Discover Door County’s rugged shoreline aboard the Death's Door Lighthouse Cruise, featuring a rare stop on Plum Island’s historic beaches. Witness a centuries-old shipwreck and lighthouse legends on this unforgettable Great Lakes trip.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves some walking on uneven ground during the island stop.
Wildlife
History
The area’s lighthouses and life-saving stations were critical through the 19th and 20th centuries, guarding vessels navigating the perilous Death’s Door passage.
Conservation
Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands works to protect these fragile island ecosystems by promoting low-impact visitation and preserving historic structures.
Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands
Discover Door County’s rugged shoreline aboard the Death's Door Lighthouse Cruise, featuring a rare stop on Plum Island’s historic beaches. Witness a centuries-old shipwreck and lighthouse legends on this unforgettable Great Lakes trip.
Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands is a volunteer-driven nonprofit based in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, dedicated to promoting, preserving, and providing access to the natural and maritime heritage of Plum and Pilot Islands. The organization organizes guided cruises, workshops, and private charters that visit historic lighthouses, life-saving stations, shipwreck sites, and the unique ecosystems of the Niagara Escarpment. Trips include photography workshops with a 14-person limit, lighthouse cruises with stops on Plum Island, private out-island and Rock Island State Park tours, a Fayette State Park ghost town cruise, a Monarch butterfly tagging cruise, and custom private charters aboard The Shoreline.
Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands partners with subject-matter experts and regional organizations for educational programs, including a Niagara Escarpment Field Day with Don Mikulic from the Niagara Escarpment Resource Network. Events focus on hands-on learning, natural history, and maritime preservation while offering scenic hiking, picnicking, and interpretive commentary. The group’s public programs support ongoing preservation and interpretation of Range Lights, the historic Life Saving Station, and other island resources.
Visitors book directly for scheduled lighthouse cruises, workshops, and passport days, or arrange private and custom charters for groups. Safety briefings, interpretive guidance, and small-group formats are emphasized to protect fragile island habitats and historic structures. Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands maintains a transparent program schedule from Ellison Bay and works with local partners to ensure reliable access to Plum and Pilot Islands for education and conservation. Online reservations and detailed trip itineraries are available spring through fall annually.
Tours Offered
11 trips
Guided cruises and workshops available
Location
Ellison Bay, WI
Gateway to Plum & Pilot Islands
Photo Workshop
14 seats
Photography workshop limited to 14 people
Cruise Lengths
2.5–8 hours
Sunset to full-day options
Choose a guided lighthouse cruise, photography workshop, butterfly tagging trip, or custom private charter and secure a spot from Ellison Bay.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure at Gills Rock Marina to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Dress for Lake Michigan Winds
Bring windproof layers and waterproof gear as conditions on the water can be cool and breezy even in summer.
Limited Mobility on Plum Island
Note that visiting Plum Island involves walking over uneven terrain; use caution and wear sturdy footwear.
Photography Opportunities
Keep your camera ready to capture historic lighthouses, shipwreck views, and island wildlife.
Windbreaker or Waterproof Jacket
Protects against lake winds and possible spray while on the water.
summer
Sturdy Walking Shoes
Necessary for safely navigating Plum Island’s natural terrain and rocky beach.
Camera with Zoom Lens
Ideal for capturing distant lighthouses, shipwreck details, and wildlife.
Layered Clothing
Allows adjustment to fluctuating temperatures on the boat and island.
spring