Pottawatomie Lighthouse

Photo Credit: Yinan Chen (via Wikipedia / Creative Commons)

Pottawatomie Lighthouse, also known as the Rock Island Light, is located in Rock Island State Park, on Rock Island in Door County, Wisconsin. Established in 1836, it is the oldest light station in Wisconsin and on Lake Michigan. It was served by civilian light keepers from 1836 to the 1940s, at which point it was taken over by the US Coast Guard.
The lighthouse was restored by the Friends of Rock Island Lighthouse.[10] It is open for tours during the summer as the Pottawatomie Lighthouse Museum. The lighthouse has been restored to a state illustrating its appearance circa 1882-1910. The restoration was performed with the help from the non-profit Friends Of Rock Island State Park. It now serves as a museum that is open for tours daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day 10am to 4pm.
The lighthouse was listed as Pottawatomie Lighthouse in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, as reference #79000074. The fresnel lens, lost after the lighthouse was shut down in the late 1980s, was replaced by a plexiglass copy in 1999. (via Wikipedia)

Location

Rock Island State Park, 1924 Indian Point Rd, Washington, WI 54246

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Type of Location

Public

How To Get Here

Visiting Rock Island requires a commitment of at least a day, and is as difficult as any location in Wisconsin. It is said to be worth the trip. In the Door Peninsula: Highway 42 north to its terminus at the Northport Ferry pier. Book passage on the Washington Island Ferry Line's car ferry "SS Robert Noble" for thirty minute crossing to Washington Island. The trip offers distant views of Pilot Island, Plum Island and Detroit Island. Upon arrival at Washington Island, drive north on Lobdell Point Road, which becomes Main Road. Take Main Road north, thence right on Jackson Harbor Road. Follow Jackson Harbor until you reach its end at the Rock Island Ferry dock. Park your vehicle. Board the Rock Island Ferry. Vehicles are not allowed, and this is solely a passenger ferry named "Karfi" for the 15 minute trip to Rock Island. You will have to follow trails for about a mile or more. Ask for directions. "When encountering any branches in the trail along the way, always take the left branch, staying atop the bluff to the lighthouse." On Rock Island only backpack camping is permitted. Few overnight accommodations are on Washington Island. (via Wikipedia)

Tips For First Timers

Website

Wisconsin DNR

Best Seasons

Best Time of Day

Types of Photography

Architecture, Historical, Landmark, Lighthouse, Marine, Nature, Outdoor, Scenic, Water