Lighthouse Lesson #8: Eagle Bluff in Fish Creek, Wisconsin (Door County)

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Fish Creek, Wisconsin tells the story of three different keepers and their families that helped protect sailors passing through the Strawberry Channel.  The light helped sailors pass between the Strawberry Islands and Door County Peninsula.

Henry Stanley served as the first keeper, beginning in 1868.  An immigrant from Norway, he had an adventurous spirit, looking for gold in California, sailing the Great Lakes, and then raising two kids with his wife in the lighthouse.  The Fresnel lens at this time shone 16 miles out.

The second keeper story continues since the youngest son helped Door County Historical Society in restoring the lighthouse and donating items for the interior.  William Dulcon served for 35 years and raised seven sons with his wife.  The boys formed a band, making them known in the community.

The third and final keeper, Peter Coughlin, served until the light was automated in 1926.  If you take the $8 tour, you'll learn more about the families.  You need to arrive between 10AM and 3:30PM during the season.  Tours happen every 30 minutes.

The lighthouse has stories of change and survival like others.  The rock wall was built in 1877, barn added in 1893, and oil house in 1890.  Twice the lighthouse went vacant (1906 to 1930).  Then the Fruit Growers Union Cooperative leased the place as an office.  After the Wisconsin State Conservation Commission gained the lighthouse, park employees lived in it.  It went vacant again in the 1950s.  Fortunately, the Door County Historical Society made restorations beginning in 1961.

If you miss the tour, you'll still want to see the grounds and view.  The lighthouse stands on a bluff 76 feet above water.  The cream-colored brick two-story dwelling looks like the Chambers Islands lighthouse, but purposely has a different shaped tower to help sailors differentiate them.  The Eagle Bluff lighthouse tower stands 9 feet and 4 inches.  Since the lighthouse is located within the State Park, you'll need an admission sticker.