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Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises in Sturgeon Bay
A Self-Guided Drive of Southern Door County's Natural Heritage

A Self-Guided Drive of Southern Door County's Natural Heritage

Overview

Discover the natural and maritime heritage of southern Door County on this self-guided driving tour. Journey through Carlsville and follow the Sturgeon Bay Canal, where you'll learn how this engineering marvel reshaped the region’s shipping industry. Pass the bustling shipyards of Sturgeon Bay and spot the Coast Guard station that still protects these waters. Along the way, hear about Native American settlements, Scandinavian influences, and Door County’s cherry orchards. Take in stunning views at Whitefish Dunes, Cave Point, and historic lighthouses. There are plenty of opportunities to stop your car and explore on foot, uncovering the rich stories behind the scenic spots. By the end of this journey, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the beauty, history, and resilience of Door County. Whether you're here for a day trip or a weekend getaway, you’ll leave with a newfound understanding of this remarkable place, and with plenty of ideas for what to explore next.

City: Sturgeon Bay

Fri 20 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $11.99

Make a reservation

Fri 20 Jun

Starting at $11.99

Make a reservation

Sturgeon Bay Tours

Excellent Quality (6498) Best Conversion (1182) Seasonal & Special Occasions (2051) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (3520) Art & Culture (2658)

What's Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a self-guided driving tour, so while the tour itself does not involve physical activity like walking tours, some of the locations (such as parks or lighthouses) may have limited accessibility depending on the terrain.
Public transportation options in Door County are limited, so it's recommended that travelers have a car to fully enjoy this driving tour. Most of the landmarks are best accessed by vehicle.

What To Expect

Door County Maritime Museum

Driving through Sturgeon Bay, you’ll spot this waterfront museum, which stands as a tribute to the area’s long history of shipbuilding and maritime adventure. Inside, exhibits tell the story of Great Lakes sailors, historic vessels, and the shipyards that have shaped the local economy for over a century.

Whitefish Dunes State Park

Driving past the entrance to this lakeside park, you’ll see a glimpse of its towering sand dunes, some of the highest in Wisconsin. Beneath these shifting sands lie remnants of ancient Native American villages, revealing that this landscape has been home to people for over a thousand years.

Cave Point County Park

Along the scenic shoreline, you’ll pass by Cave Point, where Lake Michigan has carved dramatic limestone cliffs into the Niagara Escarpment. On windy days, waves crash into hidden sea caves, sending up impressive sprays of water—one of Door County’s most spectacular natural sights.

Jacksonport

Rolling through this quiet lakeside town, you’ll notice its blend of historic charm and small-town hospitality. With deep Scandinavian roots, Jacksonport has long been a place where fishing, farming, and lakefront living come together.

Egg Harbor

Rolling into this charming lakeside village, you’ll notice its picturesque marina, inviting storefronts, and vibrant art scene. The town’s name comes from a legendary egg fight between sailors in the 1800s, a playful nod to its lively past.

Chief Oshkosh Native American Arts

As you pass this small, rustic building, you might spot the hand-carved wooden figures and Native American crafts displayed outside. Originally built by Chief Oshkosh himself, this shop and museum preserve the artistry and traditions of Wisconsin’s indigenous communities.

Birch Creek Music Performance Center

Just beyond the trees, this historic farmstead-turned-music school hosts summer concerts where student musicians play alongside seasoned professionals. Though you won’t hear the music as you drive by, this hidden gem has been filling Door County’s countryside with the sounds of jazz and classical music for decades.

One Barrel Brewing Co. Door County

In the heart of Egg Harbor, you’ll see this laid-back brewery, a favorite stop for craft beer lovers. Known for small-batch brews inspired by local flavors, it’s part of Door County’s growing craft beverage scene.

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