Galleries and Museums
The Door County Maritime Museum pays tribute to those who built the ships, fished the waters and transported the raw materials. Returning for its second and final season 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's impressive in-water exhibit, the 149-ft. tug John Purves, has now become one of Sturgeon Bay's most endeared attractions. 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, the most prominent of which is a stunning wildlife diorama. 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.
The Historic Village at Crossroads contains a school, church and general store, as well as a blacksmith's workshop, granary, fish house, two log homes and an heirloom garden. Free guided tours in summer from costumed interpreters on Sunday afternoons beginning in June.
Located on Michigan St., east of State Highway 42/57, Sturgeon Bay. www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org/village.htm
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 2011 schedule or to enroll in a class contact the school at 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.
The Historic Noble House, the oldest frame residence of Fish Creek and home to one of Fish Creek's founding fathers, Alexander Noble, captures a glimpse of life in the young fishing and shipping village at the turn of the century.
Open weekends only beginning mid-May. Tuesday through Sunday early June to mid-October. State Highway 42 and Main Street, Fish Creek. Small admission charged. (920) 868-2091. www.historicnoblehouse.org
Ephraim
The nonprofit Francis Hardy Gallery 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.
The Ephraim Village Museums includes the Anderson Store, the Pioneer Schoolhouse, Goodletson Cabin, and the Anderson Barn. The barn hosts a hands-on hayloft for children. The Norwegian style Svalhus is seen by appointment only.
Walking tours and museums open mid-June to mid-October. Admission charged. www.ephraim.org
Sister Bay
The Corner of the Past and the Old Anderson House Museum are located at the intersection of State Highway 57 and Fieldcrest Road at south entrance to Sister Bay. The original 1875 Anderson family farmhouse was completely renovated beginning in 1994 and features late 1800's furnishings, historical photographs, and artifacts depicting Sister Bay's history. Authentic farm buildings complementing the Anderson House have been moved to the site and renovated. These buildings include a large barn, granary, machine shop, two log cabins, and migrant worker's cabin, summer kitchen, sawmill and blacksmith's barn, all of which are open for visitation and your enjoyment. Maintains hours June through Mid-October. Call 920-854-7680 for more information.
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.
Open Memorial Day weekend to mid-October. Admission charged. www.dcmm.org
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 11-3. 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.
