Door County Lighthouses That Will Brighten Your Day

Lighthouses have been lighting up the waterways of Door County for brave sailors since the 1800s. These magnificent structures are breathtaking when you see them up close. Luckily, we have many Door County lighthouses that are open to the public. We even have a festival dedicated to the lifesaving beams! If you plan on exploring these important pieces of our area’s history, make sure to stay at Hillside Inn of Door County. Our convenient location is right on the water, so you’ll have no problem finding the nearest lighthouse!

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Door County Lighthouses That Light the Way Through History

History buffs and adventurers of the sea love Door County because of its impressive history and gorgeous shores. Browse the exhibits at the Door County Maritime Museum for an overview of our nearby islands and 11 county lighthouses. There are many touring options, but here are some of our local favorites.

Eagle Bluff Light Station

The closest lighthouse to Hillside Inn is Eagle Bluff Light Station in Peninsula State Park. This historic lighthouse was an important asset after the Civil War. The bright rays guided sailboats of immigrants and settlers along the shores of Green Bay during their treacherous journey through the Great Lakes. 

Take a tour of the 76-foot beauty and learn about the fascinating stories the lighthouse lived through from the 1800s to early 1900s. Plan your trip between mid-May and mid-October if you’d like to go on a guided tour. Be prepared to pick up a Wisconsin State Park admission sticker, which allows you to explore the rest of the park for the day. 

Baileys Harbor Range Lights

These lights kept boats safe for nearly 100 years on Baileys Harbor off Lake Michigan. The most effective way to do that during the time was with range lights, which kept the boats in line, leading them to safety. 

The Upper Range Light and Lower Range Light in the Ridges Sanctuary are the only ones of their design that are still functional. You can learn all about the history of these lights when you take a 30-minute tour between June and October. 

Annual Door County Lighthouse Festival

Twice a year, you have the chance to explore several magnificent lighthouses of Door County. The Annual Door County Lighthouse Festival features land-based and boat tours that lead to all 11 towers in the area. 

Some lighthouses aren’t always open to the public, so the festival is the perfect chance to get a look of the Plum Island Range Lights and Sherwood Point Range Lights. Plan your getaway to Ephraim in spring or fall if you’d like to attend this exciting festival.

Relax in a Luxury, Hillside Inn of Door County Suite

When it’s time to turn the lights off, rest your head in one of our elegant suites at the Hillside Inn of Door County. Our boutique hotel is in the heart of charming Ephraim, Wisconsin, and is ranked one of the Top 5 Bed and Breakfasts in America by Select Registry.
For a fairytale getaway, stay in our Mayflower Suite. This English-style accommodation is decorated with handsome, dark wood furniture and beautiful, coastal accents. Spend your evenings on the veranda for a breathtaking view of the water and a colorful sunset. Your charming getaway awaits in Ephraim. Check our availability and book your stay today!