Stretching out into Lake Michigan and Green Bay, Door County lighthouses are more numerous than anywhere else in Wisconsin. From the rocky shores of Baileys Harbor to the remote islands at the tip of the peninsula, each one tells a story of navigation, isolation, and stunning lakeshore beauty.

If you love history, photography, or simply exploring the peninsula’s most scenic spots, this guide will take you from the mainland’s easy-to-access lights to the offshore ones that require a little more adventure.

Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal North Pierhead Light

One of the most Instagram-worthy spots in all of Door County, this bright red lighthouse sits dramatically at the end of a long pier where the canal meets Lake Michigan. Whether you visit at sunrise or sunset, the reflection off the water and the bold contrast against the sky make this a must-see. If you have access to a boat, paddleboard, or kayak, we think seeing this lighthouse from the water is the best way to experience it.

Just inland, you’ll find the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Light, a towering white lighthouse that stands beside the Coast Guard Station. Together, they make this one of Door County’s most photographed coastal locations.

Sherwood Point Lighthouse

Located at the western entrance to Sturgeon Bay, Sherwood Point Lighthouse is best viewed from the water. Built in 1883, it was the last manned lighthouse on the Great Lakes and still stands as a symbol of the region’s maritime heritage.

Cana Island Lighthouse

This one tops our list. Cana Island Lighthouse offers one of the most unique experiences in Door County. Depending on Lake Michigan’s water levels, you’ll either walk a rocky causeway or ride a tractor-pulled wagon through shallow water to reach the island.

Once there, climb to the top for breathtaking views of the shoreline. Operated by the Door County Maritime Museum, this lighthouse is open for tours and remains one of Wisconsin’s most visited lights. Cana Island remains one of the most visited Door County lighthouses, drawing visitors year after year for its hands-on adventure and unforgettable views. Plan your visit to Cana Island Lighthouse.

Baileys Harbor Range Lights

Set along the Ridges Sanctuary trail, these twin lighthouses once helped mariners safely find the harbor. They’re easy to visit and a perfect quick stop on your way to Cana Island. The hike through the Ridges’ boardwalks and pines makes for a peaceful detour.

Old Baileys Harbor “Bird Cage” Lighthouse

Hidden and hauntingly beautiful, this lighthouse is one of Door County’s hardest to see up close. It sits on a private island and is best viewed from the water. For a closer look, consider a boat tour like the Lakeside Tour with Door County Adventure Rafting. (Photo credit: Door County Adventure Rafting)

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse

Located within Peninsula State Park, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse offers both tours and incredible views over Green Bay. Inside, the restored keeper’s quarters give a glimpse into what life was like for the lighthouse families who tended the light from 1868 to 1926.

Island Lighthouses: The Extra Effort Pays Off

These next lighthouses take a little more work to reach — but that’s part of their charm. Each one rewards you with history, solitude, and sweeping lake views.

• • Chambers Island Lighthouse – Accessible only by private boat or charter, this 1860s lighthouse sits tucked among the trees.
  • Pilot Island Lighthouse – Best seen by boat near the tip of the peninsula, the weathered structure still stands guard over Death’s Door passage.
  • Plum Island Lighthouse – Located between Washington Island and the mainland, Plum Island is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and occasionally opens for guided tours.
  • Pottawatomie Lighthouse – Wisconsin’s oldest lighthouse, built in 1836, rests atop Rock Island. To reach it, take the Washington Island Ferry from the mainland, then the Karfi Ferry to Rock Island. We recommend visiting while camping on Rock Island for a truly unforgettable experience.

WeWisconsin Tip:

Can’t make it to all eleven? Prioritize Cana Island, Eagle Bluff, and the Sturgeon Bay Pierhead Light, the perfect trio for a one-day Door County lighthouse tour that combines history, scenery, and incredible photo ops.