Tall Ships Sturgeon Bay

Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (July 28, 2025) – Destination Sturgeon Bay and the Door County Maritime Museum are thrilled to announce the return of the Tall Ships to our waterfront from July 31 to August 3, 2025! This unforgettable maritime celebration is made possible through the generous support of our title sponsors: Nicolet National Bank and Door County Medical Center.

After six years, four stunning vessels, Liberty Clipper, Pride of Baltimore II, Utopia, and When and If, will sail back into our community, each carrying a unique story of exploration, history, and adventure. This rare opportunity allows visitors of all ages to get up close to these majestic ships, explore their decks, and learn about their journeys. While tickets are currently sold out, we were proud to offer a variety of special experiences, including Daytime and Twilight Sailaways, and the highly anticipated Parade of Sail Sailaway from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Thursday, July 31. Whether you’re boarding a ship or viewing from the shore, Tall Ships Sturgeon Bay promises to be a celebration full of excitement.

To make the most of your visit, free public parking is available throughout downtown Sturgeon Bay, and a list of lots along with public restroom locations can be found on our website at SturgeonBay.net/tall-ships/. For added convenience, a free trolley shuttle will run on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with stops at Sawyer Harbor Boat Launch, Stone Harbor Resort, Bliss at The Marketplace, and the Door County Maritime Museum.

The Liberty Clipper and When and If will be docked at Stone Harbor Resort, while the Pride of Baltimore II and Utopia will be stationed at the Door County Maritime Museum. A Food Truck Rally and Beverage Garden will be set up at the Door County Granary on Sturgeon Bay’s west waterfront promenade, serving tasty eats from local favorites like Mauricio’s, LoLo’s, Papa B’s, Savor BBQ, and The Dog House. The food trucks will be serving food  from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. Destination Sturgeon Bay will also be operating beverage tents at both The Granary and Stone Harbor, offering refreshing craft drinks and non-alcoholic options daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to view the ships sailing through the water, we recommend Potawatomi State Park, Waterfront Mary’s Bar & Grill, Bullhead Point, Leathem and Smith Quarry, Sonny’s Pizzeria, Bridge Up Brewing Company, the Train Bridge Walking Trail, Otumba Park, Graham Park, and Sunset Park.

Downtown businesses will be joining the celebration with Tall Ships-themed in-store specials, live music, events, and entertainment happening all weekend long. To stay informed and get a full event overview, visit our Welcome Center at 36 S. 3rd Ave to pick up a Tall Ships Sturgeon Bay map and brochure.

Don’t forget to celebrate the 34th Annual Door County Classic & Wooden Show on Sturgeon Bay’s historic waterfront during Tall Ships weekend too! From mahogany runabouts to vintage sailboats, canoes, and kayaks, this weekend event showcases an incredible lineup of vessels at the Door County Maritime Museum. The fun kicks off Friday with boat registration, a Bay-to-Lake Cruise, and the “Docktails & Delights”kickoff  party. Saturday and Sunday feature boat viewing, U.S. Coast Guard demos, the Boathouse Sale, and the crowd-favorite SikaFlex Build-A-Boat Challenge. Watch teams build boats on Saturday, then race them during the hilarious “Sea Trials” on Sunday at 1 PM. With boat displays, contests, and family-friendly entertainment, it’s a can’t-miss summer tradition!

For more information about Tall Ships Sturgeon Bay or other events hosted by Destination Sturgeon Bay, please visit SturgeonBay.net or call (920) 743-6246. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!