Sturgeon Bay Trip Overview
This tour is different from other Door County Tours because we offer a comprehensive tour of the county in a one full day trip rather than offering a multitude of smaller tours that only see a small portion of Door County at a time. Our vehicle is smaller and carries a third of the travelers that our competitors do, so our tour is more personal. Our vehicle is a late model luxury van which is black in color with privacy glass, raised roof, extended length, full length running boards, and leather seats for everyone. Lots of room, a luxury environment, local guides, personal attention, and customized tours based on group interests. Finally, we pick you up and drop you off. This way you can have a glass of wine and a drink at the distillery without worrying about how you will get back to your lodge.
Additional Info
Duration: 8 to 10 hours
Starts: Sturgeon Bay, United States
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
Explore Sturgeon Bay Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, United States
This tour is different from other Door County Tours because we offer a comprehensive tour of the county in a one full day trip rather than offering a multitude of smaller tours that only see a small portion of Door County at a time. Our vehicle is smaller and carries a third of the travelers that our competitors do, so our tour is more personal. Our vehicle is a late model luxury van which is black in color with privacy glass, raised roof, extended length, full length running boards, and leather seats for everyone. Lots of room, a luxury environment, local guides, personal attention, and customized tours based on group interests. Finally, we pick you up and drop you off. This way you can have a glass of wine and a drink at the distillery without worrying about how you will get back to your lodge.
Stop At: Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal North Pierhead Light, Canal road Utah Street to Cove Road, Sturgeon Bay, WI
See the working Coast Guard Station located where the Sturgeon Bay Canal meets Lake Michigan. If weather permits, travelers are able to walk through the Base and onto the concrete embankments leading to the Canal Lighthouse. The Canal Lighthouse is distinctive with its deep red color and amazing view of the lake.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Whitefish Dunes State Park, 3275 Clark Lake Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235-7904
Travelers will walk along the rocky banks of Lake Michigan’s Whitefish Bay and witness the amazing sand dunes which are the state park’s treasure.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Cave Point County Park, 5360 Schauer Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235-8266
A definite must see in Door County, Cave Point offers amazing views of Lake Michigan from the magnificent rock formations that the caves of Cave Point are carved from. Truly an experience that is different every time you visit. Learn about the Niagra Escarpment and why this county is so darn rocky! Take some pictures with the best natural framing available. Hike down some of the root and rock infested trails to see vent holes and if it’s windy, try not to get wet.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Baileys Harbor, Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin
Once the seat of Door County, Bailey’s Harbor is steep in Door County History. Learn about the founding of Door County and the story of how the Ridge’s Sanctuary became a protected treasure. Hike the Toft Point Natural Area and visit a family owned fish market that still does commercial fishing in the area. Have a drink or a bite to eat at one of the quality establishments down town and see the range lights, the bird cage lighthouse, and the Cana Island Lighthouse after walking along the harbor.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Cana Island Lighthouse, 8800 East Cana Island Road Cana Island, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
If open, it is possible for travelers to ride the tractor wagon across to the island and visit the light house itself and climb the stairs all the way to the top. There is an additional charge for going inside the lighthouse that is not part of the included amenities for the trip. This will also take time away from some other part of the day trip and could take up to an hour; see exclusions.
Otherwise, if the lighthouse is not open, or if the group chooses not to tour the lighthouse, views of the lighthouse will be limited to the road leading up to it. You will still be able to see the lighthouse, it will just be pretty far away but it is still a beautiful sight to behold either way. One of the most recognizable style lighthouses in Door County.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Northport Pier, 215 WI-42, Ellison Bay, WI 54210, USA
The Washington Island Ferry leaves from Northport Pier. The ferry offers rides across Death’s Door to Washington Island. From the beach off of the pier travelers will be able to view the ferry in addition to the Plum, and Pilot Lighthouses. Part of the fun of Northport Pier is getting there because this is where the infamous curvy road is located. There is also a fish market in Gills Rock and a great roadside market for homemade Door County Goodies.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Seaquist Orchards Farm Market, 11482 State Highway 42, Sister Bay, WI 54234-9617
This is the heart of Door County Cherry Country and if it’s open when we pass by, we won’t be passing by. The place to go for anything cherries in Door County, they have a great selection of premade pies, fillings, preserves, and treats ready to eat. Travelers will also get to see some of the orchards that the family maintains.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Ellison Bluff State Natural Area, 12050 Ellison Bluff Road, Ellison Bay, WI
Travelers will have a scenic drive down a tree canopied road that sneaks back to a little park which is perched on a massive bluff overlooking Green Bay. Visitors can walk down the stepped path to an overlook which is literally perched out on the sheer face of a rather high cliff overlooking the bay as far as you can see. Stunning views and a little thrilling if your brave enough to go out to the main viewpoint for a look. But fear not, there are plenty of great views available from just about everywhere.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Sister Bay, Sister Bay, Wisconsin
Travelers will walk along the boardwalks and take in the gorgeous views of the bay. A casual stroll along a main street full of shops, places to eat and drink, with a dose of Scandinavian culture.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Ephraim, Ephraim, Wisconsin
Along the road snaking through Ephraim we will pull off and take a long look at the amazing view of Eagle Harbor while checking out a local gallery located on the bay.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Peninsula State Park Golf Course, 9890 Shore Road, Ephraim, WI 54211
See the recently restored memorial pole which marks the grave of Simon Onanguisse Kahquados, the last Chief of the Potawatomi.
Stop At: Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Peninsula State Park Shore Road, Fish Creek, WI 54212
We will stop at the lighthouse no matter what. However, if you wish to go in and walk around, there is a small fee which is not included in our day trip; see exclusions. Viewing the lighthouse from the outside is free and you are able to get right up to it. There are also some great views of the bay from outside the lighthouse.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Peninsula State Park, 9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212-9696
Peninsula State Park is another Door County Must See. Travelers will be driven down the beautifully tree canopied roadways that twist through the park. The main stops in the park will be the Eagle Tower and Sven’s Bluff. There may be other smaller stops and excursions depending on group interests.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Fish Creek, Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Eat, drink, shop, and take in the history of Fish Creek which was voted by Forbes to be one of the 15 prettiest small towns in the country. See the original Founder’s Square, visit the harbor and Sunset Beach. Drive along Millionaire’s Row and see the best place to have breakfast in America according to Good Morning America.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Egg Harbor, Egg Harbor, Wisconsin
Stop by the harbor and see the iconic directional sign while taking in views of the harbor from the long walking pier. In town one will find food, distilleries, shops galore, the original Cupula House built by the founder Levi Thorp, a Native American Museum which was home to Chief Roy Oshkosh, the last Chief of the Menominee people. Finally before we leave, at the top of the hill on the edge of the village is a winery.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Carlsville, WI 54209, USA
With a stop in Carlsville, travelers can visit a winery and/or the largest coffee roaster in the County, or both.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: George K. Pinney County Park, 4877 Bay Shore Dr, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235-9724
A stop at the George K. Pinney County Park to view the Sherwood Point Lighthouse which sits directly across the Sturgeon Bay Canal on an island.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Sturgeon Bay, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
As we enter Sturgeon Bay, travelers will see the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding Company and any ships that are currently being built, repaired, or waiting in dock. Hear about the local shipbuilding history of the city and walk both of the draw bridges spanning the canal downtown. To cap it off, check out the best main (Third) street of shops anywhere in Door County while also seeing galleries, and places to eat and drink. Travelers could also pay to visit the Door County Maritime Museum and go up the new lighthouse for a breathtaking view of the city, or save money and visit the free Door County Historical Museum which was declared the Best Small Museum in the Midwest according to the Chicago Tribune.
Duration: 1 hour
