Pilot Island Lighthouse
Gallery
img
Historic photo of the Pilot Island Lighthouse
img
Pilot Island Lighthouse
img
Pilot Island Light Houses.
img
 
Details
Attraction
Description
Pilot Island is located east of Northport at the tip of the Door Peninsula, approximately two miles from an area known as the Porte des Morts or Death's Door. This area is particularly dangerous with numerous shoals to the south. Strategically located on the eastern edge of the Door passage, the landmark Pilot Island received its name because it was used by early sailors as a pilot to navigate this tricky passage. The cream brick lighthouse was built in 1858 and was occupied by a keeper until 1962 when the light was automated. (Wisconsin Lighthouses Ken and Barb Wardius) By some accounts, Pilot Island holds the record for witnessing the most shipwrecks of any Great Lakes Lighthouse. Three wrecked schooners lying just off Pilot Island have been documented by the Wisconsin Historical Society and are featured on the Maritime Trails Historic Marker at the Northport Ferry Terminal. Pilot Island is owned and managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service and is designated as a sanctuary for colonial nesting birds and is not open to the public. The Pilot Island light continues to be an active navigation and can be seen from the Washington Island Ferry, which departs daily from Northport. You can also contact Shoreline Charters in Gills Rock to arrange a boat trip to view Pilot Island and other northern Door County lighthouses and shipwrecks. The lighthouse is on the National Register.
Attraction
Location
Body of Water: Lake Michigan
Trail Name: Green Bay/Door County
Year Built: 1858
Nearest Address: Pilot Island
Nearest City: Death's Door Passage
County: Door
Latitude: N 45°17.06700'
Longitude: W -086°55.16790'
Attraction
Features
Open to public?: No
Mooring buoy?: No
Mooring buoy in place?: No
Snorkelable?: No
Dive guide?: No
Trails sign?: No
National Register?: Yes
 
Contacts
Name Phone Alt Phone Email Website
Friends of Plum Island and Pilot Islands [email protected] http://www.plumandpilot.org.
Shoreline Charters & Resort 920-854-2606
 
Map
 
Nearby
Attractions (2)
Pilot Island Lighthouse
Plum Island Range Lights
© 2025 - Wisconsin Sea Grant, Wisconsin Historical Society