Sturgeon Bay & Lake Michigan Ship Canal
RV Guide
Introduction
If you feel the urge to head out on your next RV adventure, consider stopping by Sturgeon Bay and Lake Michigan Ship Canal. It's a great place to visit on your next camping getaway.
Sturgeon Bay and Lake Michigan Ship Canal is a body of water which forms a connection between Sturgeon Bay and Lake Michigan. Located on the Door Peninsula in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, this manmade body of water formed a vital link in the shipbuilding and transport industries. The route permits shipping access from the shores of Lake Michigan to Green Bay, enabling vessels to avoid the Porte de Morts strait, a body of water known for shipwrecks. Construction on the canal began in 1872, with the project completed in 1881.
Along the canal route are several much-beloved lighthouses. Among the most visited beacons include the Sturgeon Bay Canal Lighthouse, the Sturgeon Bay Canal North Pierhead Light, and Sherwood Point Lighthouse. The area is also quite popular with families who enjoy hiking through the picturesque property to enjoy the surrounding lake views. The city of Sturgeon Bay itself offers many attractions for families to enjoy, including cultural events, fine dining, and excellent shopping.
For a relaxing vacation in the heart of the Wisconsin countryside, you won't want to miss out on a trip to Sturgeon Bay and Lake Michigan Ship Canal. It is a wonderful place for an RV holiday.
RV Rentals in Sturgeon Bay & Lake Michigan Ship Canal
Transportation
Driving
Sturgeon Bay and Lake Michigan Ship Canal is a popular spot that receives many visitors annually. The route to this destination hot spot winds along highways that alternate between two and four-lane construction. Each of the roads is in good condition and is kept free from snow in the winter months. Traffic flows moderately well year-round.
On occasion, road construction does occur, so be prepared to experience delays.
Parking
There are several lots found on the grounds where you can safely leave your vehicle at Sturgeon Bay and Lake Michigan Ship Canal.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation available to Sturgeon Bay and Lake Michigan Ship Canal.
Campgrounds and parking in Sturgeon Bay & Lake Michigan Ship Canal
Campsites in Sturgeon Bay & Lake Michigan Ship Canal
Reservations camping
Private Campground
This campground offers RV and tent camping by reservation from May 1st through October 16th each year. This camping facility is found next to Potawatomi State Park and offers 276 sites for seasonal camping. Pets are welcome to join their families on the property but must remain on a leash at all times.
The on-site amenities include a clubhouse, bike trails, a swimming pool, a concession store, hiking trails, mini-golf, a laundromat, picnic areas, a playground, volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and a games room.
Daisy Field Campground
Daisy Field Campground is found in Potawatomi State Park and offers 123 campsties for RV and tent camping. Reservations are recommend. 40 of the campsites offer full electric hookups.
The on-site amenities include showers and a waste disposal station.
Pets may join their owners on the property but must remain leashed.
Seasonal activities in Sturgeon Bay & Lake Michigan Ship Canal
In-Season
Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve
Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve is a popular spot for families who enjoy spending time exploring the beauty of nature. This outdoor sanctuary is found within the town of Sturgeon Bay itself, not far from the canal. The area is well-renowned for its diverse terrain, including pristinely clear waters, deep sand dunes, and dense forest.
Among the unusual species of birds found at the preserve include the dune thistle, Caspian tern, dune goldenrod, bald eagle, and osprey. Sturgeon Bay Canal Nature Preserve has earned the distinction of being one of the most highly favored sites for nesting birds. You will want to be sure you have your camera along for this adventure!
Sturgeon Bay Canal North Pierhead Light
The Sturgeon Bay Canal North Pierhead Light is an impressive sight to behold. Visible from both land and sea, this lighthouse is a unique shade of red, a color it has been since it was built in 1882.
The lighthouse remains fully operational today and continues to help seafaring vessels to navigate the waters of Lake Michigan successfully. Tours of the lighthouse itself are not permitted; however, families are warmly welcomed to peruse the area by the sea wall at their leisure.
Picnicking
There are many wonderful places for families to enjoy a picnic lunch during their visit to Sturgeon Bay and Lake Michigan Ship Canal. You can select a table in one of the provided picnic tables on the grounds or at one of the nearby state parks, or sit right by the water with the sand dunes and breathtakingly beautiful tree cover providing a fantastic view.
Your dog may join you on your picnic adventure, but please keep them leashed at all times.
Off-Season
Sherwood Point Lighthouse
Sherwood Point Lighthouse was built in 1883 to assist the ships traversing the newly constructed Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal. Today, the lighthouse is no longer open to the public. However, it remains an awe-inspiring sight when viewed from the land or the water.
During the Door County Lighthouse Festival, which occurs once each year, tours are conducted of the property. Legend states that the lighthouse is haunted by a ghost whose name is Robert Cochems. The property attracts many visitors each year; some in search of ghosts and others who just want to enjoy the view.
Hiking
If you love to hike, Sturgeon Bay and Lake Michigan Ship Canal is the perfect place for you. With a wide expanse of terrain to explore, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to great places to hike. The property is naturally landscaped and is full of hills, dunes, and lush forests, so come prepared for a challenging day of exploring the land.
The trails are well-marked and vary in length and difficulty to allow you a great selection with something sure to suit the needs of every member of your hiking group.
Your dog may join you on your hike, but please keep them leashed at all times.
Photography
Sturgeon Bay and Lake Michigan Ship Canal is well-renowned for its scenic beauty, making it the perfect place to snap some photos to add to your portfolio. Whether you want some portraits of the area's lighthouses and local landmarks or hope to capture some of the rare bird species that frequent the area, you will find many picture-perfect photo ops during your visit to this incredibly beautiful property.
Whether you visit in the spring or summer when the abundant plant life is its most glorious or you pop by when snow blankets the ground, the area is stunning to behold.
