Wisconsin's Bayside City Offers Fun, Laid-Back Activities With Beautiful Outdoor Scenery

For those outside the Midwest — you could even say those outside the northern Midwest — it's forgivable not to know or appreciate the high-level aura Wisconsin brings to the nation. It's a Great Lakes state with a gorgeous coastline, spots like this island national park that's a great destination for your next kayaking adventure, and plenty of forests, inland lakes, and state parks like this must-visit for leaf-peepers. It's a top-notch nature destination full of charming small towns, while cities like Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay offer a pleasant and unique vibe. And, of course, it has ridiculously good cheese, being America's Dairyland and producing 25% of the nation's fromage. All those attractions and many more have the Badger State receiving record numbers of tourists three years in a row.

Another pristine spot worth checking out is Door County (it's the thumb peninsula piece on the Wisconsin map that reaches out into Lake Michigan). It's absolutely stunning, and famously considered the Cape Cod of the Midwest. The waterside city of Sturgeon Bay is a particularly laid-back gem. A little over two hours from Milwaukee, it's the perfect weekend escape for travelers seeking a blend of small town charm, lakefront beauty, and outdoor adventure.

The warmer months are ideal for picking cherries, hiking bluffs, and enjoying a slow-paced stroll through town. The beauty only amplifies in autumn, as the area has amazing fall foliage and orchard visiting opportunities. The maritime history museum and cozy restaurants are a welcome refuge if the weather turns bad, or if you visit in winter and spend a day snowshoeing through quiet, powder-covered forests and the icy lakeside. In any season, Sturgeon Bay offers just the right mix of adventure and relaxation.

With around 10,000 inhabitants, all surrounded by premier Great Lakes natural beauty, Sturgeon Bay has plenty of accommodation options, from standard hotel chains to small waterfront retreats, like Stone Harbor Resort, which is located right in town. There are smaller rural cabin rentals outside the city, or even historic Victorian mansion B&Bs The Pembrooke and White Lace Inns. Downtown Sturgeon Bay is a quaint stroll, as the city is split and unfolds on both sides of the bay. Explore each side in what's known as 'The Bridge Walk,' a 1.2-mile loop across the Michigan Street and Oregon Street Bridges. 

When it comes to food, shopping, and art galleries, Sturgeon Bay punches well above its weight. Start the day with a coffee at a place like Kick Coffee Shop, which serves up Wisconsin-roasted beans, or go for a pastry and bite to eat at 5th and Jefferson. From there, two blocks toward the bay is 3rd Avenue, one ​​of Sturgeon Bay's four shopping districts. A walk down that main drag will have you popping back and forth across the street into shops like Wilkins and Olander for high-quality apparel, or finding a locally crafted, unique gift from The Pearl of Door County. 

History buffs will love the aforementioned maritime museum or three nearby lighthouses: The North Pierhead Light, The Canal Station Light Tower, and The Sherwood Point Lighthouse. The local farmers' market runs from June to mid-October if you're looking to get some fresh picnic supplies before heading out of town for an adventure, which you should, because a visit to Sturgeon Bay isn't complete without getting into nature.

To connect with the great outdoors while visiting Sturgeon Bay, you can't overlook Cave Point County Park. Clean blue Lake Michigan waves have crashed against the limestone shore for centuries, creating dramatic tree-lined cliffs with bluffside trails and panoramic lake views. If conditions are calm, be sure to rent a kayak from nearby Cave Point Paddle & Pedal or take a tour and explore the coves from on the water. You could continue the adventure nearby at Whitefish Dunes State Park, with relaxed hikes like the Red Trail (1.2 miles) leading to Old Baldy, the park's tallest dune, and rewarding hikers with sweeping lake vistas. Together, these two parks could be a full morning and afternoon of exploring and a picnic lunch with your feet in the sand — both also offer vibrant foliage in the fall.

In the evening, unwind at a nearby local orchard, vineyard, or back in Sturgeon Bay. Stop at Door Peninsula Winery for a bottle and some artisan cheese, the Simon Creek Vineyard for a tasting, or Starboard Brewing right in town for a local draft. Wherever you go, try some of the local cherry wines, crisp apple ciders, or refreshing pear blends, many made with Door County fruit, and enjoy the laid-back countryside vibe. 

As the sun sets in Sturgeon Bay, take a peaceful walk along the canal — where boats drift by and the city lights reflect on the bay — ending your day with the calm that defines the town and Door County at large, then maybe stop by Renards on your way out of town for some quality cheese as a last-minute Wisconsin gift for that special dairy aficionado in your life.