Galleries and Museums
Sturgeon Bay
The Door County Maritime Museum pays tribute to those who built the ships, fished the waters, and transported the raw materials. New this year at Sturgeon Bay’s 20,000-square-foot waterfront museum is “Ghosts: Haunted Lighthouses of the Great Lakes,” an exhibit dedicated to the rich legend of suspected paranormal activity at numerous lights, including some right here in Door County. Also, the museum has added an impressive in-water exhibit, the 149-ft. tug John Purves. Daily docent-led tours detail the tug’s colorful history and remarkable five-year restoration. Summer hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., admission charged; 10-5 the remainder of the year. (920) 743-5958. On the West Side waterfront at the downtown bridge.
At the Door County Historical Museum you will find the story of the indigenous peoples, the loggers, the farmers, the fishermen, the resorts. The ever-changing face of Door County is carefully chronicled in fascinating displays. Named “Best Small Museum in the Midwest” by the Chicago Tribune. 18 N. Fourth Ave. (920) 743-5809 Open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from May 1–Oct. 31. Donations accepted.
For more than 35 years, the Miller Art Museum has been a showcase for Wisconsin artists. In addition to the shows, the Miller regularly exhibits its impressive permanent collection, as well as works of its founder, popular Door County artist Gerhard C.F. Miller. 107 S. Fourth Ave. (inside the Door County Library); (920) 746-0707. Hours: Monday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fish Creek
Every year the Peninsula School of Art offers a vibrant program of workshops, lectures and exhibits in painting, ceramics, jewelry, photography and youth arts. For details on the 2010 schedule or to enroll in a class contact the school at (920) 868-3455.
The Link Gallery is an exhibition space that connects Gibraltar Schools with the Door Community Auditorium in Fish Creek. For more information call (920) 868-2728.
Ephraim
The nonprofit Francis Hardy Center for the Arts not only plays a significant role in the local arts scene, its Anderson Dock location is just as compelling. The dock is a national historic landmark overlooking the waters of Eagle Harbor in the bay of Green Bay. The gallery presents exhibits and events from May to October. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.
Gills Rock
The Door County Maritime Museum also has a museum located near the tip of the Peninsula in Gills Rock. Situated in the town park, the facility spotlights the county’s rich commercial fishing heritage. This summer, a scaled down version of the museum’s popular “Pirates!” exhibit will be featured. The museum’s signature piece is a refurbished wooden fishing tug.
Washington Island
The Washington Island Farm Museum is a nonprofit educational association that collects, preserves, and interprets the history of the island’s farming history.
The Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum is located in two former fishing sheds where fishermen continue in the commercial fishing trade. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends starting Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend.
The Island’s Art & Nature Center, Main Road, is located in an old schoolhouse. An art gallery features the work of local artists. The nature room has many displays. Open mid-June to mid-September. Hours: 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30-4:30. After Labor Day, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone (920) 847-2025.
The Jacobsen Museum is located on Little Lake Road. This museum is situated on the south shore of Little Lake, in a vertical log building. See an outstanding collection of natural and historical artifacts of the region. Open on Memorial Day weekend and then daily 10-4 until closing in mid-October.
