Plum Island Range Lights facts for kids
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| Rear range light with house | |
 Plum Island Range Lights
Location in Wisconsin
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| Location | Plum Island, Wisconsin |
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| Coordinates | 45°18′28″N 86°57′29″W / 45.30778°N 86.95806°W Rear range light |
| Year first lit | 1897 |
| Automated | c. 1969 |
| Foundation | Concrete |
| Construction | Iron |
| Tower shape | Skeletal |
| Markings / pattern | KRW  |
| Height | 65 feet (20 m) |
| Focal height | 80 feet (24 m) |
| Original lens | Fourth order Fresnel lens, still in place |
| Range | 14 nautical miles (26 km; 16 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fixed Red |
| ARLHS number | USA-608 |
| USCG number | 7-21310 |
The Plum Island Range Lights are a special pair of lighthouses located on Plum Island in Door County, Wisconsin. These lights helped guide ships safely through the waters. They were once part of the United States Life-Saving Service, which rescued people from shipwrecks.
In 2007, Plum Island became part of the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This means it is a protected area for animals and nature. The old life-saving station buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. This list helps protect important historical sites. Plum Island is usually closed to visitors to protect birds that nest on the ground. However, it has been open for daytime visits during certain seasons since 2017.
History of Plum Island Lights
Plum Island is an island on the western side of Lake Michigan. It is located in Door County, Wisconsin. Many ships have been wrecked near the island over the years.
The Plum Island Life-Saving Station was built in 1896. The front and rear range lights were an important part of this station. These lights first shone in 1897. They are about 1,650 feet (500 m) apart. The lights work together to create a line that guides boats. This line helps ships safely enter the Porte des Morts Passage. This passage is also known as "Death's Door" because it can be very dangerous.
The original front range light was replaced in 1964. A new, modern metal tower took its place. However, the rear range light is still the original tower. This historic tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. It is known as the Plum Island Range Rear Light. The front light points in a specific direction. The rear light shines all around and still has its original special lens. This lens is called a 4th order Fresnel lens.
Plum Island and nearby Pilot Island were once owned by the United States Coast Guard. They were later given to the Bureau of Land Management. There were some challenges in transferring the islands. This was because of the cost of cleaning up old waste.
Finally, in 2007, both islands were given to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. They became part of the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Many birds that nest in groups live on these islands.
In 2000, the lighthouse keeper's house and Coast Guard station were listed as endangered historic properties. This meant they were at risk of being lost. All the old buildings on Plum Island related to shipping were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. A group called the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands, Inc. is working to fix up the life-saving station. In 2010, they helped remove old lead paint and repaint the historic boathouse.
Visiting Plum Island
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service first closed Plum Island to visitors. This was to protect the birds that nest on the ground. However, the island was opened for seasonal daytime visits starting in 2017.
Even though you can visit the island, the buildings are usually not open to the public. You can see the life-saving station from a distance. One way to do this is by taking the ferry that travels between Northport and Washington Island.
Images for kids
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USCG archive photo – Rear Range Light
