Bird Cage Lighthouse

The Bird Cage Lighthouse, officially known as the Old Baileys Harbor Lighthouse, stands as a relic of Door County’s earliest maritime efforts. Built in 1852, it was the first lighthouse established in Door County, guiding ships into Baileys Harbor at a time when it was the only safe harbor of refuge between Milwaukee and the dangerous Porte des Morts passage. The lighthouse was constructed using locally sourced limestone, its sturdy 40-foot circular tower topped with a rare birdcage-style lantern room—a design seen in only three other lighthouses in the United States.

For nearly two decades, the Bird Cage Lighthouse served as a beacon for sailors navigating the unpredictable waters of Lake Michigan. However, it was plagued by poor construction from the start. The tower developed structural issues, and mariners often complained that its light was too dim to be an effective guide. By the mid-1860s, it became clear that a better system was needed.

In 1869, the lighthouse was decommissioned and replaced by two new navigational aids: the Baileys Harbor Range Lights and the Cana Island Lighthouse. The Baileys Harbor Range Lights, completed in 1870, consisted of two small beacons aligned to create a guiding range for ships entering the harbor. This setup allowed mariners to safely navigate the rocky shallows by keeping the two lights perfectly lined up. Unlike the Bird Cage Lighthouse, the range lights provided a more precise and reliable method of entry into the harbor.

At the same time, the government also commissioned the Cana Island Lighthouse, a towering 89-foot structure located just north of Baileys Harbor. Built with a powerful Fresnel lens, Cana Island’s light was visible for miles, offering long-range guidance for ships sailing along the western shore of Lake Michigan. Over time, it became one of the most iconic and reliable lighthouses on the Great Lakes, and it remains operational today.

While the Bird Cage Lighthouse was abandoned, it was never completely lost to history. The tower still stands on what is now private land, a silent witness to Door County’s maritime evolution. Its unique architecture, particularly the birdcage lantern, continues to captivate lighthouse enthusiasts, serving as a reminder of the early efforts to make Lake Michigan safer for navigation.

This photograph captures the quiet dignity of the Bird Cage Lighthouse, a structure that played a pivotal role in Door County’s maritime story. Though its light has long since faded, its presence endures, connecting the past to the present in a landscape shaped by the sea.

All prints are of museum quality and printed in The USA. Canvas Prints are wrapped around a hardwood frame to prevent long-term wrapping and utilize a 0.75" thick wrap. Metal Prints are glossy, vibrant, and of course are ready to hang.  These prints make a statement and bring Door County home to your wall.