Bed and Breakfast Sturgeon Bay WI

History

The first house was built on the waterfront in what is now known as Sturgeon Bay, WI in 1850. Afterward, many more followed and a town quickly grew at the midpoint along the shore of the fish-shaped bay. By 1862, the town had grown to be home to more than 200 people and had three sawmills. Lumber and stone quarrying were the main industries. In the 1880s, a canal was built which connected Sturgeon Bay to Lake Michigan and provided safer passage for ships. This led to a boom in Sturgeon Bay and the city quickly became a center for shipbuilding and all sorts of maritime activities. In fact, during the second World War, a ship was launched from Sturgeon Bay approximately every five days.

Activities

While visiting Sturgeon Bay, you’ll find many activities to keep you busy. For those interested in history, the Door County Maritime Museum is a must-see. The museum tells the story of how the city’s shipbuilding industry boomed during the WWII years and shares other interesting stories from Great Lakes maritime history. Today, the boats you see in Sturgeon Bay are just as likely to carry tourists as they are to carry cargo. Tour companies around town offer sailing tours on Sturgeon Bay, Green Bay and Lake Michigan. There are three fabulous lighthouses in Sturgeon Bay and 8 more throughout the rest of Door County. They can be visited on land-based tours and boat trips. Although, at most tours of the indoor are not offered to the public as they are still in use. However, each year there’s an annual Lighthouse Festival to celebrate Door County’s many historic lights where many of them open their doors for tours. The Third Avenue Playhouse hosts frequent performances of dramas, operas, musicals and comedies. The playhouse is located within the Third Avenue historic district. Walking along Third Avenue and neighboring streets is a great way to experience the historic architecture of Sturgeon Bay. Since the city’s boom occurred around the time of the Victorian era of architecture, you’ll find many beautiful Victorian homes in the historic district.

Natural Features

Sturgeon Bay sits about halfway into the Door Peninsula along the shore of the bay of the same name. The bay is an extension of Green Bay that is connected to Lake Michigan by the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal. There are many opportunities for enjoying nature around Sturgeon Bay. Potawatomi State Park sits just to the northwest of the city. The park has several hiking trails and serves as the eastern end point of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The trails are multi-use and can be used for hiking, cycling, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. The park also contains two miles of Green Bay’s shoreline where you can go boating, canoeing or fishing.

Things to do

Things to do in Sturgeon Bay include visiting the various museums around town, enjoying the Victorian homes in the town’s 3rd Avenue historic district, and basking in the waterfront views of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. Museums in Sturgeon Bay include the Door County Historical Museum which tells the story of Door County’s history, and the Door County Maritime Museum which focuses specifically on the maritime history of the region. Sturgeon Bay also serves as a great jumping-off point for exploring the rest of Door County. Whether you are looking to enjoy the miles of shoreline, relax on Nicolet Beach, hike in Newport State Park or Peninsula State Park, explore the lighthouses or shop for treasures at the many shops on the peninsula, Door County has something to offer everyone.

Weather

Sturgeon Bay has warm, comfortable summers. The temperatures usually top out around 80 degrees and almost never reach the 90s. The winters bring freezing temperatures and dry, windy weather.  The temperature often drops into the teens but rarely below zero. The weather is partly cloudy nearly all year long. The best time to visit Sturgeon Bay to enjoy favorable, warm weather is from the end of June to the beginning of September. Snow is common from late December to the end of February. Sturgeon Bay sees an average of 48 inches of snow each year. Therefore, winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are quite possible in the winter months.

Food and Drink

Dining in Sturgeon Bay means enjoying the best in American comfort food, family-friendly, family-owned local restaurants, and enchanting restaurants with views of the water. There’s also a number of ethnic restaurants that offer tastes from around the globe. Door County has its own wine region. Visitors should make sure to try locally produced wine from Door Peninsula Winery or Door 44 Winery, or tour the Red Oak Vineyard to get a look at how wine is made. WIsconsin has a rich craft beer scene and Sturgeon Bay is no different. Starboard Brewing Company is a newer brewery that serves up locally brewed beer from their taproom in downtown Sturgeon Bay.

Bed and Breakfast Sturgeon Bay WI FAQ

Why Stay at a Bed & Breakfast in Sturgeon Bay WI?

With the wide range of choices when it comes to vacation rentals, it can be difficult to choose. However, staying at a bed and breakfast in Sturgeon Bay, WI is one of the best options. You’ll benefit from having a friendly host to help guide you to the best sights around Sturgeon Bay like the Door County Maritime Museum and the Door County Historical Museum. You’ll be able to feel like a true local as you stay in a beautiful, renovated victorian home that has been a part of Sturgeon Bay’s history for hundreds of years. From check in to check out, you’ll enjoy top-notch amenities, beautiful surroundings, delicious food and an unmatched friendliness of a BnB owner.

What type of amenities can I expect when booking a Bed and Breakfast Sturgeon Bay WI?

When you book a bed and breakfast for your Sturgeon Bay, WI getaway, you can expect a number of luxury amenities to make your stay comfortable and relaxing. Most of the guest rooms will have air conditioning, high-quality toiletries, wifi, and comfortable linens. The vacation rentals will offer a full breakfast each morning, often homemade from locally-sourced ingredients and enjoyed in a nicely appointed dining room. Private, ensuite bathrooms are standard and some will have whirlpool tubs for additional relaxation opportunities. From check-in to check-out, your stay at a Sturgeon Baybed and breakfast is sure to be an experience to remember.

How can I get around Sturgeon Bay WI?

The closest major airport to Sturgeon Bay is Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport. From there, it’s less than one hour to Sturgeon Bay by car. There are rental cars available at the airport. Shared ride taxis, trolley rentals and bus services are also available from the airport to Sturgeon Bay. While it’s possible to walk around some parts of the historic district, once you have arrived at your bed and breakfast, the best way to get around town and see the various attractions is to rent a car. Renting a car is also the best way to see the other parts of Door County during your stay.

What Are the Different Types of B&Bs in Sturgeon Bay WI?

Sturgeon Bay has one of the largest numbers of Bed and Breakfasts of any town in the region. Many of the historic Victorian homes in town have been converted into romantic bed and breakfasts. If you are looking for a bed and breakfast in Sturgeon Bay, WI, you are sure to find something suitable. The White Lace Inn is an exquisite property with 18 welcoming guest rooms, spread across four turn-of-the-century homes in the Sturgeon Bay historic district. The White Lace Inn is also one of the only pet friendly Bed and Breakfasts in Sturgeon Bay, WI. The Black Walnut Guesthouse, offers a unique lodging experience. This bed and breakfast is Travel Green Wisconsin rated. Here, the focus is on eco-friendly and sustainable choices whenever possible. Breakfast is made from organic and local ingredients and served to your room each morning. Garden Gate B&B is one of the most romantic bed and breakfasts in Sturgeon Bay, WI. This premier Victorianbed and breakfast offers comfortable queen sized beds, four antique filled guest rooms and breakfast by candlelight. TheDiplomat Bed & Breakfast features luxurious, individually decorated suites with modern amenities spread across two turn of the century homes. Rooms are furnished with double whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and high-quality linens. A bit outside Sturgeon Bay, the Chanticleer Guest House sits in a central location in Door County. Perfect for those who are looking for a country retreat. The inn occupies a renovated farmhouse on a beautiful sprawling property. The Sawyer HouseBed and Breakfast in downtown Sturgeon Bay offers guests a cozy and relaxing stay with fireplaces and double whirlpool tubs in the guest rooms, private off-street property and multiple private gardens for strolling.