If you’re looking for some cool things to do in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, on your next visit, you’re certainly in the right place.
Sturgeon Bay is a fisherman’s paradise with some of the best bass fishing in the world.
Visit the amazing Door County Maritime Museum, discover the history of Door County, stroll down historic 3rd Avenue, or explore nature at Potawatomi State Park on the city’s outskirts. You can even tour a restored tug.
Here are some fun activities you can enjoy during your next visit to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
Things to Do in Sturgeon Bay, WI
1. Whitefish Dune State Park
Credit: FriendsofWhitefishDunesStatePark / Facebook
A visit to Whitefish Dune State Park will be the ideal choice for you if you enjoy the cool breeze and feelings that nature provides.
Whitefish Dunes State Park protects the delicate dune ecosystem on the eastern Door County Peninsula. Take a stroll along Lake Michigan or on one of the several pathways that go through the expansive dunes and forest at this day-use park.
A nature center offers year-round events, shows, and exhibits. The park’s reservable picnic area is close to the nature center, beach, and hiking paths, and it has a view of Lake Michigan.
Address: 3275 Clarks Lake Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, United States
2. Door County Maritime Museum
Credit: DoorCountyMaritimeMuseum&LighthousePreservationSociety,Inc. / Facebook
where the maritime history of the Great Lakes is vivid! The Door County Maritime Museum, which is situated along Sturgeon Bay’s active waterfront, highlights the region’s deep maritime heritage. If you love artifacts that depict the history of time past, then this place is certainly perfect for you.
The museum offers tours of the meticulously restored seagoing tugboat John Purves and various interactive exhibits.
You can find the stories of diligent fishermen, fearless ship captains, talented artisans, audacious innovators, and lonesome lighthouse keepers in the museum’s galleries.
Address: 120 N Madison Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, United States
3. Door County Historical Museum
Credit: DoorCountyHistoricalMuseumandArchives / Facebook
For more than 80 years, the Door County Historical Museum has taught residents and visitors alike about the fascinating history of Door County, Wisconsin.
It is easy to understand why the Museum was designated one of the Chicago Tribune’s “Best Small Museums in the Midwest” with its knowledgable and welcoming staff, cutting-edge exhibits, and the largest collection of Door County relics worldwide.
From May 1 to October 31, the museum is open. Although donations are gratefully accepted, admission is completely free.
Address: 18 N 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, United States
4. Third Avenue Playworks
Credit: HistoricThirdAve / Facebook
Third Avenue Playworks performs amazing comedies, dramas, and musicals. In this unique location, the most personal theatrical experience is offered, bringing audiences up close to gripping stories.
TAP’s established presence in the community, an extensive array of educational programs, and growing reputation make it an essential part of Door County’s burgeoning arts scene.
TAP, frequently praised in the local and regional press, is the best year-round professional theater in Door County.
Address: 239 N 3rd Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, United States
5. Popelka Trencard Gallery And Glass Studio
Credit: PopelkaTrencardGlass / Facebook
Artists Stephanie Trenchard and Jeremy Popelka created a unique Door County Experience in Sturgeon Bay with their gallery and glass workshop. Trenchard and Popelka’s Gallery opened in 1997 and has been known as one of the region’s most unique destinations.
The two permanent resident artists make a large collection of glass and fine art in addition to the 2000-degree glass furnace and related equipment.
Because of the shifting timetable and the current situation, make sure to call in advance if you want to watch actual glass being made. Please call for availability. Individual glass-blowing classes should be reserved several weeks in advance.
Address: 64 S 2nd Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, United States
6. Cave Point-Clay Bank State Natural Area
Credit: DoorCountyShoreReport / doorcounty.newztream.com
A vast network of coastal wetlands, Cave Point-Clay Banks, is home to various unusual plants and animals. Large expanses of mixed conifer-hardwood forest, open, active dunes, ridge, and swale terrain, embayment lakes and wetlands, and a lakeshore are all features of the area.
Several old Lake Michigan bays were sealed off by sand and cobble deposition from longshore currents thousands of years ago, forming the embayment lakes and wetlands along the Door Peninsula shoreline.
Due to the deposition, the area now contains ridges, swales, calcareous fens, and high-quality wooded wetlands.
Address: Barge Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, United States
7. Door Penisula Winery
Credit: DoorPenisulaWinery / Facebook
A wonderful winery to visit is Door Peninsula Winery. Unmissable when in Door County. They have a terrific staff, a wide assortment of wines, and a welcoming atmosphere.
This place is a one-stop shop for all your wine-tasting needs if you love wine. You would undoubtedly have a nice day with the extremely reasonable price and excellent service.
Make sure to include this place on your list of Sturgeon Bay attractions.
Address: 5806 WI-42, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, United States
8. Destination Door County
Credit: DestinationDoorCounty / Facebook
Door County has the facilities you need to host that successful event, including the amenities and lodging you’d anticipate from a conference and meeting destination and others you wouldn’t.
Golfing, art galleries, charter fishing, museums, fine dining, lighthouse tours, small-town celebrations, and their renowned Door County fish boil coexist alongside other activities. You have a year-round location to host outstanding events, from a small gathering of CEOs to a convention of 400 people.
Address: 1015 Green Bay Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, United States
9. The Garden Door
Credit: TheGardenDoor / Facebook
The Garden Door, located in the University of Wisconsin Peninsular Agricultural Research Station, opened its doors in 2005. It is a few miles north of Sturgeon Bay on Highway 42. The garden was built and is maintained by Door County Master Gardeners Association members.
It has a kids’ play area, a pollinator garden, a memorial tunnel, a fairy garden, a double kaleidoscope, a pond, beautiful grass with bottle trees, wenches, and annual and perennial beds.
Each summer, crops can be planted and harvested in the community garden to the north by the Door County Master Gardener Volunteers, Research Station, and UW Extension staff.
Please be informed that dogs are not permitted inside The Garden Door or on the property of the Peninsular Agricultural Research Station.
Address: 4312 WI-42, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, United States
10. Starboard Brewing Company
Credit: StarboardBrewingCompany / Facebook
Starboard Brewing offers a welcoming environment for families. Play Bumper Pool or one of their many board games to pass the time.
Visit the taproom to try the diverse selection of locally created craft beers. Drinks go well with the assortment of premium Wisconsin cheeses, smoked salmon, and other foods.
They take pleasure in having a diverse beer assortment and strong brews to offer. They provide inventive, one-of-a-kind dishes with strong flavors. See what’s on tap today by dropping by.
Address: 151 N 3rd Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, United States
