Eagle Bluff Lighthouse from the air - Photo courtesy Dick Felzer |
In 1868, the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse cast its beam over the Green Bay for
the first time. Guiding vessels
through the waters’ treacherous shoals, the lighthouse and its keeper provided
safe passage for the next 57 years.
Today, the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse opens its door to visitors from around
the world.
"We are so excited to begin our season," said Patti Podgers,
curator/manager. “It has been a very busy winter working on some exciting
projects, and we think our visitors will be pleased. It should be a great summer and fall, and we look forward to
greeting old and new faces."
Although the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse was vacated in 1925, it
remains significant to the peninsula’s maritime history. “Because Door County is surrounded by
water, the story of navigation is vital to the peninsula’s history. And our lighthouses are treasures that
we want to share with everyone,” Podgers emphasized. “Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is one of Door County’s most
valuable historical landmarks.”
Restored under the direction of the Door County Historical
Society and opened to the public in 1963, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse provides a
glimpse into life as it was for the “Captain” William Duclon, the second
keeper, and his family from 1883 - 1918.
“Captain Duclon lived through some of America’s most tumultuous
history. He fought in the Civil
War and was a keeper under the Lighthouse Service during WWI,” recalled
Podgers. “His story is relevant on
so many different levels.”“In the past year, we have freshened up the lighthouse and added factual
information to our tours,” Podgers explained. “There are so many aspects of life in the lighthouse during
the late 1800s that have not been explored. History should be living, interesting to all age
groups. We have some fun things
planned for this season and I hope everyone will stop by to see what we have to
offer.”
Eagle Bluff Lighthouse now open for season |
The Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Museum will open weekends Friday, May 27
through Memorial Day, Monday, May 31.
Beginning Friday, June 3, the lighthouse will be open daily. Hours of operation are 10 am - 4
pm. Docent-led tours are available
on the hour and half-hour; the last tour of the day is at 3:30 pm. Group tours are welcome by
reservation.
Admission to Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Museum is: adults, $5; students 13 - 18, $2; youth 6 - 12, $1; and
children 5 and under free. Located
within Peninsula State Park, a state park sticker is required for parking at
the lighthouse. For additional information
contact Patti Podgers at 920.495.7330 or 920.421.3636.
Email article to a friend
