It’s easy to get lost in Door County, where lighthouses, harbors, and historic villages invite you to kick back and explore more than 300 miles of coastline and 19 unique communities on the Wisconsin Peninsula. Nestled between the cliffs of Green Bay to the west and the sand dunes of Lake Michigan to the east, Door County has no shortage of things to do, and no two visits are the same.
In the summer, Door County is a water sports destination, where boating, kayaking, fishing and shipwreck diving are common. Winter’s frozen paradise brings its own reasons to visit. You can go cross-country skiing, ice fishing in the bay, or take an icebreaker boat to Washington Island.
If you’re looking for year-round activities, you can always enjoy the 66-mile By County Scenic Byway which runs through the communities around the peninsula. No matter when you plan your visit, your stay won’t be complete without some authentic Door County fish.
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1 The beach
Door County is home to 53 beaches, so it’s easy to vacation with the unique taste of several during one stay. View kitesurfers at Anclam Park in Bailey’s Harbour while enjoying the summer sun or taking a stroll on the promenade Ellison Bay Bluff Park to observe some of the state’s protected natural areas. One of the best picnic beaches in the area is Waterfront Park in Sister Bay, which is home to the largest public beach in Door County. For a unique beach visit, take a ferry to Washington Islandwhere you can rent a moped to reach Schoolhouse Beach, with its unusual pebble beach. The perfectly smooth limestone rocks on the beach are illegal to take, but unforgettable to see in person.
2 Door County Maritime Museum
No visit to Door County is complete without a stop at the Maritime Museum Sturgeon Bay. This tourist attraction pays tribute to the region’s rich maritime history and spotlights the lives and influence of local fishermen, ship captains and lighthouse keepers. The galleries at the museum include the Baumgartner Gallery, with 30 model ships, and the Horton Gallery, which shows how lighthouses work and an interactive exhibit that puts you behind the wheel of a 1907 steamship. Outside the museum, you can board a 149-foot tugboat, the “John Purves,” with a guided tour and full access to see how these boats work. Although the museum is open year-round, access to the tugboat is seasonal. After your visit, stop by nearby By County Coffee & Tea Company for a delicious cup of coffee and special pastries.
Address: 120 N. Madison Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Official site: https://www.dcmm.org/
3 fishing
Fishing in Door County is a year-round endeavor because it is surrounded by water. The type of fishing you can do and the types of species you can catch change seasonally. In the warmer months you can enjoy fishing for smallmouth bass, salmon, walleye and several species of trout. You’ll find nearly 50 deep-sea fishing charter boats departing from the peninsula. In winter you can go ice fishing from a barracks Green Bay while targeting minnows. The buggy ride to the barracks for half a kilometer across the vast frozen lake is a journey all its own. The waiting barracks are warm and comfortable enough to spend the day catching dinner, and a few restaurants can prepare your catch. It is wise to call before your visit to check ice conditions.
4 walking
Door County has beautiful natural scenery and it’s no surprise that hiking is one of the top things to do in the area. With five state parks and 19 unique county parks, hiking trails are close by no matter where you stay. Walk along the Ahnapee Trail to access unspoilt natural beauty, or to find your way around Ephraimwhich forms the eastern boundary of 3,700 acres Peninsula State Park, where you can spend several days exploring trails. Most of the county’s parks are somewhat underdeveloped, giving you the most authentic perspective of this naturally diverse part of Wisconsin. The most popular County Park is Cave Point, with cliffs jutting out over picturesque sea caves. Follow the walkway along the sea, occasionally stepping onto the cliff to watch the changing views along the way.
5 Door County Trolley
One of the best ways to get around Door County communities is with the Door County Trolley, which has its depot Egg Harbor. Hop aboard one of 11 themed trolley tours for an engaging way to experience the area based on your interests. Popular tours include the Lighthouse Tour, Ghost Tour, Culinary Tour and the Spring Blossom Tour when cherry blossoms bloom in the orchards. The trolley has a long history in the area and can be a nice introduction to places you might want to visit on your own to spend more time.
Address: 8030 WI-42, Egg Harbor, Wisconsin
Official site: https://www.doorcountytrolley.com/
6 bicycles
Cycling is one of the top things to do in Door County as there are plenty of options for both road biking and trail biking. Backcountry roads that cross the peninsula are popular. Many of these roads follow the waterways and make for a scenic drive. Door County is known for major organized road biking events throughout the year that attract serious riders to the region. If wooded trails are more your style, you’ll find bike trails in state and county parks in every community.
7 Wave
Hit the links with views of the water, forest or cherry orchards in Door County. There are 11 golf courses in the province, with varying levels of difficulty. As well as the stunning natural scenery that changes throughout the year, golfers can enjoy a different course every day as there are so many nearby. Test your skills on the curved grass track The Orchards Golf Course in Egg Harbor or set a morning tee time on the most scenic golf course in the heart of Peninsula State Park. Some golf courses remain open all year round, even on winter weekends.
8 Kayaking and stand-up paddle surfing
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Door County for kayaking and paddleboarding, which often occur in the same areas. The biodiversity you will find in the five inland lakes and 300 miles of coastline is unparalleled. Kayak up to the mouth of sea caves at Cave Point County Parkenjoy the open water of Green Bay, or kayak over shipwrecks. There are numerous outfitters throughout the province that offer tours and can rent kayaks and paddleboard equipment.
9 Campsite
If you’re looking for the best outdoors Door County has to offer, set up camp at one of the region’s many public or private campgrounds. Whether you want to enjoy lake views or peaceful countryside, you’ll find options to suit every interest. Four state parks have campgrounds, and the county has many private campgrounds. One of the most unique and remote camping experiences Rock Island State Park, home to the oldest lighthouse in Wisconsin. It requires two boat trips to get there. There are no cars on the island, so walking is a must.
10 Horse riding
Horseback riding in Door County is one of the most breathtaking ways to enjoy the pristine forests and serenity of the Wisconsin Peninsula. Kurtz Corral in Sturgeon Bay has been in the area for over 50 years and offers year-round trail riding on 500 acres. If you are a leisurely rider you will enjoy the relaxed guided rides along wooded trails, and tours are also available for advanced riders. For a truly unique equestrian experience, take the ferry to Washington Islandwhere you can see and ride Icelandic horses. Field Wood Farm offers horseback riding lessons, trail rides and programs to educate visitors about Iceland’s rare horses.
11 Shipwreck Diving
Door County is just as exciting under the water as it is above because of the many shipwrecks here for divers and snorkelers to explore. There are dozens of sunken ships from almost every coastline in the province. Ships can be seen at various depths, some in shallow water. Boats are available to take you diving in deeper waters. The Wisconsin Historical Society has a Maritime Trails program that provides in-depth information about the locations of shipwrecks and what you’ll find near them.
12 Orchards
Nowhere will you find a concentration of orchards like Door County. With over 2,500 hectares of cherry orchards across the district and 500 hectares of apple orchards, you’ll have no shortage of farms to visit. Whether you stop by one of the farms or markets to buy fresh produce or spend an afternoon picking your own cherries, it’s one of the best ways to enjoy this unique feature of the province. End a day in the orchard at the White Gull Inn restaurant Fish Creek for a traditional Door County fish boil followed by a delicious slice of homemade cherry pie with fresh, tart local cherries.
Where to Stay in Door County for Sightseeing
We recommend these delightful hotels in Door County, close to all the natural attractions:
- The Ashbrooke: affordable luxury, spacious rooms, indoor heated pool with nearby hot tub and sauna, beautiful outdoor patio, Starbucks coffee.
- Edgewater Resort: midrange rates, near Peninsula State Park, the beach, beautiful water views, small outdoor pool, cottages and suites with kitchens.
- The Eagle Harbor Inn: Affordable bed-and-breakfast, short walk to a public beach, whirlpool suites, pool, homemade food.
- Holiday Music Hotel: budget motel, steps from the bay, retro 1950s decor, music theme, picnic and campfire area, free continental breakfast and parking.
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