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
Leif Lautenbach,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Sturgeon Bay, WI sell after 95 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Sturgeon Bay, WI over the last 12 months is $410,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in a prime Sturgeon Bay location near the high school, dining, and shopping, this beautifully updated 5-bedroom, 1.5-bath home is ready to impress. Step inside to find fresh updates throughout, including new LVP and carpet flooring, fresh paint, and stylish kitchen countertops. Big-ticket upgrades—new furnace, roof, siding, and windows—offer lasting value and peace of mind. The curb
Experience the ultimate "Northwoods" retreat in this stunning three-bedroom home, nestled on a 1.5-acre wooded lot. Privacy and nature converge as towering trees frame your daily view, while a versatile four-season room invites the beauty of the outdoors inside year-round. Enhance your daily retreat with this exquisite cascading style waterfall that flows over natural stone tiers. The cascading
Welcome to this quiet, secluded condo development consisting of 18 total units. Unit 15 has been meticulously maintained and has had some recent updates including patio screen door, kitchen sink, front screen door. All on one level makes for easy access. A large kitchen area with an abundance of cabinets. The open area floor plan with dining and great room includes a gas fireplace and overlooks
Build your vision in the heart of Sturgeon Bay! Perfectly positioned to enjoy beautiful Door County sunrises, and sunsets. This vacant lot on N. 20th Avenue offers a great opportunity to construct your dream home or invest in a growing Door County community. Conveniently located across the street from the YMCA, near local schools, shopping, dining, and downtown Sturgeon Bay. The property combines
Exceptional opportunity! Welcome to 4511 Laurie Lane, a vacant lot offering 100' of waterfront off Bay Shore Drive, situated on a private and dead-end road. Perfect for those seeking tranquility, this .69-acre retreat features a 24 x 30 garage with additional parking, a cozy fire pit, wooded areas, gardens, and mature trees that enhance the natural beauty. Imagine relaxing and enjoying
Open, level and buildable 3.20 acre setting offering endless possibilities. No restrictions or covenants. Property is tiled for better drainage, map available upon request. Easy access from County Rd S and Snyder Lane. Convenient Door County location with easy access to Sturgeon Bay, Algoma, Green Bay and within minutes to Lake Michigan with parks, beaches, boat launches and the Sturgeon Bay Ship
Introducing The Potawatomi at Colorado Heights. Three bedrooms, two full baths, plus a dedicated office, the flagship two-story duplex in this new-construction Sturgeon Bay community. Includes a main-floor bedroom, a 17x12 living room, and an island kitchen anchor the main level; upstairs holds two more bedrooms and a separate office ideal for remote work or study. Full bath on each level,
Unit 9 at Boat House Motor Condos in Sturgeon Bay offers the rare advantage of an end unit layout featuring a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom luxury living space plus a private bonus suite with an additional bedroom and full bathroom. The open-concept design showcases quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, and Kohler finishes throughout. An expansive 18' x 14' overhead door provides exceptional storage for
3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home on a spacious nearly half-acre lot! Relax or entertain in the backyard featuring a newly stained deck and paver fire pit area. Inside, enjoy two main-floor living spaces, including a cozy family room with a fireplace. The private primary suite offers vaulted ceilings and double closets. The lower level provides finished flex space perfect for a home office, workout room,
Introducing The Portage at Colorado Heights. One bedroom, one bath, entry level ranch duplex in Sturgeon Bay. 847 sq ft of bright open-concept living: a 15x17 living room flowing to an island kitchen with walk-in pantry, plus an oversized attached 2 car garage. Covered porch and rear patio. Luxury vinyl plank flooring and stained cabinetry. Half-mile from Sunset Park; HOA covers lawn care and
A perfect blend of comfort, style, and nature. This stunning home built by Tielens offers 3,198 sq ft of finished living space. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, additional family room, 2 fireplaces, an attached1.5 stall insulated garage, PLUS a 4-stall detached garage. Meticulously maintained with recent updates including kitchen quartz countertops & ceramic tile backsplash, LVP flooring,
Wonderful property boasting potential! This spacious 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home is currently set up as a three unit building, but could be remodeled back to a functioning single-family home. Whether you're looking for an investment property or a chance to live in one unit while generating income from the others—this property delivers. The property offers a wooded 6 acres to be included for
Welcome home to this 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath ranch in Sturgeon Bay. Offering convenient one-level living, this property features a spacious formal living room plus a cozy family room, providing flexible spaces for relaxing and entertaining. The finished lower-level rec room adds valuable additional living space for hobbies or gatherings. Enjoy outdoor living in the fenced backyard, perfect for pets,
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch home offering true one-level living on nearly half an acre in a peaceful, private setting just walking distance to Lake Michigan. This well-maintained home features a spacious backyard and a beautiful back deck perfect for entertaining, relaxing, or enjoying Door County’s natural beauty. Ideal as a year-round residence, vacation getaway, or investment property,
Nestled on a spacious lot in Sturgeon Bay, this property offers comfortable living with room to relax, entertain, and privacy. Enjoy the bright, welcoming living room, functional layout, and lower level family room with a bar! The backyard is ideal for summer gatherings on the concrete patio, gardening in the spacious yard, or simply unwinding in the private yard by the fire pit, watching the
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 help you in finding your new place
When you call The Peninsula Apartments home, you'll 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.
When you call Orchard Estates Apartments home, you'll find yourself in a quiet setting enhanced with a variety of unique amenities. Our community offers one and 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.- Lease for a Year | Stay for a Decade
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
Welcome home to this beautiful 2022 double-wide manufactured home offering 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a spacious open-concept floor plan designed for comfortable everyday living. The bright and inviting living area flows seamlessly into the kitchen and dining space, creating the perfect setting for entertaining. The well-appointed kitchen comes complete with all appliances and offers ample
Have you always dreamed of living in Door County but thought it was too expensive? Now you can have it all! Enjoy everything that Door County has to offer while living in a leased residence. Nestled in a beautiful wooded setting, you can watch the wildlife in this serene environment or only one mile from shopping and restaurants.Heat/ Gas is included at Harbor Winds only. Harbor Winds
Experience tranquil, maintenance-free living at the Cherry Hill Apartments. Our property features ample green space and modern amenities in a convenient location. You will enjoy your close proximity to Door County Medical Center, parks, schools, shopping, and all that door county has to offer.For your convenience, our property offers off-street surface parking, on-site laundry, storage
Welcome to Tall Pines Estates! Thank you for visiting Sturgeon Bay's finest apartment home community! Walking distance to shopping, restaurants and the historic downtown, Tall Pines' location provides comfort and convenience. Residents choose from 1 or 2 bedroom, 1 or 2 bath apartment homes and enjoy an active lifestyle in the heart of a vibrant community. Each spacious apartment home features
The Bay Lofts offer a distinct living opportunity in Door County. Explore what vacation living can be without the responsibilities of home ownership. At The Bay Lofts, residents enjoy countless amenities and a location that makes the idea of living in a connected, vibrant community near the shore of Lake Michigan a reality. It's perfect for those who like the idea of having a home that is
Handicap 1st floor unit/ Handicap accessible. This is a beautiful open concept 1st floor unit. This is located in a great convenient location! Very close to shopping and restaurants. This Spacious townhouse has a nice sized kitchen dinette, with luxury vinyl floors and is open to the living room. There is a Laundry closet with full size washer and dryer. Large primary bedroom with nice picture
Beautiful Brand new townhouse. This 950 sq. ft. property located at 1058 Egg Harbor Rd features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and entertainment, while the bathroom includes a tub/shower combination. Each bedroom provides a comfortable area for rest, suitable for various furniture arrangements, primary bedroom has 2 closets. The property is equipped
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