The Tall Ship Festival

On a sunny summer day in Door County, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of people enjoying our beautiful beaches, picturesque piers, and the crisp, fresh water of Lake Michigan. The water that was frozen over not long ago starts to fill quickly with kayaks, paddleboards, speed boats, sailboats and jet skis; but none of those will grab your attention quite like the tall ships that will come rolling in come August.

These impressive ships will be arriving in Sturgeon Bay August 5-7 for the Tall Ship Festival. With three days of maritime fun, the event has live entertainment, family activities, food, and live music. See tall ships, including vintage and Viking ships race through the waters of Green Bay before they set sail across the Great Lakes. Some ships even offer dockside tours where you and your family can learn about the unique history of the ship, its crew, and what life is like onboard.

One ship you don't want to miss this year is the Draken Harald Harfagre (pronounced DRAY-guhn, HAIR-old Fair-hair). The largest Viking ship built in modern times, this 115-foot long and 26-foot wide ship boasts a mast that towers 79 feet above, and is rowed by 25 pairs of oars. It’s one of the nine vintage ships sailing this year. The Draken Harald Harfagre and its crew of 32 sailors will be sailing the northern Atlantic waters to Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and the USA this summer. Follow their journey and learn more about the Draken Harald Harfagre here.

Be sure not to miss this spectacular sight and family-friendly event. Learn more about Door County’s vast maritime history with a trip to the Maritime Museum.