DOOR COUNTY HISTORY LIVES ON TODAY
Centuries before European exploration and settlement in the Great Lakes region, Native American tribes fished the waters and hunted in the forests of what would become Door County.
In the 1600s, the peninsula saw French explorers such as Jean Nicolet and Father Marquette pass through. Robert de LaSalle's ship Griffin, loaded with valuable furs, disappeared in the Great Lakes on its way back east in 1679.
The British claimed the territory from the French, and in 1783 the United States claimed it from the British.
Under the United States government, the peninsula was first designated part of the Northwest Territory. As populations grew and shifted, the land was considered part of Indiana Territory, Illinois Territory, Michigan Territory, and Wisconsin Territory. In 1848, when Wisconsin became a state, the peninsula was designated part of Brown County.
The county's first permanent white settlers were Increase and Mary Claflin who established themselves in the Little Sturgeon Bay area, and then moved in 1844 to the area now known as Weborg Point in Peninsula State Park. Entrepreneur Asa Thorp built the dock at Fish Creek in 1855, establishing the only place between Fort Howard (Green Bay) and Rock Island for ships to refuel on cordwood, and the village naturally thrived.
In 1848, Captain Justice Bailey sought a safe harbor for his ship during a storm. Discovering timber suitable for cordwood, Bailey informed his supervisor, and by 1850 nearly 2,500 cords of wood were being shipped out of Baileys Harbor annually.
In 1851, Door County had finally acquired enough settlers to be established as a county all its own. For one year, Door County included present-day Kewaunee County, until the 1852 legislature re-determined the boundaries.
The Reverend Andrew Iverson and three followers set out from Green Bay on a cold February day in 1853, and walked on the ice to Eagle Harbor, where they met Ole Larsen at his home on Horseshoe (Eagle) Island. Crossing the ice to the opposite shore, they found the site for their congregation to establish a community, which they named Ephraim.
Early settlers of the county made their living largely through the harvest of timber and fish. By 1900, over-harvesting of these resources, combined with improved transportation - including a regular schedule of passenger steamers to the villages - led to the rise of the tourism industry. And although the land had never been suitable for farming crops such as wheat, it was discovered that fruit trees would flourish.
By 1920, roads were improved to the degree that more people came to visit the county by automobile than by boat. Motorists were warned to come prepared: the trip to northern Door would require at least three spare tires.
Today, Door County's heritage can be experienced through our many museums, lighthouses, tours, and historic sites, as well as our people. From the Belgians in the south to the Scandinavians in the north, from trippe to fish boils, from maritime to farm museums, Door County honors its past by preserving the best of its traditions, foods, buildings, and artifacts. For more information, contact the Door County Chamber of Commerce at (920) 743-4456.
- BJÖRKLUNDEN'S BOYNTON CHAPEL*
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Hwy 57,
one mile S. of Baileys Harbor
(920) 839-2216
Crafted in ancient Norwegian style, the Björklunden Chapel is ornately decorated with handcarved woodwork & 41 handpainted murals. Guided tours 1:00-4:00 Mondays & Wednesdays, June 13-Aug. 31. Admission $3.00/person.
- CANA ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE
North of Baileys Harbor
off County Hwy Q
(920) 743-5958
Built in 1869, it is among Door County's favorite and most frequently photographed attractions. Limited parking. Access to island via rock causeway. Public facilities available. Admission fee. Grounds open daily mid-May-October. Operated by Door County Maritime Museum and Lighthouse Preservation Society.
- DOOR COUNTY MARITIME MUSEUM & LIGHTHOUSE PRESERVATION SOCIETY*
120 N Madison
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
(920) 743-5958
Next to downtown bridge, Sturgeon Bay. 9-6 Memorial Day - Labor Day; 10-5 remainder of the year. Shipbuilding history, submarine periscope with WWII exhibit, ship models, refurbished pilothouse, lighthouse gallery. Gift shop with extensive selection of maritime books and gifts. Lighthouse cruise tickets sold. Call about group tours. Web: www.dcmm.org.
- DOOR COUNTY MARITIME MUSEUM & LIGHTHOUSE PRESERVATION SOCIETY
12724 Wisconsin Bay Rd
Gills Rock, WI 54210
(920) 854-1844 or 743-5958
Open Memorial Day through mid-Oct. daily 10-5. Features 1930 commercial fishing tug 'Hope,' shipwreck exhibit, engines and models. Guided tours daily. Web: www.dcmm.org.
- DOOR COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
18 N 4th Ave
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
(920) 743-5809
Open daily May 1-Oct 31, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Experience Door County's unique history. Exhibits are beautifully detailed and educational. Upon entering the Scandinavian-style building, visitors are greeted with a spectacular natural history wildlife diorama featuring a life-sized beech tree and native species including over 90 birds, white-tailed deer, badger, fisher, and more. One wing is devoted to the pioneer fire station with restored trucks and fire-fighting artifacts. Children of all ages may sit in a 1920 Oldsmobile fire engine. Historical photographs and videos complement the exhibits. 'Best small museum in the Midwest' - Chicago Tribune.
View our info in PDF format CLICK HERE.
- EPHRAIM FOUNDATION MUSEUMS*
3060 Anderson Lane
PO Box 165
Ephraim, WI 54211
(920) 854-9688
Iverson House, Anderson Store & Barn, Pioneer Schoolhouse & Goodletson Cabin. Summer hours: 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon-Sat, June 17-Sept 3. Fall: Fri & Sat, Sept. 9-Oct. 8. Historical walking tours: Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat, 10:30 a.m. at barn or by appt through Sept. 3. $5 for walk & buildings; $3 adults, $2 students for buildings only. Iverson tours every hour on the 1/2 hour, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Children's day July 20, fee, pre-registration req. Family Sing-Along Sundays, June 19-Aug. 7, 7:30 p.m. at Ephraim Village Hall. Other special programs throughout the season.
Web: www.ephraim.org
Email: efoundation@itol.com.
- FAIRFIELD CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ART*
242 Michigan St.
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
(920) 746-0001
Corner of Michigan & 3rd Ave. in Sturgeon Bay. Open year round. Exhibits for 2005 include: The Arts of China: Contemporary Paintings & Porcelains; Beyond the Boundaries: The Art of Digital Photography; Door County Art League Masters, and more! Call or visit the web site for a full schedule. The arts center also offers cultural and educational programs and workshops; unique museum store and retail/dining events and a permanent collection featuring work by renowned British sculptor Henry Moore. E-mail: fairfld@doorpi.net Web site: www.fairfieldcenter.org.
- THE HISTORIC NOBLE HOUSE
PO Box 323
Fish Creek, WI 54212
(920) 868-2091
Corner of Hwy 42 & Main St. in Fish Creek. Docent guided tours 11 to 3:30, mid-May through mid-Oct. except Mon. This 1875 Victorian home is an authentic example of Greek Revival farmhouse architecture and is Fish Creek's oldest frame residence. Many original furnishings & artifacts are displayed. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Adult $3; Children $1.
- THE MILLER ART MUSEUM*
107 S. 4th Ave.
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
(920) 746-0707
Year-round public art museum featuring permanent collection of 20th century Wisconsin art, 7 changing exhibits, a gallery of Gerhard C.F. Miller paintings, educational programming, performing arts and art workshops. Special guided tours available. You can also become a supporting member of the art museum and receive benefits. Admission is free. The art museum is accessible to all. Celebrating 30 years of service! Open Mon 10-8, Tues-Sat 10-5. For more info CLICK HERE.
- OLD ANDERSON HOUSE MUSEUM, CORNER OF THE PAST
Hwy 57 at Country Ln. & Fieldcrest Rd.,
Sister Bay, WI 54234
(920) 854-9242
1.5 mi south of downtown Sister Bay. Renovated 1875 farmhouse, restored, historic farm buildings, log cabins. View turn-of-the-century furnishings, antiques, artifacts, photos, tools & farm implements. Heritage programs and demonstrations on Saturdays. Farmer's Market every Sat. in July-Sept. from 8 a.m. to noon. Garden Walk in July; Pancake Breakfast in the Barn Aug. 11; Quilt Show Aug. 18 & 19.
- WASHINGTON ISLAND ART & NATURE CENTER
Main Road
Washington Island, WI 54246
(920) 847-2657
Located in an old schoolhouse, we have an art gallery and nature room. We feature works of local artists including watercolors, prints, jewelry, & photography. The nature room has many displays including an observation beehive. A naturalist is available to lead hikes and answer questions.
- HISTORIC SITES
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EPHRAIM MONUMENT
On the shore across from the Ephraim Village Hall
Commemorates landing of the Moravians in 1853.
HISTORIC MICHIGAN STREET BRIDGE*
Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay
Owned by the State of Wisconsin, this bridge, built in 1930, is one of only two remaining examples left in the United States and is currently being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Schwerzer-type overhead counterweight draw section makes this structure both unique and nationally significant. Rehabilitation is scheduled to begin September 2008.
HISTORIC STURGEON BAY*
Self-guided walk or drive of Sturgeon Bay’s two “National Register Historic Districts.” Complete tour includes over 100 buildings. Maps available from Sturgeon Bay Visitor & Convention Bureau. 920-743-6246.
LOG CABIN OF ASA THORP
Founders Square, Fish Creek
House of the Founder of Fish Creek.
OLD RUGGED CROSS*
Maple St, Sturgeon Bay
Historical marker at Friends Church where the composer introduced this hymn in 1913.
OLD SCHOOL HOUSE
South edge of Sister Bay on Hwy 42 & 57
First schoolhouse in northern Door County. Founded 1866. Presently Sister Bay Info Center.
RIDGES SANCTUARY*
1/2 mi N. of Baileys Harbor
A natural area where only native plants & animals exist. Foot travel only. Hiking trails, including trail for visually handicapped. Guided tours during summer & early fall.
THE RIDGES ON WASHINGTON ISLAND
Jackson Harbor, NE corner of Washington Island
A state of Wisconsin Scientific area. Swimming beach and nature trail.
ST. MICHAELS CHURCH ON WASHINGTON ISLAND
Historical site since 1986. Open mid-May through October.
STURGEON BAY SHIP CANAL & COAST GUARD STATION LIGHTHOUSE
At eastern foot of canal that connects Lake Michigan & Sturgeon Bay. Canal completed in 1882. Lighthouse and breakwater pier are some of the most photographed subjects in the county.
- Door County Libraries*
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The Door County Library system has eight branches, from Forestville in the south to Washington Island in the north. The main branch is in Sturgeon Bay. For information on each of the branches, CLICK HERE.
BAILEYS HARBOR Branch 2392 County F, Baileys Harbor 54202. 839-2210.
EGG HARBOR Branch 7860 Hwy 42, Egg Harbor 54209. 868-2664.
EPHRAIM Branch 9996 Water St, Ephraim 54211. 854-2014.
FISH CREEK Branch 4097 Main, Fish Creek 54212. 868-3471.
FORESTVILLE Branch 123 Hwy 42 S. Forestville 54213. 856-6886.
SISTER BAY/LIBERTY GROVE Branch 301 Mill Road, Sister Bay 54234.
STURGEON BAY Branch 107 S 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay 54235. 743-6578.
WASHINGTON ISLAND Branch Main & Lakeview Rds. 54246. 847-2323.