Door County Maritime Museum
Wisconsin
The Door County Maritime Museum, located in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, is a premier cultural institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes region. Established initially in Gills Rock in 1969, the museum expanded to include the historic Cana Island Lighthouse and a year-round facility in Sturgeon Bay. The main site in Sturgeon Bay, opened in 1997, features extensive exhibits including the tugboat John Purves, built in 1919 and notable for its service during World War II, and the Coast Guard Utility Boat CG-41410. The museum’s expansion includes the Jim Kress Lighthouse Tower, completed in 2020, which is the tallest building in Sturgeon Bay and offers panoramic views and exhibit space. The Death’s Door Maritime Museum in Gills Rock focuses on the commercial fishing industry and Great Lakes piracy, housing a 1930 wooden fishing boat. The Cana Island Lighthouse, dating back to 1869, offers visitors a chance to explore a restored lighthouse keeper’s residence and climb the 89-foot tower. The museum emphasizes educational opportunities and stewardship of maritime heritage, attracting around 95,000 visitors annually and serving as a vital cultural resource for Wisconsin and the broader Great Lakes community.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit during the warmer months when all three sites are open, especially the seasonal Gills Rock location. Consider purchasing tickets in advance for special events or lighthouse tours. Look out for community appreciation days offering free admission. Accessibility to Cana Island Lighthouse may be affected by water covering the causeway, but the museum provides tractor rides as needed. Visitors interested in maritime history should check the museum's website for updated exhibition schedules and speaker series.
Zajímavosti
- •The tugboat John Purves, displayed at the museum, served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later operated on the Great Lakes.
- •The Jim Kress Lighthouse Tower, completed in 2020, is the tallest building in Sturgeon Bay.
- •The Cana Island Lighthouse causeway can be submerged by rising lake waters, requiring the museum to provide tractor rides for visitors.
- •The Death’s Door Maritime Museum in Gills Rock features a 45-foot wooden fishing boat built in 1930.
- •The museum serves as a cultural resource for all 72 counties in Wisconsin and attracts approximately 95,000 visitors annually.
Historie
The Door County Maritime Museum was founded in 1969 in Gills Rock, Wisconsin, initially focusing on regional maritime heritage.
The Cana Island Lighthouse was added as a museum site in 1971, providing historical lighthouse tours.
In 1997, the museum established its main year-round facility in Sturgeon Bay, expanding its exhibit offerings and visitor services.
Significant recent developments include the construction of the Jim Kress Lighthouse Tower in 2020, enhancing exhibit space and visitor experience.
Over the decades, the museum has grown from seasonal operations to a multi-site institution preserving Great Lakes maritime history through restoration projects and educational programming.
Průvodce po místě
Main Door County Maritime Museum - Sturgeon Bay
This primary site houses the museum's offices and main exhibits, including historic vessels such as the tugboat John Purves and Coast Guard Utility Boat CG-41410. Visitors can explore detailed displays on Great Lakes maritime history and enjoy the newly built Jim Kress Lighthouse Tower with its observation deck offering panoramic views.
Death’s Door Maritime Museum - Gills Rock
A seasonal museum focusing on the commercial fishing industry and piracy in the Great Lakes. It features exhibits on maritime commerce and a 45-foot wooden fishing boat dating back to 1930. Open from May to October, it offers insight into the region's working waterfront heritage.
Cana Island Lighthouse1869
Constructed in 1869, the lighthouse is open for tours including the 89-foot light tower and restored keeper’s residence museum. Visitors reach the island via a causeway, which can be submerged during high water periods, with the museum providing tractor transport when needed. Restoration efforts have preserved the lighthouse’s historic features and outbuildings.
Kontakt
Telefon: (920) 743-5958