Eagle Bluff Lighthouse-Wisconsin

At the time the lighthouse was built in 1868 the area around Eagle Bluff was a wilderness. The building materials were brought in by boat from Detroit, Michigan.

In the early years the lamp was ran by various oils and then later by kerosene. The lighthouses of today are now operated by either electricity or solar power. Since Eagle Bluff still does not have electricity the beam shines across the bay each night powered by a small solar panel that is on the top of the tower.

This is a beautiful view of the bay as seen from the lighthouse grounds.

The lighthouse was tended to by three different families during the years from 1868 till 1926, when the light became automated. The website for the lighthouse gives several details on the families that lived in the lighthouse EagleBluffLighthouse.org.

The first 15 years, the Stanley family were the keepers of the light. From 1883 to 1918 the Duclon family which included William and Julia and their seven sons were the lighthouse keepers. On the tour the guides tell of the Duclon family and how they raised their sons in the isolated area around the lighthouse.

The living quarters of the lighthouse has a kitchen, living/dining room, parlor music room, master bedroom and a hallway leading to the tower. On the second floor was a sewing room and a large bedroom where all seven boys slept.

It must have been an interesting life at the lighthouse. The boys were all musically inclined and as they grew older they entertained at various gatherings throughout Door County.

The lighthouse was selected to be completely restored in 1960. This restoration took 4 years to complete and was carefully researched each step of the way. The Door County Historical Society was in charge of the restoration. An interesting fact was that they involved one of the lighthouse keepers sons to help them with the restoration by providing details of how the house was originally furnished. More information is available on the restoration at EagleBluffLighthouse.org.

Today vistors enjoy seeing the restored lighthouse and hearing the stories of the past.

This anchor sits outside the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse to remind visitors of the ships that the lighthouse protects.

The park provides great places to view the bay. This sign leads to a lookout tower.

Eagle Bluff lighthouse is on the grounds of Peninsula Park. The park is a wonderful 3776 acres state park. It is a popular camping destination with 468 campsites.

Besides the lighthouse, the park also has a 18 hole golf course and a Musical Theatre.

Additional information can be found at their website Peninula Parks.

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is still in operation today, although it no longer needs a lighthouse keeper. It was among the first of the American lighthouses to be automated in 1909.