Timeline
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Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve
Find your spot at the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve. It is a 16-minute walk from the lighthouses to the west-southwest. Arrive early to secure a clear view of the eastern skyline where the sun will appear behind the Canal Light.
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Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve
Watch the sunrise. On the dates between 07 April and 12 April, the sun rises directly behind the lighthouses. The light shifts quickly, so keep your eyes on the horizon.
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Walk back toward the Canal Lighthouses. The grounds are open for a closer look at the tall Canal Light and the North Pierhead Light once the morning light is fully established.
Local tip
The viewing spot is a nature preserve. Wear warm layers as it is windy near the water before sunrise. No food or drink options are listed nearby, so bring your own coffee or plan to eat after you return to town.
Check before you go
- Check the sunrise time for your specific date in April. The alignment only occurs between 07 Apr and 12 Apr.
- Verify access to the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve for early morning entry.
Worth knowing
- Sun position is calculated. We have not confirmed the view is unobstructed.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Sturgeon Bay (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).