The Photograph
I took this photo of the Sturgeon Bay Shipping Canal Entrance Light. It was a brooding day between late winter and early spring. This is the season. Cold air masses from the Canadian shield meet warm air flowing up the Mississippi River valley. These weather systems converge into the Great Lakes region. The open waters of Lake Michigan were the battle grounds on this day.
The red lighthouse stands out against the dark blue horizon. The navigation beacon seems intensified by the light breaking through the clouds behind it.
This location can be a great place to witness the power of Lake Michigan during a storm. Waves crash over the lighthouse foundation and the breakwater pier.
History of the
Entrance Light
The Sturgeon Bay Shipping Canal Entrance light is located at the entrance to Sturgeon Bay. You’ll find it in Wisconsin on the Door County peninsula. The lighthouse and extended breakwater was built in 1882. Its purpose was to guide vessels safely into and through the often treacherous and narrow canal entrance. This canal connects the bay to the open waters of Lake Michigan.
The original light was lit with an oil lamp. A new lantern room was added in 1927. Over time, the light was converted to electric. In 2004 the light was fully automated and is now maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard . In 2011 the lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Place. It remains an important navigational aid for ships traveling through the canal.
This is a, don’t miss, location as you are traveling up the Door Peninsula anytime of the year.
Photos of freighters above by Jennifer Vogler
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