Is Sturgeon Bay Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, is a small city in Door County, nestled along the waters of the bay it shares its name with, which separates the Door Peninsula from mainland Wisconsin.

The “Sturgeon Bay” moniker refers to multiple landmarks: Sturgeon Bay itself (the body of water), the town (an unincorporated community), and Sturgeon Bay city, the main hub of activity.

Originally inhabited by Indigenous people, the name comes from the Menominee words for “bay of the sturgeon.”

Known for its rich maritime heritage, the city grew around shipbuilding and commercial fishing.

The reputation was cemented during World War II when military vessels were built here.

Today, Sturgeon Bay is celebrated as a gateway to Door County’s scenic wonders and attracts visitors for its blend of natural beauty and historical appeal.

The trip is an easy 45-mile drive up the peninsula from Green Bay, with bay waters to the west and Lake Michigan to the east.

If you like lighthouses (I know I do!), this is the only official U.S. Coast Guard City in Wisconsin and just one of 30 nationwide.

Before you plan the great escape to Sturgeon Bay, let’s talk about safety.

Warnings & Dangers in Sturgeon Bay

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The risk is low, and the amenities are plentiful, as this is widely considered a great year-round vacation destination.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Sturgeon Bay has limited public transportation options. Door County Connect offers shared-ride taxi services, mainly catering to those without personal vehicles or visitors needing short trips within the area. For exploring beyond city limits, renting a car is often recommended, as bus and rail services are not available in the region. Taxis and rideshares will also be an option to get around town.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

The risk is low, with no pickpockets or purse snatchings reported in the last five years. That doesn't mean you should let your guard down.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

It's a medium risk due to the year-round potential of disruptive weather. Winter is harsh, with up to 60 inches of snow each year and bitterly cold temperatures. Spring brings the risk of severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes or waterspouts. High winds and cold water can also cause problems. Staying informed of the latest weather forecast will be very helpful.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

No robberies have been reported in the past five years, giving this another low risk. You can check more recent news reports to see if that number has changed, but I don't expect it to.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is another low risk, with enough security at the port to keep people and cargo safe. Otherwise, this remote area doesn't come with an increased risk of terrorism of any kind.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local police department and sheriff’s office social media sites for the latest scams. That will help keep the risk low.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is another low risk, as the city has low crime rates and a lot of things to do for women of all ages.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2023 testing of groundwater sources shows Sturgeon Bay met or exceeded all requirements.

Safest Places to Visit in Sturgeon Bay

Destination Sturgeon Bay is the region’s tourist site.

An activity guide is easy to download and doesn’t require sharing any personal information.

The website also breaks down things to do by season, which is very helpful considering how robust each season is here.

One of the first things to know is that the city of Sturgeon Bay is split by the water, with the East Waterfront and West Waterfront both offering places to visit, from shops to restaurants to attractions.

Sturgeon Bay’s museums offer a unique dive into the area’s heritage and local charm.

At the Door County Maritime Museum, you’ll explore the storied shipbuilding history that put the region on the map, with exhibits on shipwrecks, the U.S. Coast Guard, and interactive displays for all ages.

Tip: Ask about the shipwrecks just offshore near Sturgeon Bay.

While you’re there, check out one of the newest attractions – a nearly one-ton wooly mammoth statue in Bayview Park to honor the eastern terminus of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

The Sturgeon Bay Historical Society Museum sheds light on the city’s early years, featuring artifacts from local industries, maritime relics, and stories of the community’s development over the decades.

Then there’s the Miller Art Museum, which provides a creative touch with rotating exhibits showcasing regional and national artists.

Across Door County, there are 11 lighthouses.

Only Cape Cod has more!

Three of those are in Sturgeon Bay – North Pierhead Lighthouse, Sherwood Point Lighthouse, and Sturgeon Bay Canal Station Lighthouse.

While the lighthouses aren’t open for tours, you can walk the breakwall to get a closer view of the North Pierhead Light.

The rest have grounds open to the public during the second weekend in June during the Lighthouse Walk.

If you want to get on the water, there are boat tours and paddle companies along the city’s waterfront.

Those who were intrigued about the shipwrecks should look for a boat tour that goes to Death’s Door, a precarious spot where too many ships met an untimely end due to the dangerous waters between the lake and the bay.

Potawatomi State Park is located just northwest of the city.

This 1,200-acre park features gently rolling terrain, steep slopes, and rugged limestone cliffs along the shore of Sturgeon Bay.

For the best views, climb the 225-foot observation tower.

Whitefish Dunes State Park, on the eastern shore of the Door Peninsula, is renowned for its significant sand dunes—the highest in Wisconsin.

Door County Adventure Center offers tours starting in Whitefish Dunes State Park.

It’s also worth mentioning that a random article stated that this is one of the best parks in Wisconsin for skinny-dipping.

That’s not an approved park activity.

Just FYI.

Just north of Whitefish Dunes is Cave Point County Park.

You can get a sample of the sea caves, which are the limestone version of what you could find at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore near Bayfield.

Kayaking, scuba diving, and fishing are popular here.

Places to Avoid in Sturgeon Bay

Sturgeon Bay doesn’t have bad parts of the town or dangerous neighborhoods.

You can feel free to explore all the neighborhoods without safety concerns.

The only caution I’d give is that from late November through early March, the chance of the temperatures getting above freezing is low.

Average low temperatures dip into the teens, and wind chills can make it feel below zero.

They can still get snow into April.

Be sure you have a way to get emergency alerts, even on the water, as the city no longer has tornado sirens.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Sturgeon Bay

So... How Safe Is Sturgeon Bay Really?

Sturgeon Bay saw just nine violent crimes in 2023 and 22 in the past five years.

Just three of those were crimes against a stranger, further lowering the risk for tourists.

The theft risk is low as well, with a rate that is at least half the national average.

Most thefts fall into the category “Other,” which can be stolen construction gear, items taken from a yard, or campsite thefts.

Even during the past five years, just 26 car break-ins were reported.

During that same time, 27 cars were stolen.

It’s a good reminder to always lock your vehicle and take the keys with you.

Overall, there aren’t any safety reasons that would dissuade you from visiting Sturgeon Bay.

How Does Sturgeon Bay Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app to help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

Sturgeon Bay experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are mild, averaging highs around 75°F, while winters are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and an average snowfall of 57 inches. Spring and fall bring cool, comfortable weather. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, with May and September being the wettest months.

Airports

The closest commercial airport to Sturgeon Bay is Green Bay-Austin Straubel International Airport, about an hour’s drive away. It offers flights with major carriers, making it a convenient option for regional and connecting flights. Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport, approximately two hours south, provides additional routes and international connections.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Sturgeon Bay Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wisconsin - Safety by City