The Door County Historical Society is proud that both of its interpretive sites—Eagle Bluff Light Station Museum in Fish Creek and Heritage Village in Sturgeon Bay—are now open for the 2025 season.
These sites offer more than just a walk through the past—they offer meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect visitors to the people, stories, and values that shaped Door County. In an age of fast-moving change, historic sites give us time to pause and reflect, helping us understand how communities were built, how people overcame hardship, and how everyday life has evolved. Visiting places like Eagle Bluff and Heritage Village deepens our appreciation for local history and reminds us that the past still informs who we are today.
Heritage Village – Where History Comes to Life
Heritage Village immerses visitors in rural Door County life between 1890 and 1910. Guests can explore eight preserved buildings—including a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, general store, and chapel—each offering a glimpse into the daily life of early settlers.
On Thursdays and Saturdays, the Village comes alive with live blacksmithing demonstrations, tours of the tool museum, and educational programs for all ages. Costumed interpreters share the stories of the people who once lived and worked in the region, offering insight into their challenges, innovations, and traditions.
Heritage Village buildings are open for self-guided tours Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children, with a family cap of $18. Door County Historical Society members are free. Whether you’re a parent looking for an enriching family outing or a visitor eager to understand the area’s roots, Heritage Village offers an experience that’s both educational and engaging.
Eagle Bluff Light Station – History with a View
Perched above the waters of Green Bay in Peninsula State Park, Eagle Bluff Light Station Museum is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Guests can take a self-guided tour through the restored keeper’s residence, climb the lighthouse tower, and see firsthand the ongoing restoration efforts that will ensure the lighthouse remains standing for generations to come.
Inside, visitors discover the story of William and Julia Duclon, who raised their seven sons while tending the light in the late 1800s. Each room is interpreted to reflect the life of a lighthouse family—resilient, resourceful, and deeply connected to the water and land around them.
“There’s something powerful about standing in the same rooms where the Duclon family lived and worked,” said Amy Frank, Executive Director of the Door County Historical Society. “When you visit a historic site, you’re not just learning facts—you’re stepping into a story, and seeing how the past continues to shape the present.”
Admission is $6 per person, with free entry for Door County Historical Society members, veterans, and active-duty military families through the Blue Star Museums program.
Support the Story of Door County
The Door County Historical Society relies on the support of community members and visitors to preserve and share these important places. Your donations help fund restoration projects, develop educational programs, and maintain the integrity of these historic sites.
To support the mission, donate, or learn more, visit www.doorcountyhistoricalsociety.org or call (920) 421-2332. Follow the progress of the Eagle Bluff Light Station restoration at www.doorcountyhistoricalsociety.org/EBLHblog.
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