2. Travel

Door County, Wisconsin

Door County is a 70-mile long thumb-shaped peninsula on Wisconsin's eastern shore. With over 300 miles of shoreline, it has more lighthouses (10) than any other county in the United States. It is also home to the largest number of state parks (5)on the Great Lakes. Door County was named for the passage at the tip of the peninsula between the cold waters of Lake Michigan and the warmer waters of Green Bay. French explorers named it Porte des Morts (translated Door of Death) because of the number of ships which met their end in her waters. Hundreds of shipwrecks dot her floor.

In addition to parks and lighthouses, Door County is rich in history and natural beauty. Enjoy some of my favorite images.
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  • Observation tower in Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay.

    Observation tower in Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay.

  • Small island across from the boat ramp in Potawatomi State Park.

    Small island across from the boat ramp in Potawatomi State Park.

  • Small island off the shore from the Potawatomi State Park in Sturgeon Bay.

    Small island off the shore from the Potawatomi State Park in Sturgeon Bay.

  • Early fall colors in Door County.

    Early fall colors in Door County.

  • Pastel sunset in Sturgeon Bay along Memorial Drive.

    Pastel sunset in Sturgeon Bay along Memorial Drive.

  • Blazing color contrast of a maple tree on the corner of County A and V, Jacksonport.

    Blazing color contrast of a maple tree on the corner of County A and V, Jacksonport.

  • Waves of blue- Forget-me-nots in Peninsula State Park, Door County, WI.

    Waves of blue- Forget-me-nots in Peninsula State Park, Door County, WI.

  • Wilson's Ice Cream Parlor in Ephraim is a Door County favorite, any time of day.

    Wilson's Ice Cream Parlor in Ephraim is a Door County favorite, any time of day.

  • St. Martin Island, Michigan. While technically not in Door County, St. Martin and Poverty Islands are part of the chain of islands between the tip of the Door peninsula and Michigan's Garden peninsula. Located just to the north of Washington Island, it is only 18 miles from Gills Rock and is included on one of the Lighthouse Cruises in May. I was particularly interested in seeing this island because my Great-great grandfather grew up here after his father was killed during the Civil War.

    St. Martin Island, Michigan. While technically not in Door County, St. Martin and Poverty Islands are part of the chain of islands between the tip of the Door peninsula and Michigan's Garden peninsula. Located just to the north of Washington Island, it is only 18 miles from Gills Rock and is included on one of the Lighthouse Cruises in May. I was particularly interested in seeing this island because my Great-great grandfather grew up here after his father was killed during the Civil War.

  • St. Martin Island, MI. This lighhouse was built in 1904 in response to the need for guidance through the passage between Escanaba and Lake Michigan. Ships had to make their way through the chain of islands that dotted the entrance to Green Bay between Door County and Michigan's Garden Peninsula. The buildings were built of Cream City brick, and the tower is hexagon in shape- never duplicated. It contained a fourth-order Fresnel lens. The island is privately owned, helping to preserve the buildings from vandalism. but they are deteriorating out of neglect.

    St. Martin Island, MI. This lighhouse was built in 1904 in response to the need for guidance through the passage between Escanaba and Lake Michigan. Ships had to make their way through the chain of islands that dotted the entrance to Green Bay between Door County and Michigan's Garden Peninsula. The buildings were built of Cream City brick, and the tower is hexagon in shape- never duplicated. It contained a fourth-order Fresnel lens. The island is privately owned, helping to preserve the buildings from vandalism. but they are deteriorating out of neglect.

  • Poverty Island Lighthouse, built in 1858 off Michigan's Garden Peninsula, was designed to duplicate the light built three years earlier in Sturgeon Bay. It's Fourth Order Fresnel lens helped to guide vessels through the island-dotted passage between Escanaba and Lake Michigan. The light was automated in 1957, and the condition of the island suits its name.

    Poverty Island Lighthouse, built in 1858 off Michigan's Garden Peninsula, was designed to duplicate the light built three years earlier in Sturgeon Bay. It's Fourth Order Fresnel lens helped to guide vessels through the island-dotted passage between Escanaba and Lake Michigan. The light was automated in 1957, and the condition of the island suits its name.

  • Pottawatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island is Door County's oldest lighthouse, completed in 1837 to guide vessels through the Rock Island passage and Port du Mort (Death's Door). It is accessible by a ferry ride from Washington Island, then a mile-long hike up the hill to the light's location on the bluff. It housed a fourth order Fresnel lens.

    Pottawatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island is Door County's oldest lighthouse, completed in 1837 to guide vessels through the Rock Island passage and Port du Mort (Death's Door). It is accessible by a ferry ride from Washington Island, then a mile-long hike up the hill to the light's location on the bluff. It housed a fourth order Fresnel lens.

  • Rounding the bluff of Rock Island on the way to the boat dock.

    Rounding the bluff of Rock Island on the way to the boat dock.

  • Rock Island boathouse was built by wealthy inventor Chester Thordarson. In 1920 he began construction of a summer estate, including the large boathouse decorated with Norse characters. It is open to the public.

    Rock Island boathouse was built by wealthy inventor Chester Thordarson. In 1920 he began construction of a summer estate, including the large boathouse decorated with Norse characters. It is open to the public.

  • Thordarson boathouse on Rock Island

    Thordarson boathouse on Rock Island

  • Inside the Thordarson boathouse on Rock Island

    Inside the Thordarson boathouse on Rock Island

  • Interior of Viking Hall in the Rock Island boathouse, which housed Chester Thordarson's rare collection of books. Icelandic artist Halldor Einarson carved runic and block letters above the huge fireplace in Viking Hall, and on each of the 24 oak straight chairs he carved a scene from various Nordic myths, Names of principle characters were written in runic beneath each scene. The book collection was sold to the University of Wisconsin- Madison, but you can still see the boathouse and furniture, which was donated back to the Park to keep them together

    Interior of Viking Hall in the Rock Island boathouse, which housed Chester Thordarson's rare collection of books. Icelandic artist Halldor Einarson carved runic and block letters above the huge fireplace in Viking Hall, and on each of the 24 oak straight chairs he carved a scene from various Nordic myths, Names of principle characters were written in runic beneath each scene. The book collection was sold to the University of Wisconsin- Madison, but you can still see the boathouse and furniture, which was donated back to the Park to keep them together

  • Pottawatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island has been restored because of the hard work of the Friends of Rock Island. Rock Island is owned and operated as one of Wisconsin's state parks, open to the public during the summer.

    Pottawatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island has been restored because of the hard work of the Friends of Rock Island. Rock Island is owned and operated as one of Wisconsin's state parks, open to the public during the summer.

  • Pottowatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island

    Pottowatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island

  • A tour of Pottawatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island gives you a feel for the life of the lighthouse keepers who inhabited the isolated islands of Lake Michigan.

    A tour of Pottawatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island gives you a feel for the life of the lighthouse keepers who inhabited the isolated islands of Lake Michigan.

  • Heading back to the ferry on Rock Island. Washington Island is can be seen in the background.

    Heading back to the ferry on Rock Island. Washington Island is can be seen in the background.

  • Plum Island's rear range light tower and dwelling. In 1848 Plum Island was the original location of the Port des Morts light before it was relocated to the 3.5 acre Pilot Island in 1858. Plum Island remained abandoned until 1895, when a set of range lights and a fog signal were built on its southwestern end. Both lights were automated in 1964.

    Plum Island's rear range light tower and dwelling. In 1848 Plum Island was the original location of the Port des Morts light before it was relocated to the 3.5 acre Pilot Island in 1858. Plum Island remained abandoned until 1895, when a set of range lights and a fog signal were built on its southwestern end. Both lights were automated in 1964.

  • Plum Island. The white tower is not a lighthouse, but the rear range light of the Plum Island Range Lights.

    Plum Island. The white tower is not a lighthouse, but the rear range light of the Plum Island Range Lights.

  • Pilot Island, originally known as Port du Morts. The Port du Morts Light was originally built on Plum Island, but was too far west in the Deaths Door Passage to be useful. So in 1858 it was relocated to Pilot Island. The light was automated in 1962, and today the island has been taken over by seagulls and cormorants.

    Pilot Island, originally known as Port du Morts. The Port du Morts Light was originally built on Plum Island, but was too far west in the Deaths Door Passage to be useful. So in 1858 it was relocated to Pilot Island. The light was automated in 1962, and today the island has been taken over by seagulls and cormorants.

  • Construction of the old Baileys Harbor Light was begun in 1852. Built of native stone, the tower was topped with a birdcage-style lantern room containing a Sixth Order Fresnel lens, later upgraded to a Fifth Order lens. In 1866 its use was replaced by construction of the range lights on Baileys Harbor's west shore, and a light on Cana Island. The lights shined for the last time in 1869, and the island is now privately owned.

    Construction of the old Baileys Harbor Light was begun in 1852. Built of native stone, the tower was topped with a birdcage-style lantern room containing a Sixth Order Fresnel lens, later upgraded to a Fifth Order lens. In 1866 its use was replaced by construction of the range lights on Baileys Harbor's west shore, and a light on Cana Island. The lights shined for the last time in 1869, and the island is now privately owned.

  • The old Baileys Harbor Lighthouse with its birdcage top.

    The old Baileys Harbor Lighthouse with its birdcage top.

  • Cana Island Lighthouse, Baileys Harbor, WI. Construction of the cream city brick building and 65' tower was begun in 1869. Because of its location, Cana Island is vulnerable to severe storms, and in 1902 the exterior of the tower was encased in steel and painted white. The Third Order Fresnel lens still shines to warn vessels. The Door County Maritime Museum leased the property in the 1970's to preserve it for the public. Access to the "island" is by crossing the rocks from the mainland.

    Cana Island Lighthouse, Baileys Harbor, WI. Construction of the cream city brick building and 65' tower was begun in 1869. Because of its location, Cana Island is vulnerable to severe storms, and in 1902 the exterior of the tower was encased in steel and painted white. The Third Order Fresnel lens still shines to warn vessels. The Door County Maritime Museum leased the property in the 1970's to preserve it for the public. Access to the "island" is by crossing the rocks from the mainland.

  • Cana Island's Third Order Fresnel lens is now illuminated by a 500-watt electric lamp.

    Cana Island's Third Order Fresnel lens is now illuminated by a 500-watt electric lamp.

  • Cana Island Lighthouse as seen from the shore.

    Cana Island Lighthouse as seen from the shore.

  • Classic view of Cana Island Lighthouse.

    Classic view of Cana Island Lighthouse.

  • Eagle Lighthouse, Peninsula State Park

    Eagle Lighthouse, Peninsula State Park

  • Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Peninsula State Park. Construction of the Cream City Brick building was begun in 1868. The plan is the same as for the Chambers Island lighthouse, but the tower's shape is square to help mariners distinguish it. Its original Third and a Half Order lens was replaced by a Fifth Order lens in 1918, and automated in 1926. The house is open for tours during the summer.

    Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Peninsula State Park. Construction of the Cream City Brick building was begun in 1868. The plan is the same as for the Chambers Island lighthouse, but the tower's shape is square to help mariners distinguish it. Its original Third and a Half Order lens was replaced by a Fifth Order lens in 1918, and automated in 1926. The house is open for tours during the summer.

  • Eagle Lighthouse, Peninsula State Park. Since the lighthouse sits on top of a 40 foot bluff, it only needed to be 43 feet high to reach an adequate height above the water. It is constructed of Cream City Brick, manufactured in Milwaukee and known for its strength.

    Eagle Lighthouse, Peninsula State Park. Since the lighthouse sits on top of a 40 foot bluff, it only needed to be 43 feet high to reach an adequate height above the water. It is constructed of Cream City Brick, manufactured in Milwaukee and known for its strength.

  • Lilac time at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. Peninsula State Park, Door County, Wisconsin

    Lilac time at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. Peninsula State Park, Door County, Wisconsin

  • Storm clouds over Sturgeon Bay Coast Guard Station

    Storm clouds over Sturgeon Bay Coast Guard Station

  • The Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal North Pierhead illuminates the pier which parallels the entrance to the canal. It also contains the fog horn.

    The Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal North Pierhead illuminates the pier which parallels the entrance to the canal. It also contains the fog horn.

  • Sherwood Point lighthouse sits on the 30 foot bluff on Sherwood Point, just south of Sturgeon Bay, Door County, WI.

    Sherwood Point lighthouse sits on the 30 foot bluff on Sherwood Point, just south of Sturgeon Bay, Door County, WI.

  • Sturgeon Bay canal light

    Sturgeon Bay canal light

  • Sherwood Point lighthouse in Door County, WI. (This picture has been posterized for a different effect)

    Sherwood Point lighthouse in Door County, WI. (This picture has been posterized for a different effect)

  • Sherwood Point Lighthouse, Door County, WI.

    Sherwood Point Lighthouse, Door County, WI.

  • Cave Point is one of Door County's most photographed and painted spots.

    Cave Point is one of Door County's most photographed and painted spots.

  • Nautical Sturgeon Bay

    Nautical Sturgeon Bay

  • Sturgeon Bay's West Side dock, home to a fleet of tugs, the "Fred A. Busse" (a retired Chicago fire tug now used for cruises), the Door County Maritime Museum, and the Door County Co-op grain elevator.

    Sturgeon Bay's West Side dock, home to a fleet of tugs, the "Fred A. Busse" (a retired Chicago fire tug now used for cruises), the Door County Maritime Museum, and the Door County Co-op grain elevator.

  • A family of tugs make Sturgeon Bay's West Side dock their home. They are located between the Coast Guard Cutter "Mobile Bay" and the Michigan Street Bridge.

    A family of tugs make Sturgeon Bay's West Side dock their home. They are located between the Coast Guard Cutter "Mobile Bay" and the Michigan Street Bridge.

  • Sturgeon Bay's Michigan Street Bridge, a unique steel drawbridge.

    Sturgeon Bay's Michigan Street Bridge, a unique steel drawbridge.

  • Another view of the Sturgeon Bay drawbridge.

    Another view of the Sturgeon Bay drawbridge.

  • Winter view of the historic Michigan Street bridge in Sturgeon Bay. Taken from the west side by Applebee's.

    Winter view of the historic Michigan Street bridge in Sturgeon Bay. Taken from the west side by Applebee's.

  • Ships wintering at Bay Shipbuilding

    Ships wintering at Bay Shipbuilding

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    Blazing color contrast of a maple tree on the corner of County A and V, Jacksonport.
    Waves of blue- Forget-me-nots in Peninsula State Park, Door County, WI.
    Wilson's Ice Cream Parlor in Ephraim is a Door County favorite, any time of day.