DOOR COUNTY

• Latitude: 45.2908
• Longitude: -86.9763
• Great Lakes
• Port in US

Location: US

Marine Port Description and Specification: Door County, United States

Overview: Door County is located in the state of Wisconsin, on a peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan. The county is known not just for its scenic beauty, cherry orchards, and tourism, but also for its maritime activities, facilitated by several small ports and harbors.

Key Harbors and Ports:

1. Sturgeon Bay:

   • Geographic Location: Sturgeon Bay serves as a significant maritime hub in Door County, situated centrally within the county.
   • Water Body: Connected to both Green Bay and Lake Michigan via the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal.
   • Port Facilities:
     • Marinas: Multiple marinas provide docking for commercial and recreational vessels.
     • Shipyards: Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding and Palmer Johnson Yachts are prominent shipyards, involved in both commercial shipbuilding and luxury yacht construction.
     • Cargo Handling: Limited, primarily supporting local and regional shipping needs.
     • Navigation Aids: Equipped with modern navigation aids, including lights and buoys to ensure safe passage through the canal and into the bay.

2. Egg Harbor:

   • Geographic Location: On the western shores of the peninsula, nestled on Green Bay's tranquil waters.
   • Port Facilities:
     • Marinas: Provides docking space primarily for recreational boats.
     • Amenities: Services include fuel docks, maintenance facilities, and amenities for sailors and tourists.
     • Navigation: Basic aids and markers for safe harbor entry.

3. Sister Bay:

   • Geographic Location: Northeastern coast of the peninsula.
   • Port Facilities:
     • Marinas: A well-equipped marina catering primarily to pleasure craft.
     • Amenities: Offers transient slips, marine services, and tourist facilities.
     • Navigation: Well-marked channel and equipped with necessary aids.

4. Baileys Harbor:

   • Geographic Location: Eastern side of Door County, facing Lake Michigan.
   • Port Facilities:
     • Marinas: Smaller in scale, mostly accommodating local boating.
     • Commercial Fishing: Historically known for commercial fishing; some facilities still support this industry.
     • Amenities and Navigation: Provides basic docking and navigational aids.

5. Gills Rock and Washington Island:

   • Geographic Location: Northern tips of Door County.
   • Port Facilities:
     • Ferry Services: Essential ferry and transport services to and from Washington Island.
     • Marinas: Limited marina space with necessary facilities for local and visiting boats.
     • Fishing and Tourism: Ports support commercial fishing and burgeoning tourism activities.

Specifications and Features:

• Operational Season: Most maritime activities are seasonal, peaking during the warm months from late spring through early fall.
• Depth: Varies by harbor; deeper drafts are accommodated in Sturgeon Bay, while smaller harbors have limited depth suitable for smaller, recreational vessels.
• Weather and Climate: Maritime activities are influenced by Door County's climate, characterized by cold winters and mild summers. Ice can limit harbor usage during winter months.
• Connectivity: Proximity to major Midwestern cities enhances economic ties. Road and maritime routes facilitate smooth logistics and transport.
• Services: Include maintenance, refueling, shipbuilding, and repair facilities, largely centered around Sturgeon Bay.
• Tourism: A significant driver for local ports, with facilities catering to the needs of transient boaters, anglers, and tourists.

Strategic Importance:

Door County's ports play a crucial role in the local economy, supporting commercial activities such as shipbuilding, fishing, and tourism. The navigability provided by the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, connecting Lake Michigan and Green Bay, is vital for the regional marine infrastructure.

Environmental Considerations:

• Conservation: Areas around Door County are known for their natural beauty and efforts are in place to minimize environmental impact.
• Sustainability Efforts: Local authorities and organizations work towards balancing economic activities with environmental preservation.

In summary, Door County's marine ports, while more modest in scale compared to bustling commercial hubs, are integral to the region's economic and cultural life, providing invaluable support to local industries, tourism, and maritime activities.