Community Spotlight: Sturgeon Bay

Given the vast amount of coastline, Sturgeon Bay is perfect for kayaking and standup paddleboarding. Not only are these activities great exercise, they are also great opportunities to do some sightseeing from the water. Whether you paddle the coastline at Cave Point, the canal, or under the bridges and past the 1,000 footers in the bay, adventure and breathtaking views are guaranteed.

One unique sight you may come across is an underwater shipwreck, many of which can be seen from above the water’s surface in a kayak, paddleboard, or boat.

Fishing on the lake, canal, or bay is another great activity for an eco-centric trip in Sturgeon Bay. The city hosts multiple major fishing tournaments each year and was named the number-one bass fishing spot in the nation by Bassmaster in 2014. There are also many places to fish from the land, including Potawatomi Park’s new ADA-accessible fishing pier or on the water from a kayak or fishing charter.

Whether or not you reel in the big ones, remember: “a bad day fishing is better than a good day at work.”

Sturgeon Bay is home to two state parks—Potawatomi State Park and Whitefish Dunes State Park—that both offer plenty of options for hiking and biking.

Potawatomi State Park marks the eastern terminus of the Ice Age Trail, which means many backpacking and thru-hiking adventures either begin or end in Sturgeon Bay. Not only does the trail provide sweeping views of the channel, but it also serves as a great reminder of how Sturgeon Bay’s natural landscape was formed.

Whitefish Dunes State Park is located on the coast of Lake Michigan, just south of Cave Point County Park. Whitefish Dunes is the perfect place to walk the coastline and explore one of the many trails, sand dunes, or forests that the park is designed to preserve.

Sturgeon Bay’s newest outdoor destination is Graham Park, located near the intersection of 1^st Avenue and Pennsylvania Street, at the foot of the Oregon Street Bridge. Formerly the site of the Peterson Building Shipyards, the park has been an underutilized green space in our community for years.

Graham Park features outdoor bean bag toss, ping pong, and chess/checkers tables. All gaming equipment is conveniently located at The Spoon and can be checked out on a first come, first served basis.

The renovated park also boasts expansive gardens and green space, a small amphitheater and seating area, and a water feature designed by local artist Rob Soukup.