Sturgeon Bay Canal Light

Sturgeon Bay Canal Light is a steel navigation lighthouse located at the northern entrance to the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal in Door County, Wisconsin. The cylindrical tower stands 30 meters tall and operates in conjunction with a companion light to safely guide vessels through the busy canal passage.

The lighthouse was built in 1899 to support growing maritime traffic through the newly developed ship canal. Structural reinforcements were added in 1903 to strengthen the tower and ensure reliable operation of its light mechanism.

The lighthouse functions with the North Pierhead Light to guide vessels through the canal, marking maritime navigation routes in Door County.

The lighthouse grounds open to visitors during the annual Lighthouse Walk event held on the second weekend of June. Bring comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for windy conditions typical of the canal entrance area.

The tower features a second order Fresnel lens that sends out red light flashes every 10 seconds, visible across the lake for substantial distances. This advanced optical technology helped countless vessels navigate safely through the canal for generations.

Location: Door County

Inception: 1899

Height: 30 m

Made from material: steel

Operator: U.S. Coast Guard

GPS coordinates: 44.79500,-87.31331

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:03