Cana Island Light, Historic lighthouse in Baileys Harbor, United States
Cana Island Light is a white cylindrical tower standing on a small island connected to the mainland by a rocky causeway. The structure reaches about 80 feet in height and sits on a site that includes the original keeper's residence and associated outbuildings.
This lighthouse began operating in 1870 as a replacement for an earlier navigation beacon in the area. The original equipment included a Fresnel lens, which was state-of-the-art technology for guiding ships safely across the water.
The keeper's house reflects how shipping shaped life in this region, built from local brick that blends with the rocky landscape. Local maritime traditions remain visible in how the site is maintained and presented to visitors.
The site is open for visitors from late spring through fall, with guided access to the tower available during these months. A tractor provides transportation across the causeway to the island, with conditions depending on water levels in the lake.
Reaching the island requires a tractor ride across a causeway that is sometimes partially submerged, creating an unusual approach that changes with lake water levels. This quirky method of access gives the visit an unexpected character.
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