Experience Door County’s Working Waterfront with the Sturgeon Bay Rotary Shipyard Tours
Sturgeon Bay’s rich shipbuilding heritage takes center stage each June during the Sturgeon Bay Rotary Shipyard Tours—but since 2024, this beloved event has taken a bold new direction. Thanks to a unique partnership between the Sturgeon Bay Rotary Club and Shoreline Boat Tours, visitors can now experience the Working Waterfront of Sturgeon Bay—Past and Present aboard a narrated 90-minute cruise unlike any other in Door County.
A Door County Boat Tour Like No Other: On-Water Working Waterfront Experience
Shoreline Boat Tours’ involvement marked a transformative pivot in 2024, turning what was once a land-based event into an immersive Door County on-water experience. Aboard our vessel “Gratitude”—a vintage 1969 US Military Liberty Launch—guests are treated to a narrated tour enhanced by a custom-designed slide presentation on large onboard monitors. This visual storytelling brings to life more than a century of shipbuilding innovation and maritime culture in Sturgeon Bay.
From legendary builders like Palmer Johnson Yachts to industrial giants like Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, our narration dives into the legacy of the Sturgeon Bay working waterfront, including its evolution into a hub for recreation and tourism.
Supporting Door County Through Sturgeon Bay Rotary Initiatives
While the tour is a must-do experience, its impact runs deeper. All proceeds from the Shipyard Tour weekend support the charitable work of the Sturgeon Bay Rotary Club, including:
- Affordable housing development
- Expansion of accessible child care
- Environmental conservation in Door County
- Scholarships for local youth
- Community enrichment projects
The Rotary’s mission of service and local investment is one we’re proud to help support.
What the Working Waterfront Boat Tour Includes
Each 90-minute narrated cruise features:
- A guided look at key waterfront sites and shipyards
- A visual slide program: Working Waterfront of Sturgeon Bay: Past and Present
- U.S. Coast Guard–certified safety measures
- Licensed captains and trained guides
Tour highlights include the Door County Granary, Peterson Builders, Roen Steamship Co., and views of the Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay.
Join Us in Celebrating the Sturgeon Bay Rotary and Door County’s Maritime Heritage
Whether you’re a local history buff, a boating enthusiast, or just visiting Door County for the weekend, this is a one-of-a-kind chance to get out on the water and dive into Sturgeon Bay’s past and present.
Tour Dates: June 20–22, 2025
Cruises: Four per day
Tickets: $75 (includes museum access)
Help Us Spread the Word
We believe this new chapter of the Sturgeon Bay Rotary Shipyard Tours deserves the spotlight. If you’ve experienced the tour—or plan to—please share your photos and tag @shorelinedoorcounty on Instagram or Facebook.
Together, we can continue honoring the working waterfront and the good work happening behind the scenes in Door County.
