Sturgeon Bay Hosts Annual Shipyard Tours

The Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay presents the 18th annual Sturgeon Bay Shipyard Tours on Saturday, May 1, 9 am – 2 pm. On one very special day, the public is invited to experience an insider’s view of the shipbuilding industry in Sturgeon Bay.

For over a century this industry has been critical to Door County’s economy. The shipbuilders of Sturgeon Bay have designed, built and repaired vessels – commercial, military and pleasure craft – that have traveled to ports around the globe.

Tour goers will learn about one of the largest gantry cranes on the Great Lakes, awe themselves with some of the biggest luxury yachts in the world, view a demonstration on sail making, and gaze into a Bay Shipbuilding’s humungous 1,200-foot dry dock.

Three facilities, all located on 1st Avenue in downtown Sturgeon Bay, will be participating in the event. Palmer Johnson Yachts, Bay Shipbuilding, and Great Lakes Yacht Services will open their doors to the public for this once a year event. Start the tour at any one of the facilities and see first hand the efforts of the many professionals who work in Door County’s ship repair and new construction businesses. Guided walking tours are offered at Bay Shipbuilding and Great Lakes Yacht Services, while self guided walking tours are available at Palmer Johnson Yachts.

Tickets will be available at all three shipyard entry gates on the day of the event. Ticket prices are $10 per adult and $5 for students age 11 – 17. Ten and under are free.

The Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay organizes this annual tour. All proceeds from the event benefit local youth programs, projects, and activities. For more information please contact Ben Rikkola at 920.743.4949 or [email protected].