Are the lighthouses open to visitors?

During Lighthouse Passport Days, select lighthouses on Plum and Pilot Islands are accessible to the public with guided visits.

How do I get to Plum and Pilot Islands?

Trips are offered via boat from Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, organized by Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands.

Is this trip suitable for children?

Yes, the trip is family-friendly, but children should be supervised near water and rocky areas.

Are refreshments available on the islands?

No, visitors should bring their own water and snacks as there are no facilities.

What wildlife might we see on the islands?

Look for migratory birds, waterfowl, and native plants unique to Lake Michigan’s island ecosystems.

What should I bring for the boat ride?

Dress in layers, bring a windbreaker, and wear non-slip shoes for a safe and comfortable journey.

Lighthouse Passport Days at Plum and Pilot Islands by Friends

Set off on an immersive journey through time and nature with Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands’ Lighthouse Passport Days, a distinctive adventure located off Wisconsin’s scenic Door Peninsula in Lake Michigan. This experience invites visitors aboard a chartered boat to two remarkable islands—Plum and Pilot—each boasting storied lighthouses that have guided mariners for over a century. The islands stand as quiet guardians surrounded by waves, weathered rock formations, and rich biodiversity, offering more than just a day trip but a deep dive into maritime heritage and lacustrine wilderness.

Plum Island is home to a historic lighthouse crowned by its iconic red lantern room. Visitors wander around its grounds where native wildflowers thrive among limestone outcrops, while migratory birds find refuge in the surrounding wetlands. Pilot Island, less accessible but equally captivating, features a lighthouse established in 1858 and weather-beaten ruins of a Coast Guard lifesaving station nestled amid rugged terrain.

The Lighthouse Passport Days program is a rare chance to step inside these maritime landmarks, typically closed to the public, and collect passport stamps commemorating visits—ideal for lighthouse enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Alongside interpretive storytelling, the trips reveal regional ecology, shipwreck history, and conservation efforts protecting these fragile island ecosystems.

Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands distinguishes itself in the Great Lakes outdoor scene by fostering stewardship while delivering hands-on, educational encounters. This isn’t a typical sightseeing ferry but a curated experience emphasizing respect for natural and cultural heritage. For anyone drawn to unique, off-the-beaten-path lake adventures, Lighthouse Passport Days deliver an uncommonly layered outdoor excursion that combines history, wildlife, and striking waterborne landscapes into a single, memorable outing.

About Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands

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.