Base Camp: Sturgeon Bay The author departs Sturgeon Bay’s Stone Harbor marina, in the shadow of the 1930 Michigan Street Bridge, aboard a Cruisers Yachts 330 express. In two days, the 330 will circumnavigate the peninsula, taking in many of Door County’s most treasured sights along the way.
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Sturgeon Bay, the Door County seat and the peninsula’s only city, has become a world-class boating destination in recent years. It’s one of the largest protected harbors in the Great Lakes, and it offers easy access to both Green Bay and Lake Michigan. It’s a compact, walkable city with a full calendar of events and a brand-new bandshell for outdoor concerts in Martin Park. And it boasts six impressive marinas. The Stone Harbor Resort Marina, our starting point, is operated by Bay Marine—a multigenerational family business that has been in boat sales since 1969. More recently, Bay Marine acquired the famous Sturgeon Bay Yacht Harbor, an historic 12-acre property on the city’s west side that features a 100-slip marina. It accommodates boats from 25 to 100 feet. Another popular spot is the 150-slip CenterPointe Marina on the east side, which has an average water depth of 15 feet and can accommodate yachts up to 250 feet. Amenities include a 5,000-square-foot clubhouse with second-floor lounge, granite-appointed private shower rooms and laundry room; outdoor pool; indoor pool; fitness center; fireplace and grilling stations. Marina cottages are available for rent. Great Lakes Yacht Services, located at the east foot of
the 1930 Michigan Street Bridge, is another option for transient dockage, moorings and a limited number of seasonal slips, but the company is perhaps best known for its craftsmen and technicians. GLYS services include bottom painting, fiberglass work, varnishing, canvas work and repair, gelcoat repair, engine and genset maintenance, electronics installation and repair, and much more. Also offering transient dockage are the Snug Harbor Marina, Skipper Bud’s Harbor Club Marina and Skipper Bud’s Quarterdeck Marina. Both Skipper Bud’s locations provide a host of amenities for visiting boaters. If you like to be close to the action but prefer a peaceful, small-town feel, Wave Pointe Resort and Marina is an excellent choice. For those trailering boats, Sturgeon Bay has five launches. Sawyer Park on the west side has six ramps, parking for 190 vehicles and trailers, two fish-cleaning stations and restrooms with showers. Sunset Park on the east side has a two-ramp launch and offers access to fishing sites on the outer bay’s south end. Farther from town is Robert M. Carmody Park in Union Township, with a six-lane boat launch, fishing pier, picnic area and restrooms; and the Potawatomi State Park launch in Sawyer Harbor, a multiple-ramp facility with fishing pier and restrooms.