Eagle Bluff Light

Perched high on the limestone bluffs of Peninsula State Park, the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse has stood as a steadfast guide to mariners navigating the treacherous waters of the Green Bay passage since 1868. Built to aid ships as they moved between the ports of Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay, the lighthouse was a necessary addition to Door County’s rapidly expanding maritime trade. The jagged shoreline, hidden shoals, and unpredictable storms of Lake Michigan made navigation perilous, and the federal government sought to remedy this by constructing a series of lighthouses along the peninsula.

The Eagle Bluff Light was equipped with a third-order Fresnel lens, a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering, capable of projecting a beam nearly 16 miles across the waters. The light shone consistently, thanks to the tireless efforts of the lighthouse keepers, who meticulously cleaned the lens, trimmed the wicks, and ensured that the oil lamps remained full. In 1926, the lighthouse was modernized with an automated acetylene gas system, eliminating the need for a resident keeper, though the structure remains a testament to those who once kept its beacon burning.

For over 30 years, the Duclon family maintained Eagle Bluff Light, with William Duclon serving as its longest-tenured keeper from 1883 to 1918. Duclon, a Civil War veteran, brought his family of seven sons to the remote lighthouse, raising them amidst the daily duties of tending to the light, maintaining the structure, and ensuring ships passed safely by. Their life was one of both isolation and responsibility, marked by long, harsh winters and the constant labor of lighthouse maintenance. Tales from the Duclon family have been passed down through generations, including stories of the children playing near the rocky cliffs and their mother baking bread in the home adjacent to the tower.

Life as a lighthouse keeper was grueling—constant maintenance was required to keep the beacon operational, and the structure itself needed to withstand the relentless winds and extreme temperatures of the peninsula. The oil lamps required nightly attention, the lens needed frequent polishing, and the black canvas draped behind the glass ensured that the light did not shine inward over the bay, which would have disoriented nearby residents and travelers. Even with modernization, the transition from oil lamps to electricity still required regular inspections and upkeep to ensure the light remained a reliable navigational aid.

The lighthouse, now a part of Peninsula State Park, is one of the most visited historic sites in Door County. Established in 1909, Peninsula State Park is one of Wisconsin’s largest and most popular parks, encompassing over 3,700 acres of forests, cliffs, and shoreline. Its creation preserved much of the region’s natural beauty, making it a haven for campers, hikers, and history enthusiasts alike. The lighthouse, beautifully restored and maintained by the Door County Historical Society, welcomes visitors for guided tours, where they can step back in time and experience the life of a lighthouse keeper.

Fish Creek, the charming town adjacent to the park, shares a history deeply intertwined with the lighthouse and the maritime economy of the peninsula. Founded in the mid-19th century, Fish Creek grew as a fishing and shipbuilding community, later flourishing as a tourist destination. Today, it remains one of Door County’s most beloved towns, offering historic inns, galleries, and waterfront views that harken back to its maritime roots.

Adding an eerie layer to its long history, the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is also rumored to be haunted. Visitors and staff have reported unexplained footsteps, strange noises, and even the sensation of being watched. Some say the spirits of past keepers remain tethered to their former home, unwilling to abandon their post even in the afterlife. While these stories remain speculative, they add a compelling element to the lighthouse’s already rich history, making it all the more intriguing to those who visit.

Today, the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse stands not only as a historical monument but as a beacon connecting the past to the present. Through its guided tours, preserved artifacts, and breathtaking views from the bluff, visitors can experience firsthand the life of those who kept the light burning. Whether drawn by its maritime legacy, its scenic beauty, or the whispers of its ghostly past, Eagle Bluff continues to capture the imagination of all who walk its storied grounds.

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.