Door County Wisconsin Travel Guide | Things to Do, Places to Eat, and Where to Stay

Door County Wisconsin

“The Cape Cod of the Midwest”

Tucked between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door County is a 70-mile-long peninsula that feels like it was designed for wandering souls, weekend adventurers, and lovers of small-town charm. With its winding coastal roads, cherry orchards, hidden beaches, and over 300 miles of shoreline, Door County is a Midwest gem that wears all four seasons wonderfully well.

Known for its amazing displays of colors during the fall, cozy snow-covered cabins and cottages in the winter and fresh masses of blooming flowers in spring and summer. Characteristics that all together combined created a four-seasonal paradise where visitors can explore the lighthouses and other local adventures, browse the outstanding stores and art, or sip on fine wine. Highly recommended place to visit!

Door County boasts several scenic coastal towns, spectacular outdoor landscapes, must-visit state parks, and amazing cultural sites. Gaze over miles and miles of shoreline decorated with historic lighthouses, experience the fine culture of dining, art galleries, fish boils, and orchard-fresh cherry pies. There is so much beauty to behold and places to visit in Door County.

Culture is another important characteristic of Door County. The art scene is well established with countless performing artists roaming around. Experience the magic of the Peninsula Players Theatre, the oldest professional resident summer theater in the area. Visit the Birch Creek Music Performance Center to hear the talent of young musical protégées. The Northern Sky Theater entertains visitors with cheerful and hilarious musicals.

For shopping trips, local clothes stores offer unique touches of handwoven articles. Home and garden stores have numerous contemporary items and gifts, and art galleries speckle the streets. If you visit during Christmas time you will find countless Christmas merchandise and markets. 

Door County has several iconic restaurants. Such as Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant and Butik as well as Wilson's Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor. Do not forget about the great wines either. Simon Creek Vineyard and Winery, in particular, happens to be the largest in Wisconsin and free! So if Door County has sparked your interest yet, be sure to look up local vacation rental companies. They carry the unique charm of the County mixed with exercise, fun, history, and retreat. 

This peninsula will fill you with memorable experiences. When you find yourself in Door County, here are the top things to do and places to eat and stay to make your visit extra special. 

 

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Things To Do in Door County Wisconsin

Go for Charter Fishing

Locals and tourists love to take charter fishing trips in Door County. It is the perfect activity to explore the spectacular waters and catch some of the abundant food fishes in the area. It is easy to fill your containers with salmon, trout, northern pike, walleye, and whitefish in just a few hours. Book a fishing trip in one of the character fishing companies around Sturgeon Bay to experience this fun activity. 

 

Kayaking

You can find many kayaking spots around the peninsula. But if you are looking for the best place to enjoy kayaking, go to Cave Point County Park. Explore the stunning waterways and breathtaking caves of Door County while on your kayak. 

Look for a company that can provide gear for your kayaking tour. If it is your first time to try this water activity, you can take lessons, and someone will guide you into the water. The company will also provide the kayaking gear and equipment you need. 

 

Peninsula State Park

Peninsula State Park opens through the Sunset Trail, a gravel trail at the Fish Creek entrance that weaves through the western and the northern sides of the park. Travel through marsh and forest on foot, bikes, or even wheelchairs leaving no one behind. Then, discover the nature center, enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and golfing experiences all in the area.

Another great place to explore is the Ridges Sanctuary. Formed in 1937, it preserves over 475 plant species, dozens of which are endangered as well as ancient dune ridges. Expand your knowledge walking through the trails of the sanctuary. 

 

Visit Cave Point County Park

Another favorite activity of folks in Door County is exploring the wonders of Cave Point County Park. This park lies within Whitefish Dunes State Park, both of which are incredible spots to experience Nature. In Cave Point, you have the opportunities to go biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and camping. 

 

Door County Lighthouses

Stretching across the Door Peninsula of Wisconsin’s northeastern coast, Door County is comprised of several towns including Sturgeon Bay, Fish Creek, Sister Bay and Bailey's Harbor. It is also the largest county in the state filled with the same amount of history. Dozens of lighthouses from the 19th century scatter the shores, reminding us of the sailors who braved through the dangerous waters nearby. Visitors can now access these monuments.

One of the most famous beacons, the Cana Island Lighthouse, can be visited by kayak, boat, or trolley. This is the most iconic landmark of Door County. The Cana Island Lighthouse has stood for over 150 years to keep an eye on the shore of Lake Michigan. At the top of the tower, be amazed at the panoramic view of the peninsula and the beautiful lake. This spot is a must-visit in Door County.

Similar tours, such as the Shoreline Charters trips, allow guests to see the other scenic locations of the coastline as well. With sights including luxurious vacation homes that you yourself can rent, the limestone cliffs and caves of Peninsula State Park, the Chambers, Horseshoe, and Little Strawberry islands, and more lighthouses. 

 

 

Fruit at a Local Orchard

Door County boasts many local orchards that produce different kinds of fruits. Picking cherries and harvesting apples should be included in your list of things to do here. Peaking particularly in the summertime is going cherry picking. Visit one of Door County’s almost 50 orchards. Pick them, buy them, bake them into pies, or buy all the cherry goodness locally. Visiting one of the local orchards lets you taste Nature’s produce and contemplate its spectacular views. 

 

Wine and Cheese

Your visit to Door County will not be complete without having a glass or two of its local wines. The county has eight wineries that produce and serve flavorful wines. Head to Stone’s Throw Winery if you love dry wines that come from cherries and other varieties of fruits. 

If you do not like alcoholic drinks, Or if you like both wine and cheese then munch or spread some delicious cheese in Door County! A selection of over 600 kinds of cheese you can find at Wisconsin Cheese Masters. You can also sample some cheese curds in one of the oldest cheese factories in Sturgeon Bay, Renard’s Cheese. 

 

Try the Popular Fish Boil

Enjoyable to watch and a must-taste cultural delicacy in Wisconsin: fish boil. A boil master will prepare an open fire and a huge metal kettle for the show. Whitefish, potatoes, and different kinds of veggies and seasonings are boiled in a large kettle and served by the boil master. Experience this in Door County! 

 

Visit Washington Island

Washington Island is an adventure destination in Door County. It is a perfect place for families and lovers, especially during the fall season. Take a ferry at Northport Pier going to this beautiful island. 

 

Ziplining

Ziplining is 100x more fun in Door County. Go to the highest zipline in Sturgeon Bay managed by the Door County Adventure Center. There is also a chance to zipline over Cana Island, Moonlight Bay, and the surrounding forest canopy. 

 

Takeaway

Enjoy your vacation to the utmost in Door County with the many fun activities you can experience there. Throughout the year, the peninsula offers tourists an experience they will never forget. If you want to have beautiful memories, this paradise in Wisconsin should be on your bucket list.

Map of Door County Wisconsin

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