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Cities and Towns in Door County, Wisconsin

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Founded in 1851, Door County is one of 72 counties in the state of Wisconsin. Historically, Door County was formed from Brown County. The city of Sturgeon Bay is the county seat. With FIPS code of 29, Door County has a population of 30,369 and area of 481.98 square miles (1,248 km²).

 

List of all cities in Door County, WI alphabetically

  • Baileys Harbor, WI
  • Brussels, WI
  • Egg Harbor, WI
  • Ellison Bay, WI
  • Ephraim, WI
  • Fish Creek, WI
  • Forestville, WI
  • Sister Bay, WI
  • Sturgeon Bay, WI
  • Washington Island, WI

Major Cities and Towns in Door County, Wisconsin

City of Sturgeon Bay

Overview

  • Area: 11.66 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 9,600
  • ZIP Codes: 54235
  • Latitude: 44.8347° N
  • Longitude: 87.3770° W

Sturgeon Bay, the county seat and largest city in Door County, is located on both sides of the Sturgeon Bay canal, which connects Green Bay to Lake Michigan. Founded in the mid-19th century, Sturgeon Bay quickly developed as a center for shipbuilding, thanks to its strategic location along a major shipping route. The city’s shipyards played a significant role during both World Wars, producing vessels for the U.S. Navy. Over time, Sturgeon Bay diversified its economy to include tourism, with its beautiful waterfront, historic sites, and cultural attractions drawing visitors year-round. Today, Sturgeon Bay is known for its maritime heritage, vibrant arts scene, and strong sense of community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Sturgeon Bay is served by the Sturgeon Bay School District, which includes Sturgeon Bay High School, Middle School, and Elementary School. Notable landmarks in the city include the Door County Maritime Museum, which offers exhibits on the region’s shipbuilding history and maritime culture, and the historic Third Avenue, lined with charming shops, restaurants, and galleries. The Sturgeon Bay Canal Light and Pierhead Light are iconic structures that reflect the city’s nautical heritage. The city also hosts several annual events, including the Door County Fair and the Steel Bridge Songfest, celebrating local music and culture.

Village of Egg Harbor

Overview

  • Area: 4.14 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 200
  • ZIP Codes: 54209
  • Latitude: 45.0464° N
  • Longitude: 87.2943° W

Egg Harbor is a small village located along the western shore of the Door Peninsula, known for its picturesque harbor and vibrant arts community. The village was established in the mid-19th century and was named after a legendary egg fight that took place among settlers. Egg Harbor developed as a fishing and farming community, with its natural harbor providing safe anchorage for boats. Over time, the village transformed into a popular tourist destination, with its scenic beauty, cultural attractions, and welcoming atmosphere drawing visitors from across the Midwest. Today, Egg Harbor is known for its boutique shops, galleries, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Egg Harbor is part of the Gibraltar Area School District, with students attending schools in nearby Fish Creek. Significant landmarks in the village include the Egg Harbor Marina, a state-of-the-art facility that serves as a hub for boating and water activities, and the Harbor View Park, offering stunning views of Green Bay. The village is also home to the Alpine Resort, one of the oldest resorts in Door County, and the Egg Harbor Fun Park, a family-friendly attraction with mini-golf, go-karts, and other activities. Egg Harbor hosts several popular events, including the Egg Harbor AleFest and the Pumpkin Patch Festival, which celebrate the village’s community spirit and seasonal beauty.

Village of Sister Bay

Overview

  • Area: 3.58 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 900
  • ZIP Codes: 54234
  • Latitude: 45.1869° N
  • Longitude: 87.1212° W

Sister Bay is a charming village located on the northern end of the Door Peninsula, known for its stunning waterfront, lively marina, and Scandinavian heritage. The village was established in the late 19th century and was named after the “sisters,” two nearby small islands. Sister Bay grew as a fishing and farming community, with its location along Green Bay making it a popular stop for steamboats and travelers. In recent decades, Sister Bay has become one of Door County’s premier tourist destinations, offering a mix of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and scenic beauty. The village is particularly known for its waterfront park, which is the largest public waterfront in Door County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Sister Bay is part of the Gibraltar Area School District, with students attending schools in Fish Creek. Notable landmarks in the village include the Sister Bay Marina, which offers docking facilities and boat rentals, and the Sister Bay Beach, a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. The village is also home to the Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, famous for its goats grazing on the grass roof, a nod to the area’s Scandinavian roots. Sister Bay’s annual Fall Festival, a weekend-long celebration featuring parades, arts and crafts, and live music, is one of the largest and most popular events in Door County.

Village of Ephraim

Overview

  • Area: 7.90 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 290
  • ZIP Codes: 54211
  • Latitude: 45.1564° N
  • Longitude: 87.1709° W

Ephraim is a picturesque village located on the western shore of the Door Peninsula, known for its historic white buildings, beautiful waterfront, and strong Norwegian heritage. The village was founded in 1853 by Norwegian Moravian settlers led by Reverend Andreas Iverson. Ephraim developed as a religious and farming community, with its founders establishing a tradition of simplicity and faith that continues to influence the village’s character. Ephraim’s stunning natural setting and well-preserved historic buildings have made it a popular destination for artists, photographers, and tourists seeking a peaceful retreat. The village is often described as one of the most scenic and charming spots in Door County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Ephraim is also part of the Gibraltar Area School District, with students attending schools in nearby Fish Creek. Significant landmarks in the village include the Anderson Dock, a historic pier that now houses the Francis Hardy Gallery, and the Ephraim Historical Foundation Museums, which offer insights into the village’s history and culture. The Ephraim Moravian Church, one of the oldest churches in Door County, is another key attraction, reflecting the village’s religious heritage. Ephraim’s annual Fyr Bal Festival, a celebration of the Scandinavian tradition of lighting bonfires to welcome the summer solstice, is a highlight of the village’s cultural calendar.

Village of Fish Creek

Overview

  • Area: 1.60 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 1,000
  • ZIP Codes: 54212
  • Latitude: 45.1264° N
  • Longitude: 87.2426° W

Fish Creek is a bustling village located on the western shore of the Door Peninsula, known for its vibrant arts community, historic buildings, and proximity to Peninsula State Park. The village was founded in the mid-19th century by Increase Claflin, who established a sawmill and encouraged settlement in the area. Fish Creek quickly became a center for lumbering, fishing, and shipbuilding, with its protected harbor providing safe anchorage for boats. Over time, Fish Creek transitioned into a tourist destination, attracting visitors with its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. Today, Fish Creek is one of the most popular and lively villages in Door County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Fish Creek is served by the Gibraltar Area School District, which includes Gibraltar High School, Middle School, and Elementary School. Key landmarks in the village include Peninsula State Park, a 3,776-acre park offering camping, hiking, and scenic views, and the Door Community Auditorium, a cultural hub that hosts concerts, theater productions, and other events. The village is also home to the Peninsula Players Theatre, America’s oldest professional resident summer theater, and the historic Noble House, which provides a glimpse into Fish Creek’s past. The village’s downtown area, with its shops, galleries, and restaurants, reflects Fish Creek’s status as a premier destination in Door County.

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