor, this historic light station dates back to 1869 and is one of the most photographed sites in the county. Getting there is part of the experience—you’ll cross a stone-covered causeway that becomes submerged during high water (tip: wear waterproof shoes or bring a towel).

Once on the island, you’ll be greeted by a beautifully preserved white tower. Climb the 97 winding steps to the lantern room, and you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of Lake Michigan that is absolutely breathtaking. The attached keeper’s house has been restored as a museum, offering a look into 19th-century lighthouse life. It’s the kind of place where you’ll lose track of time, surrounded by history and the soothing rhythm of the waves.

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse
​Distance from Bridgeport: ~40 minutes
Location: Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek
Access: Open seasonally for guided tours​
Tucked inside the magnificent Peninsula State Park, the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse sits high above the waters of Green Bay, offering a scenic perch from which to admire both water and woods. Built in 1868, this lighthouse has been carefully restored and now serves as a museum showcasing life in Door County during the lighthouse’s heyday.
Take a guided tour through the furnished keeper’s quarters, learn about the brave families who kept the light burning, and step out to the bluff for a sweeping view that’s especially vibrant in the fall. The park itself is worth exploring, with trails, beaches, and picnic areas that make it a great day trip destination for couples and families alike.

Baileys Harbor Range Lights
Distance from Bridgeport: ~35 minutes
Location: The Ridges Sanctuary
Access: Walkable via nature trails​
If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, the Baileys Harbor Range Lights are a unique and fascinating stop. These two small structures, once used in tandem to guide ships safely into the harbor, are located within The Ridges Sanctuary, Wisconsin’s oldest private nature preserve.
Unlike tall tower lighthouses, these buildings resemble quaint cottages nestled among the trees. As you walk the wooded trails, you’ll come upon the rear light first, a charming white structure with red trim, and then the front light, set closer to the water. Interpretive signs explain how the range system worked, and the entire walk through the preserve is peaceful, informative, and great for families.

Plum Island Rear Range Light
​Location: Between Washington Island and the mainland
Access: Boat only – visible via ferry or boat tours
This sleek, white cast-iron light dates back to 1897 and served to guide ships through Death’s Door Passage. It’s undergoing restoration by the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands and is viewable via boat tours or the Washington Island Ferry.

​Plum Island Front Range Light
​Location: Plum Island
Access: Boat only

This is the “little sibling” to the rear range light and stands near the shoreline of Plum Island. When lined up, the two lights helped mariners navigate one of the Great Lakes’ most treacherous passages. Tours to Plum Island are available seasonally and are a hidden gem for lighthouse and nature lovers.

Pilot Island Lighthouse
​Location: Just east of Plum Island
Access: Boat only – not open to the public
This hauntingly beautiful lighthouse is located on an uninhabited island once known for its frequent shipwrecks. Though it’s closed to the public, boat tours during the Lighthouse Festival often cruise past, offering a chance to see its weathered stonework and surrounding wildlife.

Chambers Island Lighthouse
​Location: Off Fish Creek, Green Bay side
Access: Boat only
Built in 1868, this lighthouse sits in the heart of Chambers Island. It’s a hike once you get to the island, but the reward is worth it—a beautifully restored tower, peaceful surroundings, and the sense of having discovered something truly off the beaten path.

Pottawatomie Lighthouse (Rock Island Light)
​Location: Rock Island State Park
Access: Ferry to Washington Island + boat to Rock Island + hike
This one’s for the adventurers. Wisconsin’s oldest lighthouse, Pottawatomie Light, sits atop a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan on Rock Island. It takes a ferry and a hike to get there, but it’s a bucket-list stop for lighthouse fans. The beautifully restored building and jaw-dropping view make this a trip you’ll never forget.

Don’t Miss: The Door County Lighthouse Festival
​Organized twice a year by the Door County Maritime Museum, the Door County Lighthouse Festival is the ultimate opportunity to get behind the scenes at many of these normally closed lighthouses. Held in June (Spring Festival) and September (Fall Encore Festival), the event includes guided land tours, boat tours, and even kayak trips to see the lighthouses up close.
Some of the tours grant exclusive access to places like Sherwood Point, Chambers Island, and Pilot Island—spots that are otherwise off-limits. Tickets do sell out, so if you’re planning a visit around the festival dates, book early and bring your walking shoes.
Learn more at: ​Door Peninsula Lighthouse Passport Days - Door County Maritime Museum

Ready to Chase the Light?
​Lighthouses are more than just buildings—they’re stories, symbols, and unforgettable sights. Whether you see one or all eleven, your Door County lighthouse journey starts here.

Get a printable Door County Lighthouse Map Here!

Make Bridgeport Your Home Base for Lighthouse Adventures
​Located in the heart of Sturgeon Bay, Bridgeport Waterfront Resort is perfectly positioned for your lighthouse-themed getaway. Our spacious suites, stunning water views, and relaxing amenities (hello, whirlpool tubs and indoor pool!) offer a comfortable and convenient launchpad for your exploration.
After a day of hiking, boating, and light-chasing, you can kick back by the fireplace, watch the sunset over the bay, or plan your next day’s adventures from your private balcony.