The Cana Island Lighthouse is possibly Door County's most photographed and painted lighthouse. Located just north of Baileys Harbor, Cana Island Lighthouse with its tall white tower and two-story black lantern best represents the familiar, idyllic image of a lighthouse in most people’s minds. The lighthouse building is 89 feet tall and 4 feet 8 inches thick at the base with 102 cast iron steps in the circular staircase leading to the watch room. The actual light is approximately 85 feet above water level and provides a visual range of 18 miles. The light is a third order Fresnel lens made in France that was originally fueled by lard or whale oil, later fueled by kerosene, then by acetylene, and currently by electricity. The lighthouse is located on an 8.7 acre island that is connected to the mainland via a rocky channel. Depending on the water level in Lake Michigan, the channel can be covered with 1-2 feet of icy-cold water. The island contains the keepers’ quarters, privy, and tower. Originally the island only contained wood walkways resting on top of the rocky surface as a means to get around. In 1900 top soil was hauled in by a crew of men with horses and wagons and the island was soon covered with grass as it appears today. Currently, Cana Island Lighthouse is used as an active navigational aid under the jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard in addition to being a museum. The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The Cana Island Lighthouse is a must-see for any visit to Door County. The lighthouse is a short drive from Baileys Harbor. If you only see one lighthouse on your visit to Door, make it Cana Island.
