Range Light

A narrow boardwalk winds through the quiet, untamed landscape of Baileys Harbor, leading the eye toward the North Range Light, its red roof and glowing lantern standing in soft contrast against the deep greens and browns of the forest beyond. The scene carries a sense of solitude and resilience, a reminder of the countless sailors who once relied on this modest structure to guide them safely to shore. Today, the range light remains a steadfast presence, its carefully restored facade echoing the past while standing firm against the ever-changing elements of Lake Michigan. Though the waters may seem calm now, history tells of a time when this harbor was not so forgiving—a time when the need for reliable navigation meant the difference between safe passage and disaster.

Before the range lights, Baileys Harbor was guarded by the Bird Cage Lighthouse, built in 1852. Named for its distinctive cylindrical lantern room, the Bird Cage was the first lighthouse on the harbor but proved to be poorly positioned. Set too far inland, its light was often obscured by trees and atmospheric haze, making it difficult for sailors to spot from the lake. As a result, the waters of Baileys Harbor remained perilous, with shifting shoals and hidden dangers threatening ships attempting to enter.

The solution came in 1869 with the construction of the Baileys Harbor Range Lights—a set of two beacons strategically placed to create a clear navigational line. When mariners aligned the higher North Range Light with the lower South Range Light, they knew they were on a safe course into the harbor. This system eliminated the visibility issues of the Bird Cage Lighthouse, offering a simple yet highly effective way to steer clear of danger.

However, Baileys Harbor itself was no longer the best choice for a primary lighthouse. The completion of Cana Island Lighthouse, also in 1869, provided a much-needed upgrade. With its powerful Fresnel lens and superior vantage point on Cana Island, the new lighthouse could project light farther across the lake, giving ships a more reliable guide along the Lake Michigan coastline. Over time, the Bird Cage Lighthouse was decommissioned, and Cana Island became the dominant aid to navigation in the area.

Though many lighthouses in Door County have changed or faded into history, range lights remain an essential part of navigation. Modern versions, like those at Sturgeon Bay’s ship canal and the entrance to Green Bay, continue to serve the same purpose—guiding vessels safely through narrow passages. The Baileys Harbor Range Lights stand today as one of the few remaining operational lighthouses of their kind on the Great Lakes, a lasting tribute to the ingenuity and perseverance that shaped maritime history in Door County.

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.