If you want to explore Sturgeon Bay, there are many fun things to do. You can shop, have a great meal, visit museums, and have fun with the family.
The Sturgeon Bay Maritime Museum pays tribute to the region’s rich maritime history, featuring galleries about lighthouses and shipwrecks. The museum also offers tours of local ships and tugboats.
Fishing
Sturgeon Bay is a fisherman’s dream, with some of the best bass, trophy caliber walleye, monster pike and musky fishing in North America. This large body of water attracts anglers from around the world year after year looking for a trophy fish.
Ice fishing opportunities start in December and can be found in the Sturgeon Bay Shipping Channel and Green Bay. It is a great way to target bluegill, perch, bass, walleye, northern pike and brown trout especially in Green Bay.
This area is known for its smallmouth bass fishing and is one of the top 10 places to catch 3 to 4 pounders. It is also a great place to catch walleye, salmon, trout and perch.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a great way to explore Door County's stunning landscape and history. It's also a good way to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat, including eagles and other birds.
Door County has a number of kayaking opportunities, from clear-bottom tours to quiet inland lakes that are tamer than Lake Michigan. If you're looking for something a little more challenging, Newport State Park is a popular embarking point on Lake Michigan.
If you're looking for a relaxing, scenic kayak trip with less of a challenge, consider the Mink River near Rowley’s Bay. It’s a slow-flowing, saltwater estuary that's known for its calm water and vibrant birdlife.
Cave Point County Park
With limestone cliffs jutting above crashing teal-blue waters, Cave Point County Park is a true gem in Door County. Revered by scuba divers, photographers and nature observers alike, this 19-acre park is located just up the road from Whitefish Dunes State Park.
A popular attraction for tourists and locals, it features underwater caves, hiking trails and limestone cliffs along scenic Lake Michigan. A rocky beach extends eastward at lake level, providing a vantage point from which to explore sea caves up close and enjoy a sweeping view of the cliffs.
Kayaking tours are a popular activity for those who want to get up-close to these impressive rock faces. Tour companies like Kayak Door County and Door County Kayak Tours pay attention to water conditions and weather to ensure a safe kayaking experience near the cliffs.
Door County Wineries
The Door Peninsula's climate and soil are perfect for grape growing, and the area's small wine industry is thriving. It's a perfect destination for wine lovers and foodies alike.
Simon Creek Vineyard is one of the most popular places to visit in Door County. It's also a great place to learn about the process of making wine.
This quaint log cabin tasting room isn't your typical winery experience. They offer a wide variety of boutique wines with clever names such as Carmen's Last Dance and Cherry Crush.
Third Avenue Playhouse
The Third Avenue Playhouse is a high-quality professional theater located in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. It has a long history of producing professional plays, staged readings, concerts and musical performances.
A visit to this theater can help you immerse yourself in the local culture and learn more about the city's history. It is considered a cultural and educational hub of Sturgeon Bay.
The Third Avenue Playhouse has produced more than 50 professional plays, concerts, staged readings and other events since its establishment. This theatre is a must-visit for all theater lovers!
Heritage Village at Big Creek
Sturgeon Bay is one of the best places to go in Door County for a family getaway. Between fishing, kayaking and exploring the beautiful beaches, you'll find plenty to keep everyone busy!
The Door County Historical Society maintains two interpretive sites: the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Museum and Heritage Village at Big Creek. It also publishes The Peninsula, designates historical sites and provides educational programs to community schools and groups.
Located at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay, the Village consists of nine historically significant buildings depicting Door County's development from 1852 to 1910. During walkthrough tours, interpreters provide information on the buildings' history.