It is not surprising for visitors to come to this part of the world and spend a lot of time exploring some of the fun things to do in Sturgeon Bay.
Although it is not a very big city, it has its charm and offers visitors a lot of things to see and experience.
Sturgeon Bay is a charming city and the office of Door County, Wisconsin, United States. It lies between Green Bay and Lake Michigan in Door County, Wisconsin.
The nature-loving town is locally known for its bridge and its opening in 1931 for the second crossing of the bay.
Visitors who have visited this bay have attested to the fact that it is resplendent with nature and lets you have the time of your life on a vacation.
The best part is that you do not have to break the bank to participate in the fun things to do in Sturgeon bay, as these things do not cost a fortune.
Below are the best and fun things to do in Sturgeon, Bay.
Fun Things to Do in Sturgeon Bay
1. Go Fishing
Fishing is a fantastic way to have fun on vacation in Sturgeon Bay. Visitors can fish around the town.
Many service providers help you make your fishing trip memorable in addition to the natural opportunities.
Various fishing tournaments are held throughout the year, offering winners prizes.
This tournament will not only allow you to earn some money but also help you learn about the local fishing culture.
The Open Bass Tournament is the most famous fishing tournament in Sturgeon Bay, and It takes place in May.
2. Visit Cinderella Trenchard Glass
Cinderella Trenchard Glass is a unique place to find spectacular and affordable glassworks.
The place is clean, and you can find the production area open from upstairs. The staff at Cinderella Trenchard Glass are friendly and kind.
The owners are nice and helpful as they are happy to explain the glassworks and other things in the shop; they can also help you choose the perfect piece as there is a unique selection of works.
3. Enjoy a City Tour
Sturgeon Bay is the perfect place for those who love adventure and are interested in activities such as kayaking or paddle boarding.
Bay Shore Outfitters is the most famous service provider and will offer you the best equipment and options to enjoy kayaking and feel the adrenaline in your body.
D.C. Beauty you can also enjoy on the D.C. zipline. Adventure Center. Enjoy beautiful views from the zip line.
Segway The Door is a great choice for those who feel lazy or unable to move, or are not motivated to do any physical activity.
This tour includes all the main attractions of the city and many more.
Things to do in Sturgeon Bay at night
1. Take Part in the Lighthouse Festival
Lighthouses in Sturgeon Bay are more than just light dispensing structures.
Sturgeon bay lighthouses play an important role in the history of the city. There are only three main lighthouses in the city.
Built-in 1869, the Cana Island Light House is one of the most famous and beautiful lighthouses in Door County.
Another famous lighthouse in Sturgeon Bay is the Ship Canal North Pier light House. Red in color, this lighthouse is operated by US Coast security.
The ‘Birdcage Lighthouse,’ formally known as the old bailey lighthouse, is famous for its unusually shaped lighthouse.
It was established in 1852 but was only used briefly until 1869.
The Door County Lighthouse Festival is the perfect event for anyone who loves lighthouses.
The lighthouse festival takes place in June, the summer month.
The event takes place every year and gives an insight into the history and journeys of lighthouses.
The festival takes visitors to various islands where lighthouses can be found.
You can take a closer look at some of them as they are not generally open to the public.
2. Inn at Cedar Crossing
The Inn At Cedar Crossing is beautiful and well-appointed. It is just a short walk from all of the city’s major attractions.
The inn has many rooms that have been decorated with antique furniture and textiles. This gives it a rich atmosphere.
The inn offers various amenities in her rooms. Visitors also enjoy free parking, which is very practical when staying in a big city.
It also boasts a bakery, library, bar, lounge, and kitchen.
The restaurant offers well-made food at affordable prices and is open daily to the public.
Things to Do in Sturgeon Bay For Couples
1. Door County Historical Museum
The Door County Historical Museum is a fascinating history museum that consists of memorabilia from the past and other contemporary items.
Door County Historical Museum staff will greet you as soon as you enter the museum and orient you about the museum and the things you need to know.
Take a guided tour at the Door County Historical Museum to discover several exhibits as it offers an extensive introduction to Door County history.
At the Door County Historical Museum, you’ll find a retired historic fire station with real fire engines, sleds, newspaper clippings, and pictures of businesses.
You will also discover military memorabilia, plaques, and many other unique antiques and artifacts to be found.
There are many things to learn when you explore the Door County Historical Museum. Visit a hidden gem in Sturgeon Bay as it is well worth your time.
2. Garden Door
One of the lovely things to do in Sturgeon Bay for nature lovers is to visit the Garden Door, which is well worth adding to your checklist.
The beautiful garden opened in 2005 at the University of Wisconsin Peninsular Agricultural Research Station. It’s just off Route 42.
The garden door was made by associates of the Master Gardener’s Association in Door County.
The same people currently keep the garden which includes a small fairy garden, children’s play area, and ornamental grass with oddly grown bottle trees.
The garden also has a koi pond, kaleidoscope, and a memorial tunnel. There are additional natural beds for seasonal and perineal purposes.
The garden has many other areas. It also has a community garden that is a hub for volunteers and researchers.
This part of the garden can be used to harvest summer crops and serves as an extension for the U.W.
It is a scenic place to visit whether you are traveling with your whole family, a pack of friends, or just a loved one.
3. Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery
From the spectacular tasting room and gift/retail area to the impressive vineyard, Simon Creek Vineyard and Winery provides its visitors with a complete winery experience.
Simon Creek Vineyard and Winery offers free winery tours that cover an excellent overview of the winemaking process from harvest to bottling.
Tours stop at the tasting room overlooking the beautiful vineyards, wine cellar, and incredible pond.
The winery features an outdoor setting that allows visitors to relax and enjoy the scenic views while enjoying a glass or bottle of award-winning wine.
Simon Creek Vineyard and Winery has produced some of the finest fruit and grape wines in the United States, and each has received accolades and medals.
The fine wineries and vineyards have become one of Door County’s leading attractions, hosting more than 60,000 guests annually. On the outdoor deck, enjoy the free live music of several genres such as country music, jazz, rhythm and blues, old-school rock and roll, and much more.
Things to do in Sturgeon Bay For kids
1. Door County Maritime Museum
Each city has a unique cultural and historical impact on travelers arriving at their destination.
The County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay is one example of a place that can significantly impact your life.
This museum was built in 1969 and had four galleries, lighthouses, model ships, boats, and wrecks.
Shipbuilding companies are also based here.
A maritime museum is different from a regular museum because it has an indoor exhibit that includes water.
An underwater periscope is also available in the museum. This can be used to view the surrounding views and look at the shipbuilding in the Gulf of Fincantieri.
The Door County Maritime Museum is open to individuals of all ages and provides a wealth of information about the shipbuilding industry.
2. Cave Point County Park
Cave Point County Park is open every Monday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Cave Point County Park is a popular area to visit for sightseeing and hikers who know a place to stop and explore.
Cave Point County Park offers underwater caves and limestone cliffs with waves from fishermen, photographers, divers, and nature watchers.
If you are looking for a place to plan a family picnic, you should go to Cave Point County Park because it has picnic tables, fire pits, grills, and neatly maintained restrooms.
The road to Cave Point County Park is paved, and gravel is sprinkled on the trails for easy access/walking.
The park looks fantastic and offers a picturesque view, especially when the wind and sea are from the east.
In the winter seasons, for those who are strong, you can watch the waves, currents, and freezing weather that covered the rocks and trees with a picturesque coat like brilliant sparkling ice.
3. Third Avenue Playhouse
For some theatre time, add a visit to the Third Avenue Playhouse to your checklist of things to do in Sturgeon Bay.
Third Avenue Playhouse, Sturgeon Bay’s highly regarded and high-quality professional theatre, is integral to Sturgeon Bay’s artistic and cultural life.
In 1950, the theatre was renamed the “Donna Theater.” It was later converted into a performing arts center in 1990.
In June 2012, the play area was moved to new premises. It provides visitors with a unique artistic experience and allows them to share powerful stories.
Since its inception, the theatre has staged over 50 professional plays and concerts, as well as short films, staged readings, and other events.
It is also known for its many educational opportunities that focus on history and culture.
The Third Avenue Playhouse is an attraction worth visiting for anyone who loves the visual arts or wants to be part of an emotional and intense story.
Indoor Activities to Do in Sturgeon Bay For Adults
1. Door County Fire Company
If you crave an unforgettable dining experience, add a visit to Door County Company to your retinue of things to do in Sturgeon Bay.
Established in 1907, the Door County Firehouse Company is a well-known family restaurant in Sturgeon Bay.
The story of this restaurant is unique.
The original restaurant was created from a functional fire station. After the firemen left the firehouse, the restaurant was later reconstructed and completely remodeled.
It was abandoned for more than seven years but reopened in 2017. The restaurant currently operates in two locations.
The old garage contains the dining room and bar, while the banquet space is located in the former town hall office and fire station.
Serving American classics, this restaurant is worth adding to your list of things to do in Sturgeon Bay.
2. Crossfit Armati
If you want to keep fit in Sturgeon Bay, add a visit to Crossfit Armati to your retinue of things to do in Sturgeon Bay, WI.
The gym has the best equipment and supportive trainers to help you grow your fitness community.
The equipment offers many programs, but the strength and conditioning program is the most patronized.
This program is popular among police academy students, military personnel, martial artists, and other athletes around the world.
It is designed to improve the participants’ healthy attitudes and general fitness.
This program can be used to better your life skills such as rescue, combat, survival, and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
3. Door Peninsula Winery
Wine enthusiasts should add a visit to the Door Peninsula to their catalog of things to do in Sturgeon Bay.
Door Peninsula Winery is an exquisite winery in the region. It is ideal for relaxing indoors and enjoying high-quality wines with the people you love.
The winery offers a range of quality wines, vodkas, and brandies. Some of them have won awards for their exotic taste.
The winery also offers wine tastings, various tasty snacks like jellies and fudges, and an in-house distillery.
Door Peninsula Winery offers a great mix of exotic drinks at reasonable prices. It’s the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a quiet night out with the kids.
Romantic Activities to Do in Sturgeon Bay
1. Whitefish Dunes State Park
Whitefish Dunes State Park was originally established to preserve and protect the dune ecosystem in Door County.
It’s a wonderful place to walk near Lake Michigan. Clark Lake is also a great place for recreational activities in the state park.
Enjoy fishing, waterfall viewing, or just strolling through the park’s wetlands.
More than 14 miles of trails in the park lead through wooded and sand dunes.
The dunes cannot be climbed due to the protection of rare species of animals and plants.
This park also hosts many annual geological and environmental exhibition programs and historical events.
A visit to Whitefish Dunes State Park is one of the best fun things to do in Sturgeon Bay and is worth adding to your checklist of places to visit in Sturgeon Bay, WI.
2. Heritage village by the stream
If you are interested to know about the history and development of the town, the Heritage Village at Big Creek should be on your list of things to do in Sturgeon Bay.
The campus consists of nine buildings that are historical monuments, yet, historical eminence is not the only thing the place has to offer.
There are also demonstrations, a craft museum, and special events throughout the year.
The village was created to allow residents to live an organic and simple life. The current village was established in 1991 and is currently managed by 350 volunteers from the Door County Historical Society.
3. George K. Pinney County Park
Are you looking for a scenic place to relax and have a pleasant time with friends or family? It will be fun when you visit George K. Pinney County Park.
George K. Pinney County Park is a fantastic place to visit to relax, stretch your legs and enjoy watching the waters or watching the waves during windy mornings.
The George K. Pinney is also an excellent location for local anglers to access Green Bay waters, offering the perfect habitat for walleye alongside a modern boat.
Consisting of an accessible fishing pier, the exciting park is an excellent place to watch the sunset over the waters of Green Bay with loved ones.
The park hosts a 6-stream boat, shelter, pavilion, picnic area, pier fishing, and restrooms each year.
George K. Pinney County Park consists of 15 acres with about 1,000 feet of water frontage.
You will also enjoy a walk in the beautiful park.
Free Things to Do in Sturgeon Bay
1. Farm
The farm was established in 1965 and is a great place to visit with the family, especially with children.
This attraction represents American rural and agricultural life.
At the Farm, you can enjoy many activities that allow you to connect with nature and all its beauties.
Bottle feeding of goat calves is allowed on the Farm, as well as milking of adult cows, goats, and other animals.
You can learn the basics of gardening, including how to plant and harvest crops. It is also possible to walk several paths, often surrounded by greenery.
The farm is a great place to spend time with yourself or make memories that will last a lifetime.
2. Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market
The Sturgeon Bay Farmer’s Market welcomes several friendly vendors with a variety of items, including furniture, flowers, fresh produce, arts and crafts, vegetables, baked goods and fruits, cheeses, and much more.
The Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market also has toys for your kids. Food trucks offer delicious dishes at the Farmer’s Market, and you will love them; they serve BBQ, fruit pancakes, coffee, Chinese food, etc.
You’re sure to find some of the best things to buy at the Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market in Wisconsin.
Sturgeon Bay Farmer’s Market is located at Michigan St & N 4th Ave Sturgeon Bay, WI.
The market is open from June to October from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Farmer’s Market is a place you must explore.
3. Destination Door District
Destination Door County is an excellent place for tourists to visit because it is a welcome center for visitors to stop by as they begin their fun vacation experiences.
At Destination Door County, you’ll find friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful staff to guide you and inform you of the things you need to know about the city and the incredible places to explore.
You’ll get local insight and help with trip planning, brochures, and guides to help you discover areas of attraction, accommodation, and more.
You’ll discover sunrise and sunset spots, art galleries, great restaurants, wineries, water sports, lighthouses, and more.
Destination Door County is open every Monday through Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Cheap Things to Do in Sturgeon Bay
1. Potawatomi State Park
Potawatomi State Park is one worth adding to your checklist among the many places to visit in Sturgeon Bay for fun.
Potawatomi State Park is an amazing park covering nearly 1,200 acres of land in Door County.
The park is surrounded by beautiful nature that will help you forget all your worries and sorrows.
You can spend the whole day there while fully devoting yourself to various activities.
This park is ideal for walking, fishing, and other activities.
2. Shopping in Sturgeon Bay
There are many options when it comes to shopping in Sturgeon Bay.
The Third Avenue District is home to many specialty shops, museums, and art galleries that offer artistic products at affordable prices.
Greater Westside is the best place to go if you are looking for something truly unique and custom-made.
The Bay Farmer’s Market is also available for fresh, organic produce, vegetables, and fruits.
Many sellers in the market can help you make the right choice and choose the right product for you.
3. Briggsville Gardens
As a nursery that sells a variety of plants, Briggsville Gardens offers guided tours of its water art and metal sculpture gardens.
There is also a koi pond in the garden.
Cool Places to Visit in Sturgeon Bay
1. Door County Historical Museum
View antique fire trucks, fire artifacts, a wildlife diorama created by Mike Orthober, a replica of an early Door County street scene, antique farm equipment including apple and cherry orchard equipment, a war memorial, and Door County folk art.
The museum also offers many special events.
This attraction is suitable for children and free.
Most visitors who have come to the Door county Historial Museum have attested and rated this attraction as beautiful and memorable.
2. Kurtz Corral
Kuntz Corral is a riding stable that offers trail rides year-round, including arena, forest, trot, and wine rides.
A variety of horses are available for riding depending on riding level, including Paso Finos, Tennessee Walkers, Arabians, and Quarter Horses.
Kurtz corral gives you an adventure feeling, and you have the opportunity to see gallant men mounting and unmounting beautiful horses.
As one of the things to do in Sturgeon Bay, we highly recommend visiting this place.
3. Dairy View
Visitors can take a self-guided or tour-guided look around Dairy View, one of Door County’s largest dairy farms.
Visitors can watch cows being milked, try milking a mechanical cow and eat ice cream.
The fun you would get from visiting the diary view is second to none, and you just can’t visit Sturgeon without including a visit to the Diary view on your list of things to do in Sturgeon Bay.
Conclusion
Get set to be thrilled by the things to do in Sturgeon! Your vacation just took a more fun perspective with these best and most fun things to do in Sturgeon.
Whether you are visiting Sturgeon for educational purposes, relaxation, a romantic time out, honeymoon, or special time alone, we’ve got you covered on the best things to do in Sturgeon to create an unforgettable memory.
What’s life without the memories we create on adventures?
You’re ready for this adventure, so hop on!
