Explore Door County’s most iconic lighthouse, which in 2019 celebrated 150 years of standing watch on the shore of Lake Michigan. Ride a hay-wagon over the causeway to explore the island, including the 89-foot-tall light tower, oil storage house and lighthouse keeper’s home.
The highlight of any Cana Island visit is climbing the 97 steps of the tower’s spiral staircase to reach the gallery deck, which delivers a sweeping panoramic view of Lake Michigan and the Door County peninsula.
While the ascent is fun for visitors, imagine the lighthouse keeper’s job as he trudged up and down the steps each night, carrying heated lard to keep the light burning!
Along with the Baileys Harbor Range Lights, 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 United States Coast Guard, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
The Cana Island Lighthouse features a third-order Fresnel lens, which was a cutting-edge technology during its construction. The tower’s exterior was originally made of cream city brick, which is a yellowish cream-colored brick common in the Milwaukee area. However, in 1902, the brickwork started to deteriorate due to harsh weather conditions, and the lighthouse was encased in steel plates as a solution to prevent further damage.
Visiting the lighthouse:
Our Day Package includes admission to Cana Island Lighthouse and is good for one admission anytime during the season. The Cana Island lighthouse is located just north of Baileys Harbor in Door County, Wisconsin.
Since the 1970s, both the lighthouse and its keeper’s quarters are open for visitors to tour by means of the Door County Maritime Museum. While we offer premier on-water viewing of the lighthouse, Cana Island has no dock, so you will visit by car at your convenience.
Due to fluctuating lake levels, water often flows over the causeway to Cana Island. There is a complimentary tractor and haywagon ride to shuttle you over to the island. If you do choose to walk across, be prepared with boots or other footwear that can withstand the water and protect your feet.
Cana Island is open May through October, seven days a week, 10 am-5 pm. The last haywagon ride departs from the parking lot at 4:15 pm. The last tower climb starts at 4:30 pm.
View the Cana Island causeway webcam
Door County Maritime Museum Cana Island Lighthouse
8800 Cana Island Rd
Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
920-743-5958
