Any time is a good time to visit Wisconsin, but visiting in the spring to see the cherry blossoms or the fall foliage is ideal. Door County, Wisconsin, is a sanctuary of natural splendor where rugged cliffs meet the gentle shores of Lake Michigan, and dense forests provide a tranquil canopy for miles of hiking and biking trails.
Fruit Orchards
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The peninsula has 2,500 acres of cherry orchards and has been growing fruits since the 1800s. The landscape is dotted with picturesque lighthouses, orchards bursting with fruit, and charming waterfront villages that seem plucked from a postcard. As the sun sets, the sky is painted with hues of pink and gold, reflecting off the water and creating a serene, almost magical ambiance. In every season, Door County, Wisconsin, offers a canvas of unparalleled beauty and wonder.
Sturgeon Bay, WI
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Sturgeon Bay, founded in the mid-19th century, has a rich maritime history and is a vital port on the Great Lakes, known for its shipbuilding industry. The Door County Maritime Museum offers insights into the city’s nautical past, including exhibits on shipwrecks and lighthouse history. The waterfront area features a blend of historic sites, shops, and restaurants. As a critical shipping port, Sturgeon Bay plays a significant role in regional commerce, especially in transporting goods through the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal.
Bass Around the Bay
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Quirky, fun, and a means to beautify the city and focus on Midwest artists, Bass Around the Bay is an art treasure hunt in Sturgeon Bay. Sweet Treats, Open Door Pride, and Door County Calavera (above) are the three painted bass I found downtown. All 28 projects are on display (click on the link for a map and images) to enjoy all summer leading up to the 24th Annual Street Art Auction on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
Renard’s Artisan Cheese
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If you’re heading to the peninsula, don’t miss a stop at Renard’s Artisan Cheese, where you can sample a variety of cheeses crafted by Master Cheesemaker Chris Renard, a fourth-generation artisan. With over 100 award-winning varieties and a range of locally made products, there’s plenty to explore. Treat yourself to lunch at Melt Bistro, where the loaded mac & cheese and cheese curds are popular favorites. Be sure to pick up some unique gifts, like chocolate-covered cherries, preserves, or wine, to savor a bit of Door County back home.
Baileys Harbor, WI
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Embraced by the rugged limestone shores of Lake Michigan, Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. Begin your journey at the Ridges Sanctuary, wandering along boardwalk trails that weave through rare landscapes. For a stunning panorama, climb the Cana Island Lighthouse and take in breathtaking lake views. After a day of exploration, unwind at Sway Brewing + Blending, a local favorite for craft beer and community spirit, capturing the laid-back vibe of this serene lakeside village.
Sip and Savory at Sway Brewing + Blending
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With a distillery tucked away in the basement of this neighborhood taproom, Sway Brewing + Blending in Baileys Harbor is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Decorated with large tables and comfy banquettes, you want to make this a coffee and/or beer stop. On tap are beers with interesting flavor profiles (funky & tart, fruity, or dry), you are likely to find something you like. On a sunny day, you can sit outside and enjoy time with friends. It has a lovely menu with a list of microbrews.
Egg Harbor, WI
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Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, a coastal gem on the Green Bay side of the peninsula, is renowned as one of America’s best small towns. Surrounded by orchards and nature preserves, it features a sparkling marina and waterfront perfect for aquatic activities. The foliage-lined main street offers specialty shops, bakeries, and eateries serving everything from local ciders to craft cocktails and craft breweries—all within sight of the harbor.
Order a flight of Cider, Beer, or Seltzer
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The recently widened and repaved Egg Harbor Rd. (Hwy 42) is a great place for shopping and eating, with a variety of new stores, restaurants, distilleries, and breweries to enjoy. If you like beer, cider, seltzer, and soda, head over to One Barrel Brewing Company and enjoy a flight and some awesome pizza, freshly made and delicious. Sit outside and enjoy the beer garden. It is both child- and dog-friendly, with inviting picnic tables and umbrellas.
Fish Creek, WI
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Fish Creek, Wisconsin, founded in 1853, is a historic village known for its scenic beauty and vibrant community life. At the heart of Fish Creek is Founder’s Square, a lively area filled with boutique shops, galleries, and cafes that capture the spirit of Door County. Visitors often enjoy kayaking along the shoreline, hiking in Peninsula State Park, or taking in a performance at the Door Community Auditorium. Fish Creek offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences, making it a favorite destination for travelers exploring Door County.
Founder’s Square
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In 1855, Asa built the first dock in Fish Creek, which welcomed ships and established the town as a stop on the way from Green Bay. Visit founder Asa Thorp’s original log cabin, built in 1849. You will love shopping the quaint street of Fish Creek. Walk along Main Street, then head to Founder’s Square, a collection of galleries, shops, and restaurants. For something unique, stop by Fish Creek Moccasin for authentic moccasins and leather accessories.
Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market
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Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market is a popular spot to stock up everything Door County, Wisconsin, offers. You can buy pie filling, jams & jellies, chocolate, tea towels and souvenirs. You will also want to sample the wines produced in the multi-generational-owned winery. This is one of the best places in Door County to see the rows and rows of Door County Montmorency cherry blossoms. Breathe in the fragrance and the billowy clouds of blossoms for the perfect selfie. Then, shop for freshly baked cherry pies, tart cherry juice, dried cherries, and cherry wine.
Ephraim, WI
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Enjoy a walk on the boardwalk, a boat cruise and the best ice cream in Door County when you stop in Ephraim. Perfect for an afternoon on a boat cruising the bay. You can rent a boat and hire a guide with easy access to Peninsula State Park’s Nicolet Beach, Horseshoe Island, Eagle Bluff, and Eagle Lighthouse.
Wilson’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor
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A classic Door County Landmark since 1906, with comfy leather booths, jukeboxes, and a nostalgic menu from the 1950s. The sodas and milkshakes at Wilson’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor in Ephraim are a definite treat. Also delicious is a basket of cheese curds, a burger, and a decadent sundae. Open during the summer season from mid-May to mid-October. The service was exceptional, and the location was perfect.
Traditional Fish Boil at Old Post Office Restaurant
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Experience a traditional fish boil at The Old Post Office Restaurant. It began as a way of feeding Swedish and Norwegian lumberjacks working to clear brush. It was simple, quick, and made in a cauldron that would feed hundreds; the fish boil can be found throughout Door County.
Part performance, part spectacle, this communal dining experience ends with a huge fireball at the end of the boil. It has a very special purpose. After adding a lot of salt, potatoes, onions, and finally, the Great Lake White Fish, the fish oil rises to the top, and the brine needs to be boiled off. So, once the cooking process is done, kerosene is thrown on the fire to burn off the brine.
Sister Bay, WI
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Sister Bay, Wisconsin, is a charming lakeside village brimming with unique experiences. You can spend a day basking in the sun at Sister Bay Beach, the largest public waterfront in Door County, where paddleboarding and swimming are popular. Wander through the downtown area and explore the eclectic shops and local eateries, like the famous Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, where goats graze on the grass-covered roof. For a memorable evening, catch a sunset over Green Bay from the Sister Bay Marina, which offers one of the best views in the region.
Swedish Delights at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant
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With deep roots in Scandinavia, Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant is the most famous place in Sister Bay with impeccable service, an extensive meal selection, and a fun gift shop. The Swedish menu (specially the Swedish pancake with strawberries) is extraordinary, but it’s the goats on the grass roof that are a must-see. Get there early as you’ll find a line-up during the summer season!
Goats on the Roof at Al Johnson’s
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Al Johnson’s Restaurant, established in 1973, is renowned for its distinctive Scandinavian atmosphere. The tradition of goats on the roof began in the early 1970s when Al Johnson, the restaurant’s founder, decided to add a quirky touch to his establishment. The idea was inspired by Swedish farms, where goats were often kept on roofs to graze on moss and lichen.
Ellison Bay, WI
Photo Credit: Dan Eggert via Destination Door County.
Ellison Bay, established in the late 1800s by Scandinavian settlers, is a small village with a rich history and a cozy, laid-back vibe. The local Island Orchard Cider is a must-visit spot, where you can sip on their signature orchard-to-boat-to-bottle products. For outdoor enthusiasts, Ellison Bluff County Park offers stunning cliffside views of Green Bay, making it a perfect destination for those looking to connect with nature and experience the charm of Door County.
Island Orchard Cider
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Island Orchard Cider is an award-winning hard cider company located in Ellison Bay, WI, Named after the cider fruit orchard on Washington Island, where they grow apples, pears, and hazelnuts. Every fall, they handpick the fruits and then ferry them across Lake Michigan’s Death’s Door to their production facility in Ellison Bay. I recommend you taste the Platinum Award winners Pomona and Hopped Brut apple ciders!
Drinks are served by flight tastings, glass pours, and shareable pitchers. To accompany the cider they offer locally-focused snack options (cheese, crackers, preserves and sausages).You can try a flight of ciders, but I would also recommend the cider vinegar flight. It is a unique experience that will appeal to any gourmands in the group.
Peninsula State Park
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Peninsula State Park, located in Door County, Wisconsin, is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers over 3,000 acres of natural beauty and diverse activities, more than 460 campsites, and three group camps. A highlight is the iconic Eagle Tower, which provides sweeping views of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. Explore scenic bike trails, take in panoramic views from the historic lighthouse, or relax on the sandy beach. For those interested in entertainment, the park also features a summer theater with live performances and an 18-hole golf course for a leisurely round.
Newport State Park International Dark Sky Park
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Newport State Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park (one of just 48 parks in the world). This means it is recognized for its exceptionally dark night skies, making it an ideal location for stargazing and observing celestial phenomena. The park’s commitment to preserving its night skies offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience a clear, unpolluted view of the stars.
Visit Wisconsin’s Beautiful Towns
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There are so many things to see and do in Wisconsin but visiting the Door Peninsula / Door County is a highlight. Other locations to visit in the Badger State include:
Margarita Ibbott is the creator and author of DownshiftingPRO.com, a travel and lifestyle blog that focuses on traveling to the US, Canada, Colombia, and Europe. This travel website brings unique insight into museums, cultural activities, and luxury accommodations. She loves a good girl’s getaway and traveling with her adult children—family travel but with cocktails. Colombian by birth, Canadian by nationality, she’s here to help others organize their lives and travels.
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