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Things to Do in Sturgeon Bay, WI

Raksha Kulkarni
Sturgeon Bay, a quaint waterfront city, is the largest city in Door County, Wisconsin. It is the city that Lives On, and For, the Water. The picturesque views of the Green bay, Sturgeon Bay, and Lake Michigan are breathtaking. Also, the small-town historic charm surely impresses you.

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Welcome to the Sturgeon Bay Waterfront!

1. Take a Tour

Stroll around or hop on a Door County Trolley tour to explore the city, the traditional way. You can take a tour of the town in some unique ways. There are tours where you can explore by taking a kayak or paddleboard or go zip lining. If you want something which won’t require much effort, you can tour on a Segway!
You can enjoy the waters by riding the old Chicago Fire Boat which was built in 1937. There are cruises every day in the morning and afternoons. They also have cocktail cruises on Friday and Saturdays where you can enjoy the sunset. The cruise offers you its in-house entertainment for a ride of almost 90 minutes.

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2. Go Fishing

This place was awarded as the number one location for bass fishing in the country, in 2014. Not only bass, various freshwater fish like the Brown Trout, King Salmon are found here. The town also has fishing tournaments year round with the most famous “Open Bass Tournament” happening in May.

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There are many local experts who take you on a fishing experience. The best part is that you needn’t carry your gear.

3. Visit the Lighthouses
Sturgeon Bay has three of the many lighthouses in Door County. The ship Canal North Pierhead Light is a huge red-colored lighthouse that is a part of the U.S. Coast Guard station. Visitors are allowed on the long pier.
The other two are Sherwood Point Lighthouse and the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Lighthouse that are said to be built in the 17th century. A Lighthouse Festival happens every year in June, when visitors are allowed inside the lighthouses.

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4. Explore the Parks

The Whitefish Dune State Park, along Lake Michigan, is a protected area catering to the fragile dunes. Visit the nature center here and learn about the environment and its interesting history. You can also swim, kayak, or hike in the park.

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The Dunes With the View of Lake Michigan
The Cave Point County Park is an extension of this park where you can check out some stunning underground caves too.

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The Potawatomi State Park in the south comprises of stunning limestone cliffs and 1200 acres of pure natural beauty. You can canoe, kayak, or even scuba dive in the bay to explore various ship wrecks happened here. You can also hike or bike in the huge area or just go for a picnic and relax here.

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Sturgeon Bay Parks and Recreation comprises of 14 different parks, 9 sport fields, an ice skating rink, and many more. There are many other parks that you can visit like the Sunset Park or the Crossroads at Big Creek. Moreover, enjoy the natural beauty, relax, and unwind!

5. Visit the Museums

Visit the Maritime Museum to learn more about the rich heritage, the old lighthouses, and the famous sea men and the captains. The stories are depicted in interesting ways with interactive games, videos along with the original art. There’s also a class where you can learn building wooden boats.
The Door County Historical Museum takes you back in time of the early settlers and businesses started then. It also has a huge exhibit of over 100 native wildlife species. There’s a fire truck which was made in 1920s. You can also climb inside the truck.
The Miller Art Museum has amazing galleries, where you can witness the true essence of art. It was founded in 1975 by Gerhard and Ruth Miller. Also, there’s a small gift shop where you can shop and buy some art as souvenirs.
Heritage Village at Big Creek is an architectural delight with nine significant buildings belonging to the times from 1852-1910. They have guided tours from June to September.

6. Indulge Yourself in Some Retail Therapy!

The shopping area is divided in three districts – Jefferson Street, Third Avenue, and the West Side. The West Side is filled with pretty boutiques and jewelry stores. This area also boasts of some famous cafes and wine & beer shops.
The Third Avenue gives you an old-fashioned vibe with its stone buildings. There are numerous antique shops and art galleries here. Jefferson Street is famous for its adversity. You can find game stores, stationery shops, clothing stores, hardware shops, and also antique shops.

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7. Treat your taste Buds

No trip is complete without food! Sturgeon Bay is quite known for its cozy coffee places so don’t miss them. The town offers numerous cuisines including Mexican and Italian. Also, don’t miss their seafood delicacies.

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8. Visit the Zoo

If you like animals, visit The Farm. It is a petting zoo and a museum where you can pet and feed some cute goats, piglets, chickens, and a few other animals. 

9. Famous Events Happening in Sturgeon Bay

The Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair happens at the Sunset Park in summers. It exhibits sculptures, photography, paintings, and jewelry by almost 100 artists. You get live music and dining options.

If you love music, there are two main events happening here. One is the Jazz on Jefferson Street and the other is Harmony by the Bay. Both are pretty huge annual events.
Maritime Week is celebrated from July 31st to August 10th. It’s a special event to commemorate the U.S. Coast Guard. There are boat races, markets, and fireworks that make this event a huge hit.
In the period of June 19 to August 28, a movie is screened every Friday at the Martin Park. Just carry your lawn chairs and blanket with you. Mostly, a family-friendly movie is screened and it starts at dusk.