Editor’s note: This story was first published on our sister site, The Door County Shore Report. Follow them on Facebook HERE.
DOOR COUNTY — The Cana Island Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters, a popular landmark off Door County’s Lake Michigan shoreline near Bailey’s Harbor, will undergo much-needed restoration work in 2022.
That means that while the island and all other buildings will be open, the keeper’s house and lighthouse tower will both be closed while work is underway.
Work is scheduled to begin in April and will initially close both the house and the light tower.
The keeper’s quarters are expected to reopen sometime in June, and the lighthouse tower will reopen in late August.
Water levels in Lake Michigan have now dropped low enough that visitors can walk the causeway without getting wet. View current conditions on the livestream on our Door County webcam page HERE.
This $1.1 million dollar restoration project will resolve significant issues within the two buildings, and help keep them preserved for future generations.
All other buildings on the island will be open all season.
This will be the fourth phase of a lengthy restoration project.
Phase 1 of the Restoration Project included new restroom facilities and a maintenance building; a parking lot; repair to the copper roof; repainting of the tower; repaired masonry on the tower and keeper’s house; restoration of windows and doors; and many other updates.
Phase 2 was completed in 2017 and included restoring the out buildings including the oil house, privy and barn.
Phase 3 will be completed in Summer 2020 and included a new welcome and interpretive center that opened in the summer of 2020.
Since 1970, under lease from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Door County Maritime Museum & Lighthouse Preservation Society has maintained the light station at Cana Island and adjacent grounds. The 1869 resources of the island and light station are irreplaceable; a truly unique setting and experience for visitors.
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