Sturgeon Bay Hosts Annual Door County Shipyard Tours, May 2

Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay presents the annual Door County Shipyard Tours on Saturday, May 2, from 9 am – 2 pm

Learn about one of the largest gantry cranes on the Great Lakes. Awe yourself with some of the biggest luxury yachts in the world. View a demonstration on sail making.  Gaze into Sturgeon Bay’s humongous dry dock capable of handling the 1000-foot freighters that sail the Great Lakes.

Door County Ship Yards

Door County Shipyards

On one very special day, you are invited to experience an insider’s view of the shipbuilding industry in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. For over a century this industry has been critical to Door County’s economy. The shipbuilders of Sturgeon Bay have designed, built and repaired vessels – commercial, military and pleasure craft – that have traveled to ports around the globe.

Three facilities, all located on 1st Avenue in downtown Sturgeon Bay, will be participating this Saturday from 9 am – 2 pm. Palmer Johnson Yachts, Bay Shipbuilding and Great Lakes Yacht Services will open their doors to the public for this once a year event. Start the tour at any one of the facilities and see first hand the efforts of the many professionals who work in Door County’s ship repair and new construction businesses. Guided walking tours are offered at Bay Shipbuilding and Great Lakes Yacht Services, while self guided walking tours are available at Palmer Johnson Yachts. This year visitors are in for a special treat as some of Bay Shipbuiding’s winter fleet (freighters 600-1000 feet in length) are still in town.

Tickets will be available at all three shipyard entry gates on the day of the event.  Ticket prices are $10 per adult and $5 for students age 11-17.  Ten and under are free.

The Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay organizes this annual tour.  All proceeds from the event benefit local youth programs, projects, and activities.  For more information please call Ben Rikkola at 920.743.4949.

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