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Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin is one of America’s most beautiful hidden treasures. Sturgeon Bay is a scenic arm of the large Green Bay famous for its seafood and NFL team, the Green Bay Packers. The city, or rather small town of Sturgeon Bay is located at the end of the Door Peninsula. With a town population of just 865 and a county population under 10,000, Sturgeon Bay is a fantastic and quietly picturesque place to wind down from a tough week at the office!
The bay is linked with Lake Michigan via the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal which is one of the major tourist attractions in the area while three bridges cross the bay including the historic ‘Michigan Street Bridge’ (Sturgeon Bay Bridge). This bridge, noted for its design is now on the list of American Historic Places and attracts many visitors each year, and you could be one of them.
When you get to Sturgeon Bay, it pays to shop around for hotel vacancies depending on your own tastes as the area offers some luxurious hotels which are certainly more comfortable and more expensive, designed for the traveler who likes to stay close by and soak up the atmosphere. On the other hand, the area caters to those who merely want a sparse room and a place to lay their head as they use their accommodation as a base from which to launch into all manner of day trips and excursions.
Bridgeport Waterfront Resort
With lots to do, one of the most popular Sturgeon Bay hotels among those who want to stay near or in the hotel is Bridgeport Waterfront Resort. Of all the Sturgeon Bay hotels, Bridgeport offers one of the most expansive ranges of activities for almost every type of traveler. The resort boasts a choice of single, double, twin, and family suites—most featuring full kitchens and whirlpools—as well as a gym, indoor and seasonal outdoor pools, a children’s splash park, and a sauna. Over 90% of their customers have returned for a second stay and the locale well repays for the visit as it is close to Otumba Park and offers easy access to seafood restaurants and local angling opportunities. While this is one of the more premium hotels in the area, it provides great value for money as most guests don’t feel the need to travel much further than the short walk to the waterfront.
For modern travelers, the resort offers accessible ADA-compliant rooms and common areas with elevator access. To secure your stay, a major credit card and valid photo ID are required at check-in, with full payment typically processed on the morning of arrival. If you prefer a contactless experience, you can arrange check-in via email in advance. Note that as of 2026, a local premier resort tax of 0.5% applies to all lodging reservations in the city.
Pembrooke Inn
For those seeking simpler lodgings, you might try the cheaper bed and breakfast known as the Pembrooke Inn. This small establishment will offer you thorough advice and transport for most daytrips available in the region and is one of the most popular Sturgeon Bay hotels. With only eight rooms to choose from, you’ll find that you exchange the depth of choice for a more personal experience and a saving of over 20% on average room bills in the Sturgeon Bay area, with nightly rates for 2026 typically ranging from $140 to $190 depending on the season.
White Lace Inn
Finally, for something totally different, why not try the White Lace Inn, where rooms typically range from $160 to $280 per night depending on the season. This Sturgeon Bay hotel provides bed and breakfast facilities with a truly Victorian feel, spread across four historic houses connected by garden paths. The property dates to the late 1800s and the service comes with a smile. This is one of the most unique Sturgeon Bay hotels and really makes the trip there worthwhile. The hotel provides similar facilities to the Pembrooke Inn, fewer rooms, less choice but more personal service and accountable, self-employed staff. This must be one of the classiest of the Sturgeon Bay hotels.
When planning your 2026 visit, keep in mind that weekend stays often require a two-night minimum, and it is wise to book several months in advance for the popular fall foliage or summer seasons. So, there you have it, three of the most interesting and best-loved places to stay in the Sturgeon Bay area. Please make sure to try the local seafood, particularly the whitefish; it’s simply the freshest and most fantastic you’ll get anywhere!
Getting There
Sturgeon Bay sits at the base of the Door Peninsula in northeastern Wisconsin, roughly 45 minutes northeast of Green Bay and about two and a half hours north of Milwaukee. The most practical way to arrive is by car — take US-42 or US-57 north from Green Bay, both of which run up either side of the peninsula and feed directly into Sturgeon Bay.
The nearest commercial airport is Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) in Green Bay, served by several major carriers with connections through Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit. From GRB, the drive to Sturgeon Bay is straightforward and takes around 45 minutes via WI-57 North. Car rental desks are available at the airport, and having your own vehicle is strongly recommended — public transport options on the peninsula are limited, and most attractions, parks, and restaurants require a car to reach comfortably.
- From Milwaukee: approximately 2.5 hours via I-43 North to US-57 North
- From Chicago: approximately 3.5 hours via I-94 North to I-43 North
- From Green Bay (GRB airport): approximately 45 minutes via WI-57 North
If you’re driving in from the south, note that the Michigan Street Bridge in Sturgeon Bay is a draw in its own right — a fitting introduction to the town as you cross into the historic downtown area.
Written by:
William Martinez
Yuliya Yanukovich
