Tug Tours of “John Purves” Have Resumed

Photo by Pum Chairin.

The Door County Maritime Museum resumed tours of the Tug John Purves in Sturgeon Bay on May 1, while facing a continuing problem with securing enough volunteer guides for the famed vessel.

The immaculately restored 149-foot tugboat has proven to be an extremely popular attraction since opening to the public in August of 2008 following a remarkable five-year restoration project. Many of those same volunteers now are members of the docent team that conducts the 45-minute tours.

Talk to the volunteer guides and you find that they enjoy traversing aboard one of the largest and most powerful tugs on the Great Lakes as much as those who visit. Anyone of any age interested in becoming a tug guide and sharing this significant piece of Door County history is asked to contact the museum at 920.743.5958 or email Jon Gast at [email protected]. Weekend tug guides are especially needed this summer. Everything will be provided to start this rewarding experience, including opportunities to shadow existing guides to aid the learning process.

The cost of the tour is included in the museum’s $13 admission fee ($10 for youth ages 5-17) or is also offered separately for $6. Tours begin at 10:30 am and generally go until 3:30 pm. Due to the current shortage of guides it is recommended to contact the museum at 920.743.5958 for a status of the tours. The museum is located at 120 N. Madison Ave. between the two downtown bridges.