Sturgeon Bay Live Cam

Enjoy beautiful sunsets and check out the weather in Door County, Wisconsin


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Hosted by:
  • Door County Maritime Museum
  • Lighthouse Preservation Society
  • 120 North Madison Avenue - Sturgeon Bay
  • Wisconsin 54235 - United States
  • 920-743-5958
  • http://www.dcmm.org/

Sturgeon Bay History

Sturgeon Bay is a city located in Door County, Wisconsin, United States. The area where Sturgeon Bay is now located was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Potawatomi, Menominee, and Ho-Chunk people. European settlers arrived in the area in the early 1800s, and Sturgeon Bay was officially established as a village in 1865.

Sturgeon Bay's location on the Door Peninsula, between Lake Michigan and Green Bay, made it an important shipping and commercial center in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The city's natural harbor was ideal for shipping and the construction of ships, and Sturgeon Bay became known as the "Shipbuilding Capital of the Great Lakes."

During World War II, the shipbuilding industry in Sturgeon Bay boomed, as the city's shipyards built hundreds of vessels for the United States Navy. After the war, the shipbuilding industry declined, but Sturgeon Bay remained an important port for commercial shipping and recreational boating.

In addition to its shipbuilding history, Sturgeon Bay has a rich cultural heritage. The city is home to several historic buildings and landmarks, including the Door County Historical Museum, the Sturgeon Bay Canal Lighthouse, and the Tug John Purves Maritime Museum. Sturgeon Bay also hosts several cultural events throughout the year, such as the Sturgeon Bay Maritime Week Festival, the Door County Folk Festival, and the Steel Bridge Songfest.

Today, Sturgeon Bay is a thriving community that blends its rich history with modern amenities and attractions. The city's picturesque waterfront, charming downtown area, and vibrant arts and culture scene make it a popular destination for visitors and residents alike.

Sturgeon Bay Top Tourist Attractions

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin is a popular tourist destination with a variety of attractions and activities. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Sturgeon Bay:

  • Door County Maritime Museum: This museum tells the story of the Great Lakes and Sturgeon Bay's shipbuilding history. Visitors can explore historic boats and ships, learn about lighthouse keepers, and enjoy interactive exhibits.
  • Potawatomi State Park: Located just outside Sturgeon Bay, this state park offers hiking and biking trails, camping, fishing, and swimming.
  • Sturgeon Bay Canal Lighthouse: This lighthouse has been guiding ships into Sturgeon Bay since 1899. Visitors can climb to the top for great views of the harbor.
  • Third Avenue Playhouse: This theater hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including plays, musicals, and concerts.
  • Door County Trolley: Visitors can take a tour of Sturgeon Bay and the surrounding area on a classic trolley. Tours include historic sites, wineries, and lighthouses.
  • Door County Historical Museum: This museum features exhibits on the history of Door County and Sturgeon Bay. Visitors can learn about the area's Native American heritage, early settlers, and the shipbuilding industry.
  • The Ridges Sanctuary: This nature preserve offers hiking trails, birdwatching, and guided tours of the area's unique ecosystems.
  • Stone Harbor Resort: This waterfront resort offers accommodations, dining, and recreational activities, including fishing charters and boat rentals.
  • Sawyer Park: This park features a beach, playground, and picnic areas. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Sturgeon Bay.
  • Steel Bridge Songfest: This annual music festival features local and national musicians performing on the historic steel bridge in Sturgeon Bay.

Sturgeon Bay Climate

Sturgeon Bay has a humid continental climate, with four distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and humid, with average high temperatures in the mid-70s to low-80s Fahrenheit (about 23-28 degrees Celsius). Winters are cold and snowy, with average high temperatures in the 20s to low-30s Fahrenheit (about -7 to 0 degrees Celsius) and occasional sub-zero temperatures. Spring and fall are mild, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit (about 4-18 degrees Celsius).

The average annual precipitation in Sturgeon Bay is about 30 inches (762 mm), with the majority of it falling during the warmer months. The area is known for frequent thunderstorms during the summer months. Snowfall is common from late November through early April, with an average annual snowfall of about 45 inches (1143 mm).

Due to its location on the Door Peninsula between Lake Michigan and Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay is also subject to lake effect snow and strong winds during the winter months. These conditions can sometimes cause travel disruptions and power outages.

Sturgeon Bay Geography

Sturgeon Bay is located in Door County, Wisconsin, United States, on the Door Peninsula between Lake Michigan and Green Bay. The city is situated at the mouth of the Sturgeon Bay canal, which connects the two bodies of water.

Sturgeon Bay has a total area of about 11.5 square miles (29.8 square kilometers), including about 5.5 square miles (14.2 square kilometers) of water. The city's waterfront is made up of a natural harbor, which provides shelter for boats and ships.

Sturgeon Bay is surrounded by a mix of forested areas, farmland, and bodies of water. To the north of the city is Potawatomi State Park, which features over 1,200 acres (486 hectares) of forest and shoreline along the waters of Sturgeon Bay and Green Bay. To the south of the city is the vast expanse of the Bay of Green Bay.

The city of Sturgeon Bay is situated on a flat coastal plain, with elevations ranging from about 580 feet (177 meters) above sea level at the highest points to sea level at the waterfront. The area is also characterized by many small hills and valleys, with numerous streams and rivers flowing through the region. Overall, the geography of Sturgeon Bay and the Door Peninsula makes it a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, hiking, and camping.