Standing guard at the entrance to the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal since 1899, this active lighthouse guides vessels between Lake Michigan and Sturgeon Bay. The striking steel-lined tower, built to replace an earlier light station, remains an essential navigational aid along Wisconsin’s Door County peninsula.

While the lighthouse is not open to the public and visitors cannot climb the tower, its photogenic silhouette draws photographers year-round. Golden hour provides the best light, with sunrise shots from the canal pier being particularly dramatic against Lake Michigan’s horizon.

Nearby, explore Potawatomi State Park’s scenic trails, stroll the charming shops of downtown Sturgeon Bay, or visit the Door County Maritime Museum to learn more about the region’s rich nautical heritage.

Explore Nearby

• Potawatomi State Park — State Park in Wisconsin
• Whitefish Dunes State Park — State Park in Wisconsin
• Newport State Park — Dark Sky Site in Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Lake Superior Byway — Scenic Byway in Wisconsin
• Wisconsin State Trunk Highway System — Scenic Byway in Wisconsin