Sunset Park & Beach
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin · Sunset Park
Verified · 4 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $73.85
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Sunset Park & Beach
Sunset Park & Beach is a 41-acre city park in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, fronting the sheltered waters of Sturgeon Bay (an arm of Green Bay off Lake Michigan). As a swimming hole it is fully developed rather than wild: an official, city-designated sandy swimming beach, monitored for water quality as part of Wisconsin's public beach health program, sits alongside extensive recreational facilities, making this one of the more convenient places to swim on the bay.
The park sits on the west side of North 3rd Avenue in Sturgeon Bay, occupying a shoreline of the protected bay waters (rather than the open lake), with views across the water toward passing ships and the Sturgeon Bay Ship Yards. The bay setting keeps water noticeably warmer than exposed Lake Michigan beaches nearby.
Swimming at Sunset Park & Beach
A roughly 500-foot sandy swimming beach on calm, protected bay water suited to families, sunbathing, and casual swimming; sources note there is no lifeguard on duty, so a buddy-system approach is advised, and water can still run cold on windy or overcast summer days.
How to get to this swimming hole
Located at 747 North 3rd Avenue in Sturgeon Bay, on the west side of the street, within the city limits (about 1 mile from downtown Sturgeon Bay).
Parking: Free on-site parking at the park (per hellodoorcounty.com and the city facilities page listing the park as a standard drive-up city facility).
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. Drive-up beach with no hike required. The park's separate walking/jogging/biking trail loop is a recreational amenity for after the beach, not a route needed to reach the swimming area.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Sandy, gently sloping beach on protected bay water with adjacent playgrounds makes it a natural family spot, but no lifeguard is confirmed on duty per the city page and hellodoorcounty.com (only theswimguide.org claims lifeguard supervision, and it's unclear if that's current); hellodoorcounty.com explicitly recommends the buddy system and warns that the water can still cause hypothermia symptoms on windy/overcast summer days despite being warmer than open Lake Michigan.
Parking
Free
Free on-site parking lot within the 41-acre park; exact number of spaces is not published by the city.
Restrooms
Yes
Restrooms are inside the Frank Grasse Shelter building near the beach; the city page notes limited handicapped accessibility.
Hours
May 1 - October 31, sunrise to 10:00 p.m. (per City of Sturgeon Bay Parks & Recreation).
On the water
City parks page confirms a two-lane boat launch ramp with trailering dock on-site, so motorized boats are explicitly accommodated; no source specifically addresses kayak, canoe, or paddleboard use/restrictions at this location, so those are left unconfirmed rather than assumed.
Sunset Park & Beach: FAQ
Does Sunset Park & Beach charge a fee?
Admission and parking are free; shelter reservations for the Frank Grasse Shelter cost $73.85-$189.90 for residents and $97.06-$317.56 for non-residents depending on group size (2026 city rates).
Is Sunset Park & Beach kid friendly?
Sandy, gently sloping beach on protected bay water with adjacent playgrounds makes it a natural family spot, but no lifeguard is confirmed on duty per the city page and hellodoorcounty.com (only theswimguide.org claims lifeguard supervision, and it's unclear if that's current); hellodoorcounty.com explicitly recommends the buddy system and warns that the water can still cause hypothermia symptoms on windy/overcast summer days despite being warmer than open Lake Michigan.
Do I need to hike to reach Sunset Park & Beach?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Sunset Park & Beach?
Free on-site parking lot within the 41-acre park; exact number of spaces is not published by the city.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Sunset Park & Beach?
City parks page confirms a two-lane boat launch ramp with trailering dock on-site, so motorized boats are explicitly accommodated; no source specifically addresses kayak, canoe, or paddleboard use/restrictions at this location, so those are left unconfirmed rather than assumed.
When is the best time to visit Sunset Park & Beach?
Summer (beach water-quality monitoring runs May 25 - August 31).
What are the rules at Sunset Park & Beach?
Park hours are May 1 - October 31, sunrise to 10:00 p.m. (per city of Sturgeon Bay). Swim Guide notes dogs are not allowed on the beach and no lifeguard is present.
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