Some people think Door County is about as close to heaven as it gets here on earth, a stretch of land washed by Green Bay waters on one side and bright blue Lake Michigan on the other. Whether you're catching the first light of morning streaking across the horizon from an island campsite or enjoying a locally made wine over a gourmet dinner and sunset, this lovely part of the world is so popular in part because it has the best of several worlds. Sturgeon Bay is really the gateway to the region, and serves as an excellent base for exploring the lower half of Door County.
Start out your Sturgeon Bay visit with a walking tour that takes in shipyards, picturesque architecture and allows for museum stops. Don't miss the note-worthy Door County Museum, then mosey along to The Farm, a living history exhibit of sorts that should keep the attention of the whole family. If it's art you seek (and this is certainly a region that inspires it!), try the truly fine Fairfield Center for Contemporary Art and cruise temporary exhibits at the Miller Art Museum. Sturgeon Bay has a deep-seated history in things of the water, and a trip to the Door County Maritime Museum a is a great way to get up to speed on Lake Michigan action over the years.
If you're itching to spend some time on the water, you've got options, from a day of charter fishing to general sight-seeing boat tours. For a bit of quiet, do some paddling around Potawatomi State Park, or brave bigger blue stretches solo making the most of boats available for rent at local marinas.
Not everyone has time to bike this entire stretch of lake-washed land, but dedicated peddlers can find routes suited to all working schedule in Potawatomi State Park. There are also hiking trails here, perfect as a warm-up for the bigger stuff to come.
Sturgeon Bay is 44 miles northeast of Green Bay.
