Door County, Wisconsin, is often called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest” and has long been a summer destination for St. Louisans longing to escape the humidity of summer. The large peninsula juts into Lake Michigan, just north of Green Bay. With 300 miles of coastline, it offers plenty of opportunities for boating, paddling, water sports, and swimming. In addition to the water activities, there are 19 county parks and five state parks, including hiking trails and lots of ways to explore the wilderness.
The hardest part of making the trip to Door County might be determining which communities to visit. You can stay in one or go to several. Washington Island is at the tip of the peninsula and requires a ferry ride to get there. Consider adding to your itinerary the Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop. With 20,000 plants and floral gardens, it is the Midwest’s largest lavender farm. The Art & Nature Center, located in a former school building, features local artists, hands-on exhibits, and options for nature hikes and classes.
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Baileys Harbor is, for its small size, packed with possibilities. When it opens in May, visitors can climb the 97 steps to the top of the Cana Island Lighthouse, a historic structure that dates back to 1869. Walk along the corrugated shorelines at the Ridges Sanctuary. If you don’t want to walk alone, the sanctuary also has several guided hikes, including one at 6:30 a.m. for early birds, and there’s one focused on wildflowers in the spring. Depending on your preference, Door County Brewing Co. or Lake Fire Winery is a great place to grab a drink after a day out hiking.
Sturgeon Bay claims to be the best year-round destination in Door County, and with waterfront parks, a maritime museum, two lighthouses, and an impressive lineup of restaurants, it might just be. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the cherry- and apple-blossom trees. In summer, plan to pick cherries. Sturgeon Bay has so many annual fairs and festivals that you’ll want to check the event calendar before visiting. Here are just a handful of additional places to eat, play, and stay.
Eat
Start your day with a hearty Scandinavian breakfast at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik, which features a green grass rooftop where live goats graze, and a gift shop to browse as you wait for your table. Pick up sandwiches from Door County Creamery to take with you on your day’s adventure or stop in for their creamy gelato, cheeses, and other products made from the goatmilk on their own farm.
While shopping in Fish Creek, order a pick-me-up from Door County Confectionery, which specializes in different flavors of fudge. You can often watch them create their mouth-watering treats on the spot behind the counter. Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor, which has been in business since 1906, is an iconic stop for a scoop or two. Take it to go and walk across the street to take in views of Ephraim’s bay. After a long day of exploring, enjoy a drink al fresco on the large patio at One Barrel Brewing Company.
Book ahead for a classic supper club dining experience at Donny’s Glidden Lodge that features one of the best waterfront indoor dining views on the peninsula. Another hot dinner spot to snag reservations with is Chives, whose innovative farm-to-table dishes are Instagram-worthy. If you want the full Door County experience, check out one of the fish boils that many of the local restaurants have on given evenings. And, this is Wisconsin, so if you see cheese curds on the menu, be sure to order them as an appetizer.
Play
Drive up and down the Peninsula to visit each of the towns. One of the best spots for shopping is Fish Creek, where you can find boutiques like Sister Golden. The shop is led by a mother-and-daughter team and is filled with boho-chic items like one-of-a-kind Morrocan rugs, jewelry, and flower artwork. You can experience the peninsula by boat with Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours, which takes passengers on sunset cruises and other scenic experiences. Look to Door County Kayak Tours for guided kayak or bike tours or rentals if you want to go on your own. There are many lighthouses throughout Door County but the most iconic and fun to visit is the Cana Island & Lighthouse. Sightseers must board a wagon that is pulled by a tractor-trailer across shallow rocky water to reach the destination, adding to the experience. Cave Point offers views of water lapping against its ominous rocks and especially large on foul weather days, making it the perfect activity when it’s not beach weather. The Farm is a petting zoo that is fun for the whole family. Baby kittens roam around as you explore the many animals on the grounds, and you can purchase animal feed and milk bottles to offer the hungry adorable animals. And for an outing unique to Door County, visit its cherry orchards. The peninsula is known for them and there is no shortage of options for where you can go cherry-picking.
Stay
The recently opened Dorr Hotel is a family-friendly hotel with a modern Scandinavian aesthetic in Sister Bay. In Baileys Harbor, the Blacksmith Inn offers one-of-a-kind quaintly decorated rooms, in addition to a detached guest house. For the best beach access in the entire peninsula, stay at Glidden Lodge in Whitefish Bay. The Whistling Swan Inn is another great option, that is also known for its dining experiences, set in the heart of Fish Creek. Nearby campgrounds can accommodate the more rugged travelers.
