Guide to what to do in Sturgeon Bay in winter, including the Fire and Ice festival and other Sturgeon Bay winter events
Door County in Wisconsin offers various activities all year round – but it is especially magical in the winter.
As the largest city in the Door Peninsula, there are many things to do in Sturgeon Bay in winter that make it a wonderful destination to visit during the colder season.
The Sturgeon Bay area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a must as you travel Wisconsin.
There is so much to do during a Sturgeon Bay winter, especially the popular annual Fire and Ice Winter Festival.
But you’ll find a range of fun Sturgeon Bay winter activities, including Instagrammable photos around the picture-worthy North Pierhead Lighthouse, snowshoeing, and so much more.
You definitely won’t run out of ideas on what to do in Sturgeon Bay in winter!
However, winter in Sturgeon Bay is not only made for outdoorsy people; the city also offers indoor activities to help you melt the winter blues.
So, what are the best things to do in Sturgeon Bay during winter?
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Overview: Top 3 Things to do in Sturgeon Bay in Winter
- Fire & Ice Festival
- Try out ice fishing
- See the ice formations at Cave Point County Park
1. Fire & Ice Festival
Fire and Ice Festival is one of the must-visit Sturgeon Bay winter events, and one of my favorite things to do in Door County in winter.
The event is one of the top things to do in Door County in February as it offers numerous fun things to do in Sturgeon Bay for visitors of all ages.
As the name suggests, the event combines two contrasting elements: fire and ice. It’s also one of the best winter events in Wisconsin.
Sturgeon Bay isn’t the only city that hosts this type of festival in winter, so what makes it unique from the other cities that host the same event?
For the Fire and Ice Festival, Sturgeon Bay offers picturesque waterfront views and a charming small-town atmosphere that you can’t find elsewhere!
It’s safe to say this unique festival of Fire and Ice Sturgeon Bay puts on is a must-attend event if you visit in winter.
Book the best winter cabins in Door County
2. Winter Camping at Potawatomi State Park
Potawatomi State Park is known as a venue for various types of Sturgeon Bay things to do in winter.
It’s one of the less popular state parks in Wisconsin, so you can expect less crowd if you’re looking for a serene place to go in Door County.
The state park has three camping areas, with the northern Daisy Field Campground being the best spot for winter camping as it has more than 120 campsites you can easily book online.
Looking for accessible adventures for people with disabilities?
Potawatomi State Park also has the Cabin by the Bay campground with cozy cabins equipped with disability-friendly tools, including hospital beds and wheelchair-friendly showers!
Winter camping in Wisconsin is one of my favorite seasonal activities, so don’t miss this fun activity!
3. See the ice formations at Cave Point County Park
Nestled along the shore of Lake Michigan, one of the best things to do in Sturgeon Bay is to visit Cave Point County Park and see the most spectacular features of ice formation during the colder season.
The winter temperatures and the constant crashing waves against the rocky cliffs along the shoreline create the most stunning ice sculpture that resembles glistening, icy caves and tunnels.
Cave Point County Park also offers various things to do in Sturgeon Bay in winter, as the park has several trails you can explore in the area!
The amazing ice formations alone make Sturgeon Bay one of my favorite places to visit in Wisconsin in winter.
Book the best tours in Door County
4. Try out ice fishing
With over 15,000 best lakes in Wisconsin, it’s no surprise that ice fishing has become one of the most popular things to do in Sturgeon Bay in winter.
The city is nestled between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, making it one of the best spots for ice fishing in Wisconsin!
Sturgeon Bay is also known for its diverse fish population, which makes it more fun to do ice fishing in the region.
In addition, you will find many ice fishing competitions and events that you can participate in during the winter in Sturgeon Bay.
Ice fishing is a totally unique activity and one of my favorite things to do in Wisconsin in winter.
5. Go winter hiking
When it comes to things to do in Sturgeon Bay, winter hiking can be an option if you’re looking for an outdoor activity around the city.
In fact, hiking is one of the top things to do in Door County year-round, but the area has some great spots for winter hikes.
Whitefish Dunes State Park is one of the best hiking spots for winter getaways in Wisconsin. The state park has several hiking trails that you can choose based on your preference.
If you’re not sure which trail to follow, I highly recommend one that goes to the Cave Point where you can enjoy the scenic view along the shore and reward yourself with the sight of ice formation in the county park.
You can do two of the best things to do in Sturgeon Bay in winter in one trip by taking this hiking route!
6. Stay at a winter cabin
Finding cozy winter cabins in Wisconsin isn’t difficult, as the state is suitable for outdoor lovers in terms of activities and facilities.
Sturgeon Bay has some of the best lakes in Wisconsin, and you can easily find some cabins with lake views.
Peach of Beach is one of my favorite cabins in Door County and is perfect for wintery romantic getaways in Wisconsin.
The cabin has a panoramic lakefront view that’s perfect for relaxing, and it also offers various outdoor things to do in Sturgeon Bay in winter.
It’s pet-friendly, so it’s a great option if you plan to bring your dog for winter getaways in Wisconsin!
Whether you love ice fishing or just want to wander around the lake to enjoy the soft snow in your surroundings, staying at a winter cabin in Sturgeon Bay won’t disappoint you!
Of course, if a cabin isn’t quite your style, you can stay at one of the top Sturgeon Bay resorts.
7. Go Snowshoeing
When traveling to Sturgeon Bay, winter activities like ice fishing and snowshoeing are something that you shouldn’t miss to experience the most of your stay in Wisconsin.
A lot of hiking trails in Wisconsin transform into fantastic snowshoeing trails during the winter; Sturgeon Bay has a handful of trails worth visiting for this fun activity!
Unlike skiing or snowboarding, snowshoeing is beginner-friendly, and you only need snowshoes and appropriate winter clothing to make the most of it.
Potawatomi and Whitefish Dunes State Park offer numerous snowshoeing trails that you can choose based on your skill levels.
Buy the best snowshoeing equipment
8. Attend a wine-tasting
Craft breweries may be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Wisconsin, but the state also has a growing wine industry with several wineries and vineyards that offer bespoke tasting experiences.
Situated in the center of Door County, Door 44 Winery has a 6-acre vineyard where you can sample various award-winning wines in Sturgeon Bay.
As one of the best wineries in Door County, Door 44 is worth visiting year-round, but I love going in the winter as it’s less busy.
Relaxing on their patio while enjoying the wide range of their delicious ones is definitely one of the best things to do in Sturgeon Bay in winter!
While winter may not be the best time to tour the vineyard, you can still enjoy the view around the winery, especially when it’s snowing!
Book the best tours around Door County
Winter in Wisconsin offers myriads of excursions to warm up the colder season, and you’ll never run out of things to do in Sturgeon Bay in winter!
To celebrate the best of the winter, you can make the most of your stay by participating in a Sturgeon Bay festival like the Fire and Ice Winter Festival.
For those who need a winter getaway in a quiet atmosphere with options to do outdoor activities like snowshoeing or skiing, Sturgeon Bay is home to some of the best state parks in Wisconsin where you can do exactly that.
Whichever type of traveler you are, there’s always something for everyone in Sturgeon Bay in winter!
Short FAQ About Things to do in Sturgeon Bay in Winter
When is the Fire & Ice Festival in Sturgeon Bay?
The festival dates change each year, but it is usually sometime in early February.
Are Door County wineries open in winter?
Yes, many of the wineries in Door County are open year round with winter being an ideal time to visit and do some wine tasting.
Is Sturgeon Bay worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely! Visiting Sturgeon Bay in the winter is an absolutely magical time to visit!
What to pack for your Fall or Winter trip
- Warm Clothing: Bring a heavy winter coat, gloves, scarf, hat, thermal socks, and layered clothing.
- Footwear: Wear waterproof and insulated boots with good traction.
- Snow Gear: Pack snow pants or insulated trousers and snowshoes or crampons.
- Winter Driving Essentials: Include an ice scraper, snow brush, and emergency car kit.
- Travel Documents: Don’t forget your passport/ID, travel insurance, itinerary, and maps.
- Electronics: Bring a portable charger and camera for capturing memories. I love my GoPro!
- Health and Safety: Carry prescription meds and a basic first-aid kit.
- Sunscreen is key! I always take with me my eco-friendly sunscreen by Thinksport.
- I always carry a light rain jacket, just in case.
- Travel insurance: If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, travel is protected against all odds with HeyMondo.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
