The museum features the 11-story Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower, an architectural replica of a lighthouse design.
The tugboat John Purves, a National Historic Landmark, underwent a multi-year restoration before being opened for public tours.
During World War II, Sturgeon Bay shipyards produced more than 100 vessels for the U.S. military.
The museum manages the Death's Door Maritime Museum in Gills Rock, an auxiliary location focusing on commercial fishing history.
The tugboat John Purves was built in 1919 and operated on the Great Lakes for over 60 years.
The Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay serves as a comprehensive archive of the Great Lakes' maritime heritage and the local shipbuilding industry. The facility features the Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower, which offers panoramic views of the Sturgeon Bay waterfront and the surrounding shipyards. Exhibits document the history of lighthouses, life-saving stations, and the evolution of Great Lakes commerce. Visitors can explore the retired tugboat John Purves, a restored 1919 vessel that provides insight into mid-20th-century life at sea. The museum highlights the region's contribution to World War II naval construction, noting the dozens of vessels launched in local yards. Interactive displays detail the challenges of navigating the treacherous waters of Death's Door. The collection includes extensive artifacts from historic shipwrecks and navigational instruments used by early mariners.
The observation deck of the Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower, specifically facing east toward the shipyards.
Reserve extra time for the John Purves tugboat tour, as it requires guided access and cannot be rushed.
Check the weather before ascending the observation tower to ensure maximum visibility of the shipyards.
Combine your visit with a walk along the adjacent Sturgeon Bay waterfront promenade.
Do not attempt to board the tugboat tour vessel without a scheduled guide, as it is a strictly monitored historic asset.
The John Purves tugboat tour is seasonal and typically unavailable during the winter months.
