For the first time in several years, you will receive the full experience of the Door County Maritime Museum’s offerings when it opens its seasonal locations on Monday. May 1st marks the first day visitors can check out the Death’s Door Maritime Museum in Gills Rock, the Cana Island Lighthouse in Baileys Harbor, and the Tug John Purves in Sturgeon Bay. Years of construction have limited access to the Cana Island Lighthouse and the Jim Kress Maritime Tower in Sturgeon Bay. Crews finished their work on Cana Island before the end of last season and just small details remain to complete all 10 floors of exhibits in the maritime tower. Deputy Director Sam Perlman says it is an amazing feeling to have the work complete and have something new for their visitors to see.

The Door County Maritime Museum is already seeing the excitement for the upcoming season with a number of tours during its Spring Lighthouse Festival in June already selling out. Perlman says they are currently fundraising to help give the Tug John Purves some much-needed time on dry dock to help extend the life of the 104-year-old vessel.