On the south end of Door County, Sturgeon Bay greets visitors on a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. While most localities in the county are vacationers’ hubs only open seasonally, the county seat is the area’s only city and is much more residential than its counterparts. “Compared to northern Door County, those are seasonal businesses. A lot of the restaurants close in the winter,” says Broker Scott Bader with Coldwell Banker Commercial Realty. Home to a neighborly populace, Sturgeon Bay's commitment to community is evident in its sportsman culture and active arts scene.
Sturgeon Bay is a city with a canal running through it connecting Green Bay to Lake Michigan.
Sturgeon Bay is a city in Door County bookended by a bay and a great lake.
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Year-round fishing on Green Bay and Lake Michigan
With a canal cutting through the center of Sturgeon Bay, the city is the only one in Door County that gives residents access to both Green Bay and Lake Michigan. “Salmon and trout fishing is phenomenal on the lake side, but the perch and smallmouth bass are out on the bay,” Bader says. Because of its location farther north, temperatures can drop significantly in Sturgeon Bay, but residents still find a way to get outside. “There’s people out there right now on the bay ice fishing,” Bader assures. Along the shoreline, Sturgeon Bay has multiple beaches. Sunset Park is the biggest, stretching 41 acres along the canal. It also offers tennis and pickleball courts and two playgrounds alongside its sandy beach. Sawyer Park is on the opposite shore, offering the city’s most modern boat launch and fish cleaning stations.
The water from Green Bay runs into lovely Lake Michigan in Sturgeon Bay.
Sawyer Park Boat Launch is a modern boat launch with fish cleaning stations.
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Sturgeon Bay's music scene started by its beloved Steel Bridge
People can stop in various art galleries throughout downtown Sturgeon Bay. The Miller Art Museum features a permanent collection of 20th-century Wisconsin art. Also downtown, Holiday Music Motel represents Sturgeon Bay’s music scene. The motel still offers lodging for travelers, but in 2005 its owners invited musicians to collaborate for a fundraiser to save the city's signature steel truss bridge Since then, Holiday Music Motel has continued to host musicians for a week of songwriting and producing, sharing their creations on its own Steel Bridge Radio station.
Holiday Music Hotel in Sturgeon Bay is a mecca for musicians in Wisconsin.
The Miller Art Museum is part of Sturgeon Bay's vibrant art scene.
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Cheese curds on the menu at Sturgeon Bay's local restaurants
Downtown Sturgeon Bay’s brick Italianate and Queen Anne townhomes house local restaurants, cafes and shops alongside the art galleries. The district’s bars, breweries and pubs often feature classic Wisconsin cheese curds on their menus. Supermarkets are on the far northern side of the city off State Highway 42.
Cheese Curds are a Wisconsin staple and Sturgeon Bay has perfected them.
Queen Anne Style homes can be found in downtown Sturgeon Bay.
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Private docks and canal access at waterfront homes
Sturgeon Bay’s median housing price is around $385,000, though homes along the water can sell for as high as $1 million. Homes deeper inland tend to be farmhouse and ranch-style houses with a collection of condos like those at the Landmark Resort. Waterside homes are a mix of contemporary, cottage and French-style houses with their own docks and private access to the canals. According to the Sturgeon Bay police department’s 2023 annual crime report, arrests went up slightly from 2022 to 2023, though the biggest category was for traffic violations.
Spacious homes can be found right on the water in Sturgeon Bay.
Vibrant Victorian homes can be found throughout Sturgeon Bay.
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Sturgeon Bay's public school system
Sturgeon Bay Schools serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Niche grants the district a B-plus ranking. Private institutions in the area include St. John Bosco Catholic School and St. Peter's Lutheran School, which both teach students from prekindergarten to eighth grade.
Sturgeon Bay High School is a well-rated high school in Sturgeon Bay.
St. Peter's Lutheran School is a private school option for Sturgeon Bay students.
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Annual music and arts celebrations in Sturgeon Bay
Almost 20 years in the making, Steel Bridge Songfest occurs on the second Saturday in June. It celebrates the iconic bridge with music written and performed by local artists. “The Fire and Ice Festival is right around Valentine’s Day weekend,” Bader says. “It’s a festival with a big concert with fireworks at the end and ice sculptures along the main drag." In late May, the Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair features over 80 artists in Martin Park.
The Fire and Ice Festival takes place near the water in Sturgeon Bay.
In June, Sturgeon Bay comes alive with the Steel Bridge Songfest.
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Three bridges crossing Sturgeon Bay's canal
The canal halves Sturgeon Bay, but the two sides stay connected by the three bridges. The Michigan Street bridge, better known as the Steel Bridge, is the closest to the Green Bay side. Bayview Bridge is the closest to Lake Michigan while the Oregon Street Bridge is the middle. State Highway 42 links the community with the rest of Door County to the north as well as Green Bay to the south. Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport is 54 miles away.
3 Bridges connect the city of Sturgeon Bay.
The Michigan Street Bridge connects neighborhoods to downtown Sturgeon Bay.
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Written By
Caroline Ernst
Photography Contributed By
Hayley McCormick
Video By
Stewart Taveras
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Erika Skogg,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Sturgeon Bay, WI sell after 110 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Sturgeon Bay, WI over the last 12 months is $411,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Turn key, move right into this completely furnished unit.It's fully equipped for resort living. Enter into a bright sunroom which opens into the livng room w/ fireplace, vaulted ceiling w/dual ceiling fans. The open and spacious kitchen and dining room has a wall of cabinets and plenty of counter space. The rec center/clubhouse is nearby with indoor pool and whirlpool. A lounge area with
SELLER INCENTIVE!!! HOA & ASSESSMENT paid through 2025! Gorgeous remodeling with high-end selections (see updated list). Nothing like it! New restaurant, bar, inground pool and lobby. These units offer a blend of personal vacation use and income-generating potential through the resort's rental program. Open floor plan with full kitchen, cozy living room with fireplace and breakfast bar. A MUST
TWO Parcels Included! Located between Gardner and Little Sturgeon. Restrictive covenants protect your investment—allowing for residential builds and accessory structures. Situated along a scenic, tree-lined road with level build sites and cleared driveway access. Enjoy a private, peaceful setting less than a mile from public water access at Aurora Bay and just minutes from the Little Sturgeon
Rare offering at the Harborview Condos in downtown Sturgeon Bay. Updated and move-in ready with light filled space and water-views from both the covered main level porch & deck off the primary suite. An open concept layout with 9' ceilings on the main level and all 3 bedrooms located on the second floor. Primary bedroom has vaulted 16' ceilings with large windows - currently set up as 2nd living
Luxury waterfront home with stunning views and unparalleled water/boating access. Recently renovated to perfection, this home is the epitome of comfort, class, and functionality. Elevated water views with a spacious deck to soak in those westerly sunsets. Main floor primary with two walk-in closets. Walk-out LL features 2 bedrooms, office, 2 full baths & family room with wet-bar and additional
Discover your new home at Bay Pointe located in the City of Sturgeon Bay which is one of the most vibrant municipalities in the region. From the moment you move into one of our stylish apartments, you will discover the exceptional convenience, located minutes away from Highway 57, local shopping and the waterfront. The professional, friendly leasing staff will assist you in finding your NEW place
Located in the gateway to Sturgeon Bay's scenic waterfront harbor, Marina View Apartments are uniquely designed and within easy walking distance of restaurants and downtown shopping.Ideal for year round residents or the snow-birds that head south for the winter, we offer accommodations with generous sized rooms, patios & decks for entertaining, plus garage & off-street parking. Marina View
When you call The Peninsula Apartments home, youll find yourself in a quiet setting enhanced with a variety of unique amenities. Our community offers two bedroom floor plans spaciously designed with comfort in mind. The professional, on-site management staff will assist you in meeting all of your needs.
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