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Door County, Wisconsin is a peninsula just north of the city of Green Bay that is bordered by Lake Michigan on the east side and Green Bay on the west side. Approximately 11 miles wide and 70 miles long, it is often called “The Cape Cod of the Midwest”. Come to Door County for beaches, lighthouses, cherry orchards, apple orchards, and lavender farms. Enjoy fresh seafood, Wisconsin cheese, and anything cherries. Go hiking, biking, kayaking, shopping, and exploring. Enjoy beautiful sunsets and amazing vistas. Visit art galleries. Experience live theatre. The northern portion of Door County from Egg Harbor to Washington Island contains several quaint waterfront towns, beautiful parks, and miles of beaches. You’ll find this one-of-a-kind vacation destination just three hours north of Milwaukee.

Door County Fish Boils

Fish boils came to Door County by way of Scandinavian immigrants who needed an economical way to feed large groups of workers. Locally caught whitefish is boiled on an open fire in a large metal kettle. Salt, potatoes, and onions begin to cook first and when these are almost done the whitefish is added. After approximately 7 minutes the boil the boil master throws kerosene onto the fire and creates a fiery spectacle. The fish, potatoes and onion are served with melted butter, lemon wedges, coleslaw or salad, bread, and a slice of fresh-baked Door County cherry pie.

Old Post Office Restaurant– Ephraim

http://www.oldpostoffice.com

Pelletier’s Restaurant – Fish Creek

http://www.doorcountyfishboil.com

Rowleys Bay Restaurant and Fish Boil – Rowleys Bay

http://www.rowleysbayresort.com/fish-boil/

White Gull Inn and Restaurant

http://www.whitegullinn.com

Everything Cherries and Apples Too! 

Head to Door County for the 2,500 acres of cherry trees and 500 acres of apple trees. The famous cherry blossoms along with apple blossoms typically bloom in mid-to-late May. Cherries are a staple at local orchards and are ripe for the picking mid-July to mid-August. Apples are ripe mid-September to mid-October. Several orchards have markets featuring locally grown cherries, apples, apple pies, cherry pies, cherry salsa, and numerous other products unique to Door County. 

 

Wood Orchard Market (Egg Harbor)

Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery and Market 

(Fish Creek)

Seaquist Orchards Farm Market (Sister Bay)

Koepsel’s Farm Market (Baileys Harbor)

And Don’t Forget the Lavender

In July, lavender lovers will want to trek to Washington Island to see the rolling fields of lavender and check out all the blossom-themed activities, shopping, and dining. Of course, the Lavender Markets are open year-round with everything lavender. On an October visit some purple flowers could still be found in the fields.

Lighthouses

The following four lighthouses are easily accessible to the public. Although you can visit these on your own, I would suggest the Lighthouse Tour offered by Door County Trolley. Also check with Door County Boats for scenic tours that will give you the opportunity to see some lighthouses from the water. There is also a Lighthouse Festival in June and October each year which offers greater access to the lighthouses.

http://www.doorcountytrolley.com

http://www.doorcountyboats.com

http://www.dcmm.org/door-county-lighthouse-festivals/ 

Cana Island Lighthouse

The most photographed of all Door County lighthouses. You can reach the island in a wagon being pulled by a tractor across the water.

http://www.dcmm.org/cana-island-lighthouse/

 

Baileys Harbor Range Lights

Located in the Ridges Sanctuary, the upper and lower lights are parallel to each other, one by the water and one 326 yards inland.

http://www.ridgessanctuary.org/visit-us-lights/

 

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse

This lighthouse is located in Peninsula State Park.

http://www.doorcountyhistoricalsociety.org

Pottawatomie Lighthouse

Located on the north end of Rock Island State Park. The lighthouse is open daily during the summer; the state park is open year-round and is accessible by boat or the Karfi ferry from Washington Island.

http://www.dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/rockisland/lighthouse

 Island Lighthouses

The Chambers Island Lighthouse is on the northwest corner of Chambers Island, accessible only by boat, followed by a 2-mile hike. It is accessible on a tour offered during the Lighthouse Festival. Pilot Island Lighthouse and the Plum Island Range Lights are visible by water. Plum Island can be accessed by charter boat or boat tour.

Cheese

There is nothing better than authentic original Wisconsin cheeses. There are varieties to sample including blue cheese, cheddar cheese, Gouda cheese, goat milk cheese, European cheese, and Italian cheese. Try various samples and select your favorites from: 

Wisconsin Cheese Masters (Egg Harbor)

Door Artisan Cheese (Egg Harbor)

Door County Creamery (Sister Bay)

Renards (Sturgeon Bay).

Hands On Art Studio – Fish Creek

Hands On offers both adults and children classes. Participate in daily projects that require no reservations including ceramic, canvas and wood & metal ware painting, mosaics, fused glass and stamped jewelry. You can also sign up for small group or individual classes in various mediums including jewelry, wheel throwing, pottery, and metal sculpture.

Wine/Beer/Spirits

There are several wineries, distilleries, and breweries to titillate your taste buds. You can visit on your own or you might consider a tour with Door County Trolley. They offer a Premier Wine Tour, a Wine Spirits & Brew Tour, an Uncorked Wine Tour, an Exclusive Margarita & Martini Tour, and a Bloody Mary & Brunch Tour.
 
Here are the locations you might want to visit:

Harbor Ridge Winery, Stone’s Throw Winery, Door County Distillery, and Hatch Distillery in Egg Harbor. Island Orchard Cider in Ellison Bay and Door County Brewing in Baileys Harbor.

Savory Spoon Cooking School – Ellison Bay

The Savory Spoon offers cooking classes with the home cook/entertainer in mind. This is an opportunity to learn new techniques and recipes that can be used in your own kitchen. Each class “hands on” is 2 1/2 – 3 hours with 12-16 students per class. After you have prepared the food, you will sit down and enjoy the meal at a table set with French linens, candles, and fresh flowers. A full wine selection from our cellars will be available for purchase by the glass or bottle.

Sunrise/Sunsets

The photographers will want to check out the amazing sunrises and sunsets. My favorite sunset is at Anderson Dock in Ephraim. Try facing south along the bluffs in Cave Point County Park near Whitefish Dunes State Park.

Sunrise: Newport State Park, Cave Point County Park, Baileys Harbor

Sunset: Anderson Dock (Ephraim) Fish Creek Sunset Park, Sister Bay Waterfront Park, Skyline Road Overlooks, Peninsula State Park

Hiking

Peninsula State Park

Eagle Trail takes you from an amazing bluff-top view, down a difficult rocky descent, and along the shoreline of Ephraim Harbor below the bluff. 

 Door Bluff Headlands County Park

This quiet park north of Ellison Bay features soaring bluffs, rugged shoreline, magnificent views, and strenuous hikes on undeveloped dirt trails.

 Cave Point County Park

Head south along the shoreline trail looking out over the jagged limestone bluffs as you make your way toward Whitefish Dunes State Park beaches.

 Rock Island State Park

Head to the island by way of Washington Island ferry and then a second ferry to Rock Island. Start at the Thordarson Boathouse and hike to the Pottawatomie Lighthouse where you can enjoy the views.

The Ridges

The Ridge’s is a land trust protecting this very diverse ecosystem with over 500 species of plants, 60 species of birds, and 12 endangered species. Numerous people hike the paths from mid-June to early July to see the many blooming wildflowers including 25 species of orchids. This is also the location of the Baileys Harbor Range Lights.

Newport State Park (International Dark Sky Preserve)

Being at the far end of the Door Peninsula and on the shores of Lake Michigan makes Newport State Park one of the darkest spots in the state. The park is one place where you will find out what a dark sky truly looks like, making it a prime destination for anyone from casual stargazers to astronomers. It’s best arrive at the park before dark to find your spot and set up your chairs. You can get a great view from parking lots 1 or 3 or head down to the beach. Keep headlights on low beam when exiting and use a red-filtered flashlight and use red screen apps on your phone. I used parking lights to exit and I covered my flashlight with red cellophane. Be patient. It will take up to 45 minutes after the sun goes down for your eyes to adjust and for you to really see the stars well. Bring some snacks and enjoy the sound of the waves lapping on the shore.

Door County Trolley

One of the best ways to experience the highlights of Door County is with a Trolley Tour. Door County Trolley offers numerous different tours including scenic tours, lighthouse tours, haunted tours, wine/spirit tours, and more. http://doorcountytrolley.com 

Family Fun Beaches

If you’re taking the whole family out for a day in the sun you might consider these beaches on Green Bay.

Nicolet Beach Fish Creek/Peninsula State Park is complete with a playground, paddle sport rentals, sand volleyball courts, and concessions.

Murphy Park in Egg Harbor has a wide sand beach, boat launch and pier for fishing or swimming, playgrounds and volleyball courts.

Waterfront Park (Sister Bay) is a short walk from local dining and shopping options. 

Fish Creek Beach is a popular beach destination in Fish Creek.

Egg Harbor Beach (Egg Harbor)

 

Quiet Beaches

The beaches on Lake Michigan are quieter and have colder water.

Baileys Harbor – Newport Bay Beach, Ridges Beach, and Anclam Park

Jacksonport – Lakeside Park and Whitefish Dunes State Park

Gills Rock – Europe Bay Beach and Sand Bay Town Park

Ellison Bay – Ellison Bay Beach

Washington Island – Schoolhouse Beach, Sand Dunes Beach, and Gislason Beach

Rock Island – Rock Island Beach

Fun Centers/Mini-Golf

Pirate’s Cove Mini Golf

2502 S Bay Shore Dr – Sister Bay 

Red Putter Mini Golf

10404 Water Street – Ephraim

Egg Harbor Fun Park – Go-karts, arcade, mini golf etc.

7340 State Highway 42 – Egg Harbor

Kayaking

You can rent a kayak or canoe, or you can go on a guided tour to see the beautiful cliffs, bluffs, and rock formations along the Door County Shore. The best kayak tour goes along the bluffs of Cave Point County Park. There are also some scenic bluffs along the shore of Peninsula State Park.

Door County Kayak Tours (Jacksonport)

Lakeshore Adventures Kayak Tours (Bailey’s Harbor)

Kayak Door County (Sister Bay)

Ephraim Kayak Center (Ephraim)

Sister Bay Park Waterfront (Sister Bay)

Biking

There are numerous biking opportunities throughout Door County. This includes e-bikes, regular bikes, and mopeds. My favorite bike trail is the family friendly 9-mile Sunset Trail in Peninsula State Park, but there are also several quality options in Newport State Park or along any of the country roads in Door County.

Nordoor Sports and Cyclery (Fish Creek)

Door County Bike (Fish Creek)

Edge of Park (Fish Creek)

Nicolet Beach Rentals (Fish Creek)

Island Rides Bicycle Rentals (Washington Island)

Annie’s Island Moped Rentals (Washington Island)

Door County Kayak Tours (Jacksonport)

Lakeshore Adventures Zip Line Tour 

Baileys Harbor

Everyone enjoys a good zipline adventure.

For the Foodies 

There are some unique food experiences that you need to take advantage of in Door County.

White Gull Inn

Check out the Cherry Stuffed French toast or Apple Caramel Pecan French Toast.

Julie’s Park Café

Look at those cherry pancakes and eggs benedict.

Al Johnsons

Head here for Swedish Meatballs or Swedish Pancakes. This is authentic Swedish food with a charming gift shop full of everything Scandinavian. And don’t forget to the goats on the roof.

Mike’s Port Pub

You have to try their best breakfast called the Jacksonport Sandbox which includes eggs, toast and hash browns topped with sausage gravy and a bratwurst patty. The hamburgers and fried fish are good also. 

Greystone Castle

It’s worth a drive south to Sturgeon Bay to try their Prime Rib Sandwich. I can also suggest the fried walleye.  

Cider Donuts

This is a special cake donut that gets its flavor from cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider in the batter, rolled cinnamon sugar. You can find them at Wood Orchard just north of Egg Harbor, Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery Market in Fish Creek, and at Seaquest Orchards in Sister Bay. Good stuff.

Golf Courses

Door County is a great place to spend some time on the links. The Towering bluffs, rolling hills, panoramic water views, and numerous trees make for some scenic and challenging holes

Stonehedge Golf (Egg Harbor)

Deer Run Resort and Golf Course (Washington Island)

The Orchards at Egg Harbor (Egg Harbor)

Peninsula State Park Golf Course (Ephraim)

Idlewild Golf Course (Sturgeon Bay)

Cherry Hills Golf and Lodge (Sturgeon Bay)

Live Theatre

Northern Sky Theatre – Fish Creek

Northern Sky is a unique theatre experience under the stars. They present three rotating shows at Peninsula State Park Amphitheater, June – August. Fall season moves indoors to Northern Sky’s Creative Center & Gould Theater.

https://northernskytheater.com

 

Peninsula Players Theatre – Fish Creek

Door County’s professional theatre presenting Broadway-quality comedies, dramas and musicals in a stunning shoreline setting.

https://www.peninsulaplayers.com

Art Galleries

Door County has numerous art galleries including pottery, painting, fiber, fine art, and an outdoor sculpture garden.

Edgewood Orchard Galleries – Fish Creek 

Frykman Studio Gallery – Sister Bay

Ellison Bay Pottery Studio – Ellison Bay

Off The Wheel Pottery – Egg Harbor

Fine Line Designs Gallery – Ephraim

Plum Bottom Gallery – Egg Harbor

Interfibers Studio Gallery – Fish Creek

Live Music Venues

Call ahead to check on schedules for live music.

 

Bayside Tavern (Fish Creek), Carrington Pub and Grill (Egg Harbor), Cookery Restaurant and Wine Bar (Fish Creek), Fiddler’s Green (Washington Island), Fred and Fuzzy’s Waterfront Bar and Grill (Sister Bay), Husby’s Food and Spirits (Sister Bay), Peninsula Pub (Bailey’s Harbor), Top Deck Restaurant and Bar (Bailey’s Harbor), White Gull Inn (Fish Creek).