Pulling myself away from the Rawley Point Lighthouse and Point Beach State Park was hard to do, but it had to be done so I could make it to Fish Creek in time for sunset. Since I cannot stop the sun’s descent, it was a race against time. So I jumped back in the truck and continued north to Kewaunee and Algoma. These stops were quick since accessing both lighthouses are easy to spot from Highway 42 and have convenient parking.
The Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse can be found standing about 43 feet high at the end of a concrete pier just off of Ellis St. This lighthouse, constructed in 1931, replaced range lights that were built in 1891 and was built on top of the fog signal building that was previously there. It is equipped with an octagonal lantern and fifth-order Fresnel lens that glows bright white. Today the Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse is still active, operated by the Coast Guard and is electrified.
Following some quick snapshots of the Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse and a brief debate of whether or not to stop at a local sports bar and grill for a quick cold one (I decided not to stop…time was moving too fast), I was bound for Algoma!
As I drove the 12 miles north to Algoma, I got to roll through Alaska…Wisconsin that is! Granted it is a short cruise through Alaska, but one does get to say they are in Alaska (fun way to surprise your friends like I did with a text to Melissa). Once in Algoma, you will see a red tower in the distance marking the mouth of the Ahnapee River, this is the Algoma North Pierhead Light. The first lighthouse that was built in Algoma was called the Ahnapee Light Station (1893). In 1932, the red tower took over as the symbol of Algoma, standing a proud 42 feet high. There are two observation levels, one midway up and one surrounding the lantern room. A long catwalk runs from the lighthouse to the shore so lighthouse keepers could safely access the tower, especially during the winter. The Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal North Pierhead Light (coming to a blog near you in the coming week) is the only other lighthouse in Wisconsin to have a long catwalk.
One other fun photo opportunity before you walk out to the Algoma North Pierhead Light is Christmas Tree Ship Point. There is a sign that stands next to a Christmas tree stating, “52 Schooners transporting Christmas trees to Milwaukee and Chicago passed this point in the 1800s. Captain Herman Schuenemann of the Christmas Tree Ship, Rouse Simmons,” was born in Algoma. One of those 52 Schooners, Lady Ellen, is located upriver between the two bridges in its final resting place.” I quickly searched Christmas Tree Ship Point on Google and apparently there are many detailed stories about the schooners and Herman (so not spelling that last name again). Maybe I’ll save that reading for a rainy day. But definitely go and check out Christmas Tree Ship Point!
Following my photo opps in Algoma, I was back on the road towards Sturgeon Bay and three more lighthouses! Until next time when I share my journey in Sturgeon Bay, take care and talk to you soon!
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