We leave Manitowoc around 9 am and bid farewell to the lighthouse one more time.
Our destination, Sturgeon Bay, lies in the area known as Door County, Wisconsin (outlined above in red dots). Door County takes its name from the straits between the mainland and Washington Island, which for years has been referred to as “Death’s Door” due to the number of shipwrecks and Native American lives lost in tribal sea battles.
Door County is known as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest”. With the bay waters of Green Bay on one side and Lake Michigan on the other, Door County provides spectacular views throughout the peninsula. With the scenic coastal towns, apple and cherry orchards, local quaint shops, charming wineries and 5-star restaurants, it has become a favorite destination for many tourists. We will spend about a week touring it ourselves, with Sturgeon Bay being our first stop.
We pass by the Sturgeon Bay Lighthouse and head into the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal.
We also pass by the US. Coast Guard station in Sturgeon Bay.
The Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal brings back memories of the Erie Canal. It is just us and the birds!
The canal and marina areas have issues with excessive growth of aquatic plants. The worst they have seen in recent memories they say. So what do they do? Mow the water of course! 5 days a week they run their harvesters to keep the shipping lanes open for mariners.
The marina is just a few blocks away from the main streets of downtown. Our weather, upon arrival, is not the best with rain showers and cool winds. Again we wonder if it ever warms up in Wisconsin? While the rest of the country swelters, we are still in sweatshirts.
We arrive to CenterPointe Marina and pleasantly surprised at the cleanliness, the lovely landscaping, and the many amenities offered!
Unfortunately the weather doesn’t cooperate for a dip in the pool, but the hot tub is just perfect!
We walk into downtown. The streets have some cute shops and a few restaurants.
The toy shop is a must stop!
Also around town are the “Bass Around the Bay” street art. The 27 art projects were created to beautify the streets of Sturgeon Bay all summer long until Harvest Fest, September 16th, during which they will be auctioned. Bidding, for each piece of the 27, is currently active online with a starting bid of $400 per bass. The highest “Bass Bid” currently stands at $2,100.
A few samples of the 27 art pieces on display.
Perhaps words to describe Sturgeon Bay, from an outsider’s view, is one of a caring and sharing community. Coming from a larger city, these small public services would be unfathomable.
If you need help, take what you need. If you have extra, share. The items sit, unmanned, free for the taking, in the downtown mall. No one takes it, unless they NEED it! A very simple concept impossible to carry out in complex environments.
At the local park, there is cornhole, ping pong tables, and gaming tables. All the needed equipment is in an unlocked dock box. If you need a paddle, a ball, cornhole bags, chess set, etc., it is yours for the taking, just put it back for others. This program actually appears to work with no one taking the equipment for themselves. They use it when NEEDED and then put back for others to enjoy. Such a refreshing concept of trust and respect of the residents of Sturgeon Bay.
While the weather could have been better, we enjoyed our first exposure into Door County! Our next stop on the peninsula will be Sister’s Bay.
So long Sturgeon Bay and Canadian smoke, hopefully. 🤞🏻
4 thoughts on “Manitowoc, WI to Sturgeon Bay, WI”
love the fish art work . Hope sunny weather heads your way. Sunday event: Just enjoyed a sweet visit from Liam with mom and dad. who were on their way to a baptism. He really enjoyed fruit and other treats. Such a great smile.
love the fish art work . Hope sunny weather heads your way. Sunday event: Just enjoyed a sweet visit from Liam with mom and dad. who were on their way to a baptism. He really enjoyed fruit and other treats. Such a great smile.
Liam is the sweetest! Glad you got to spend time with him!
Too bad Gerry wasn’t there to challenge you to a game of ping pong, lol.
I would have loved that!