Door County WI - Touring lighthouses by boat.

[The Famous Grouse]

Hi All. I'm loading up the family and towing the boat over to Door County (Wisconsin) and we'd like to do some touring by water of the various islands and lighthouses.

My boat is a 22 foot Wellcraft cuddy, I have the required Great Lakes gear, and I'll be buying current charts when I get out there.

Please, there is no need to regurgitate generic Great Lakes safety info here. Obviously I understand all boating on the GLs is at the whim of the weather Gods and I won't push my luck. If the weather and forecast isn't right, it'll be a no-go.

Question: Has anyone any experience or advice to share regarding going out to see the Chambers Island and Pottawatomie (on Rock Island) lighthouses by water?

Specifically:

- We have a marina slip in Egg Harbor for the week, so that will most likely be our starting point unless it makes a lot of sense to trailer the boat to get closer to Rock Island.

- Information on Chambers Island seems a bit sketchy. How is the trip out from Egg Harbor, any advice on how to approach the island for the best views, etc.

Does anyone know if it's possible to land on the island? Is there a pier or suitable small craft tie-up place? Other advice?

- Same for Rock Island. Is there a harbor or pier where one can tie up and are visits allowed? Other advice?

- Any major "watch out fors" in the Egg Harbor area? Again, I know this area isn't called Death's Door for nothing, so no need to warn me about keeping an eye on the weather, wind, and all the usual generic safety stuff.

Thanks.

Grouse

 

[smitty28]

Re: Door County WI - Touring lighthouses by boat.

I just made the trip from Ephraim to Chambers Island, I have a 25' Larson... Its really not that far 45 min cruise. The best place to go is the back side of the Island. This is where many boats throw anchor and go swimming. There is really nothing to look out for beside following the channel markers when youre leaving/coming into the Harbor. The water is beautiful, just make sure the weather is right. I hear you refering to this as deaths door, Typically Deaths Door is referring to the area between wahington Island and the tip of the DC pennisula... Just had a friend lose an entire Bravo 3 drive in this area....$11500 later hes back on the water

 

[The Famous Grouse]

Re: Door County WI - Touring lighthouses by boat.

Smitty, appreciate the reply.

On Chambers Island, can and have you tied up at the new marina on the east side of the island? Is there a "town dock" where one can tie up free or do you have to pay fees to tie up there?

When you say "back side" of the island, are you referring to the west side? Is it dep enough to approach the beach and land a 22 footer here or do you have to drop anchor and leave the boat off shore and wade in?

By chance is there a dock or pier by the lighthouse that can be used (assuming the wind and waves allow)?

Thanks, appreciate the info.

Grouse

 

[smitty28]

Re: Door County WI - Touring lighthouses by boat.

I personally did not see the lighthouse or any form of docking area, I believe we were on the North side of the isl. The island is completely private (marked with fences and heavily patroled) and you cannot go any farther than the beach. The water where we were was about 40' and stays very deep all the way to the beach where its 6-10 ft. You will have no problem getting in.