Door County, Wisconsin A location guide

Door County photography spots

The six sunrise and sunset locations worth setting an alarm for.

By Jeff Wiswell Sunrise on the Lake side, sunset on the Bayside

The short answer

Where are the best sunrise and sunset photography spots in Door County?

The best Door County photography spots split by shoreline: the sun rises on the Lake Michigan side and sets on the Green Bay side, so plan mornings on the Lake side and evenings on the Bayside. These are the six I go back to.

01Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal North Pierhead LightWalk the breakwall out from the Coast Guard station; parking is close to the water.Sunrise
02Cave Point County ParkThe classic lookout ringed by cliffs, and a strong drone vantage point.Sunrise
03Cana Island LighthouseFrom the island when the causeway is dry; from shore, or by drone, when it isn’t.Sunrise
04Garrett BayThe quiet one: a rock beach and calm water at the Ellison Bay boat ramp. Shoot low.Sunset
05Sister BayBeach, boardwalk, marina, docks and park, all within a few hundred yards.Sunset
06EphraimAnderson Dock first, then the angled pier at the Edgewater Resort for silhouettes.Sunset

Before you go

Which side of Door County gets the sunrise?

As a peninsula, Door County is blessed with hundreds of miles of shoreline to enjoy. For photographers, it is a natural paradise with so many diverse image possibilities. As the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” you will never be short of photographs to make, in the towns or along the changing coastline.

When it comes to sunrise and sunset photography, it’s key to remember that the sun rises on the Lake Michigan side (aka the “Lake side”: Jacksonport, Baileys Harbor) and sets on the Green Bay side (aka the “Bayside”: Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay, Ellison Bay).

The Lake side Sunrise

Where should I shoot sunrise in Door County?

Spot 01

Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal North Pierhead Light

Sturgeon Bay, WI

Best light: Sunrise
Where to stand: The breakwall out to the light, or the parallel breakwall from the Ship Canal Nature Preserve
Park: The Coast Guard station lot, close to the water
Keep in mind: Stay off Coast Guard property

Directions

The red Sturgeon Bay pierhead light at the end of the catwalk, reflected in the wet pier at dawn — The Long Walk OutOrder this print

The lighthouse sits at the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Sturgeon Bay. Because of that, I was initially hesitant about whether I would be able to visit, but there is a civilian walking path that leads directly to the breakwall to the lighthouse. Parking is very close to the water and easy to get to, which is especially important if you’re trying to set up your gear before sunrise. Just don’t cross the line and go onto Coast Guard property.

Although I think the classic view is from the breakwall leading to the lighthouse, one secret alternative is to park at the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve. There is a short boardwalk to the beach and then a parallel breakwall to the lighthouse. That said, I’d recommend parking at the Coast Guard station if it’s your first visit.

The red pierhead light framed through the weathered steel catwalk at dusk, Sturgeon Bay — Through the CatwalkOrder this print

A yellow mooring post on the Sturgeon Bay pier at sunrise, the red light beyond — The pier at sunriseOrder as a print

The Sturgeon Bay pierhead light and its catwalk from above at sunrise — From above at sunriseOrder as a print

Spot 02

Cave Point

Cave Point County Park, Sturgeon Bay, WI

Best light: Sunrise
Where to stand: The classic lookout point, cliffs on all sides
Also worth it: The aerial view by drone

Directions

Cave Point at sunrise, waves breaking over the limestone shelves under a pink and violet sky — Cave Point, First LightOrder this print

Cave Point is the Door County landmark. Show a photograph of this location to anyone in Wisconsin and they will tell you how much they miss being up there.

It’s a unique stony shoreline with the classic lookout point surrounded by cliffs on all sides. Although this is the traditional photo, I really like the vantage point from the air by drone as well.

Spot 03

Cana Island

Cana Island Lighthouse, Baileys Harbor, WI

Best light: Sunrise
Where to stand: On the island if the causeway is dry; otherwise the shore
Keep in mind: The haywagon runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., too late for sunrise
Also worth it: A drone if you’re stuck on shore

Directions

The white Cana Island lighthouse and its copper lantern at sunrise over Lake Michigan — Cana Island at sunriseOrder as a print

I’d ideally shoot sunrise photography from Cana Island itself but the water levels can rise so high that there is standing water on the causeway. Might be worth checking with locals before heading out in the morning if you’re able to walk over or not.

There is a complimentary tractor/haywagon ride across, but it starts far too late for sunrise photos (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), so you’re essentially stuck on shore. If you have a drone, this is the perfect time to use it.

The white Cana Island lighthouse on its wooded island, turquoise water and ice around it — The island from aboveOrder as a print

Cana Island lighthouse at sunrise, pink sky over the lake, seen from the air — Cana Island SunriseOrder this print

Snow-covered Cana Island from above at dusk, the lake frozen around it — Cana Island in winterOrder as a print

The Bayside Sunset

Where should I shoot sunset in Door County?

Spot 04

Garrett Bay

Garrett Bay Road Boat Ramp, Ellison Bay, WI

Best light: Sunset
Where to stand: Low on the rock beach at the boat ramp
Gear: A tripod set low, or a Platypod
Why here: Almost always empty and quiet

Directions

A crystal sphere resting on the smooth gray rocks of Garrett Bay at dusk, calm water beyond — Ellison Bay in a GlassOrder this print

I think that Garrett Bay is one of the most peaceful places in the world, much less Door County. We love it so much that we put in an offer once on a house sight-unseen because of the view. Whereas the beach in Sister Bay is crowded until sunset in the summer, Garrett Bay is almost always empty and quiet. Between the rock beach and calm waters, there is such a sense of serenity.

The best way to photograph the sunset here is to get really low to the ground with your tripod. If you don’t have one already, I’d also consider getting a Platypod to get really low (they look like a gimmick, but really do transform your photography with the vantage point you can use them). This perspective lets you incorporate the natural beauty of the smooth gray rocks.

Spot 05

Sister Bay

Sister Bay Marina, Sister Bay, WI

Best light: Sunset
Where to stand: Beach, boardwalk, marina, docks and the park, all within a few hundred yards
Afterward: Wild Tomato

Directions

A sailboat silhouetted against a glowing orange sunset off Sister Bay — Sunset SailOrder this print

Between the beauty of the beach and marina, Sister Bay embodies Lake Michigan Americana. You don’t have to be a boater to appreciate the sunsets you’ll see almost every evening. I love this spot for portraits because you can get so many looks without moving far. In particular, you can take photos on the beach, boardwalk, marina, docks, and the park by only walking a few hundred yards. On top of that, there are good restaurants a short walk away, Wild Tomato among them.

Spot 06

Ephraim

Ephraim, WI

Best light: Sunset
Where to stand: Anderson Dock, then the angled pier by the Edgewater Resort
Two frames: The painted names on the dock; deck-chair silhouettes on the pier

Directions

The Anderson Dock warehouse lit warm against a blue-hour sky over the water at Ephraim — Anderson Dock, Blue HourOrder this print

When we reach the sweeping coastal vista of Ephraim, we really feel like we’ve reached Door County. There’s something about driving by Wilson’s Ice Cream that just makes you feel good. From a photographic standpoint, the two sunset photos you’ll want to take here are well worth it.

I’d start at the Anderson Dock, where countless boaters and couples have painted their names for posterity. After this, I’d head to the water by the Edgewater Resort. They have an angled pier that makes for beautiful silhouettes with their deck chairs. Closer to home, we chase the same light for senior pictures in La Crosse.

The Anderson Dock wall in Ephraim, covered in names painted by boaters and couples — The painted namesOrder as a print

Six deck chairs silhouetted on the Edgewater pier against a blazing Ephraim sunset — Front Row SeatsOrder this print

The lay of the land

Where is each spot?

Tap any spot to open directions in Google Maps.

Sunrise Lake side

Sunset Bayside

A few more of my favorites

More from Door County

Rows of cherry trees in white blossom in a Door County orchard under a blue sky — Blossom RowOrder this print

Ice chunks on a frozen Lake Michigan catching a pink sunset, Door County — Fire & IceOrder this print

Red kayaks lined up on the shore under fireworks at night, Door County — Fireworks over the kayaksOrder as a print

A two-masted schooner on calm water at sunset off Door County — Schooner at sunsetOrder as a print

Stacked stones on a rocky Door County shoreline at sunset — Cairns at sunsetOrder as a print

Weathered driftwood standing on a sandy Door County beach at sunset — Driftwood at sunsetOrder as a print

The Sturgeon Bay steel bridge lit at night over dark water — Sturgeon Bay bridge at nightOrder as a print

A white and black goat on a green hillside against a bright blue sky, Door County — The goatOrder as a print

A frozen Door County shoreline and snowy docks from above at sunrise — Frozen shoreline at sunriseOrder as a print

Prints

Door County, printed to order.

Every photograph on this page is mine. The ones in the collection ship framed or on metal, in three sizes, printed to order.

Browse the Door County prints

Questions

What people ask me about photographing Door County

Which side of Door County is best for sunrise photography?

The Lake Michigan side, the “Lake side” around Jacksonport and Baileys Harbor. The sun sets on the Green Bay side, the “Bayside” of Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay and Ellison Bay.

Can you photograph the Sturgeon Bay pierhead light at sunrise?

Yes. The lighthouse sits at the U.S. Coast Guard Station, but a civilian walking path leads directly to the breakwall, and parking is close to the water. Stay off Coast Guard property. An alternative is the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve: a short boardwalk to the beach, then a parallel breakwall.

Can you walk out to Cana Island for sunrise?

Only when the causeway is dry. Water levels can rise high enough to leave standing water on it, so check with locals the night before. The complimentary tractor/haywagon runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., too late for sunrise, so a drone is the answer when you’re stuck on shore.

Where is the quietest sunset spot in Door County?

Garrett Bay, at the boat ramp on Garrett Bay Road in Ellison Bay. The beach in Sister Bay is crowded until sunset in summer; Garrett Bay is almost always empty, with a rock beach and calm water.

Do I need a tripod for sunset at Garrett Bay?

The best frames come from getting really low to the ground, so bring a tripod that goes low or a Platypod. That vantage point puts the smooth gray rocks in the foreground.

Where are the two sunset photos in Ephraim?

Start at Anderson Dock, where boaters and couples have painted their names on the wall, then move to the water by the Edgewater Resort, whose angled pier makes silhouettes of its deck chairs.

Jeff Wiswell with his camera on the Thames at sunrise, Tower Bridge behind him

Behind the lens

I’m Jeff

An internationally award-winning portrait and documentary photographer who got my start in travel photography before beginning medical school. I love being up early to see a place without the commotion of the day: the light and the silence of blue hour.

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