Sturgeon Bay is one of America's most charming seaside towns, brimming with seafaring history, from the iconic North Pierhead Light to the Door County Maritime Museum. You can also hit the trails in Potawatomi State Park and sample the area’s flourishing food and wine scene.
Things to do in Sturgeon Bay
For a glimpse at the region's seafaring past, don't miss the Door County Maritime Museum. Set right on the waterfront, it’s loaded with interactive exhibits and shipbuilding memorabilia, including a restored tugboat and a towering lighthouse tower.
It's hard to miss the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, an iconic shipping passage that connects Green Bay with Lake Michigan. The entrance is guarded by the cherry red North Pierhead Light operated by the US Coast Guard. Stroll around the break wall that was built in 1882.
Nearby Potawatomi State Park is a mecca for hikers, anglers and sunseekers. The bayside park is laced with scenic trails and secluded campsites and is known for its towering limestone cliffs. In the winter, it's popular with snowshoers and cross-country skiers.
Door County is famous for its fresh produce, and there's no better place to bite into the foodie scene than Sturgeon Bay. You can stock up on local produce at the local farmers market, sip your way through stylish wine bars and devour award-winning cheddar at Renard’s Cheese.
Getting around Sturgeon Bay
Downtown Sturgeon Bay is easy to get around on foot, with most major sites and attractions within walking distance. Rental cars are also a fast and flexible way to explore Sturgeon Bay and the Door County region. The drive to Milwaukee takes around 2.5 hours.