Tours Resume on Tug John Purves

The Door County Maritime Museum resumes tours of the Tug John Purves this month with a daily slate of 40-minute docent-led tours.

The immaculately restored 149-foot vessel was rededicated in late July 2008 after completion of a remarkable five-year restoration project. Built in 1919 and christened the Butterfield, the tug has a colorful past that even included World War II duty in the Aleutian Islands. The tug made its way to Sturgeon Bay in 1956 when purchased by Roen Steamship Company. It was eventually sold, but the tug now carries the Roen colors and has been outfitted to appear much as it did while operated by Roen in the 1950’s and ‘60s. Capt. John Roen, company owner, renamed the tug in honor of his long-time employee and general manager.

Moored on the waterfront behind the Maritime Museum, the tug is open daily beginning in May. Hours are 10:30 am – 3:30 pm with tours leaving on the half hour. Tours will be expanded Memorial Day weekend, with a 9:30 am start.

Cost is $5 per person and includes the opportunity to visit nearly every space on the vessel from engine room to wheelhouse. The Museum is located at 120 N. Madison Ave. between the two downtown bridges on Sturgeon Bay’s West Side. For more information call 920.743.5958 or visit http://www.dcmm.org