Vacation Guide: Door County, Wisconsin
We are fresh off our vacation to Door County, Wisconsin, and I can’t wait to tell you about it! My husband grew up taking family vacations to Door County, and now my family continues that tradition at least once a year. We love Door County for its beaches, its charming towns, slow pace, friendly people, entertainment opportunities, and that sweet, cool summer weather. We usually stay for about a week, but this year we decided to take an extended vacation and were there for almost two and a half weeks- a silver lining of COVID and being able to work remotely. It was amazing, as always, and we came back refreshed and ready to begin the school year, whatever that is going to look like this year.
But I know what you’re thinking… A vacation in Wisconsin? Really? Yes! Door County should be at the top of your travel list! Often referred to as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Door County is a series of small towns (average population 700-800) strung along the scenic Northern Wisconsin peninsula, giving it a very New England vibe. The peninsula is surrounded by Green Bay on the west and Lake Michigan on the east, affording each town picturesque views, plentiful beaches, unique family-friendly activities, and cool lake breezes.
Why Door County?
Local Charm
My favorite thing about Door County other than the weather (seriously, I cannot stress how great the DC weather is, and no, I will not stop talking about it) is that the entire peninsula/county is unincorporated. Once you pass Sturgeon Bay on the south end of the peninsula, you won’t see any McDonald’s, Walmarts, Holiday Inns, or even 7-Elevens. All of Door County businesses are locally owned and operated, and many have been around for decades. The closest thing to a chain store there is a single Piggly Wiggly grocery store. It’s so refreshing to visit a place untouched by commercialism and consumerism! Each little town boasts its own charming town square with plentiful dining options and unique Door County experiences. You don’t have to drive far for a good meal or a good time, and you’ll never run out of options.
Weather
Yep, we’re back to Door County weather. On our latest trip in July, the highest temperature we experienced was 80 degrees. With the constant, cool lake breeze, that’s basically 75. We were wearing sweatshirts in the evenings and mornings, y’all! In July! Door County really shines in the summer, making it the best time to visit.
Ridges Beach, Baileys Harbor
We also love visiting Door County in the fall, specifically in October. The highs in October tend to be in the mid-50s, and there was even a light snow during one of our October trips. The crown jewel of Door County in the fall is the foliage- true autumn colors the likes of which many Texans have never seen. DC also turns into festival central in the fall, with many harvest festivals up and down the peninsula. October is also a great time to visit!
Something Different
As we all know, this year has been full of twists and turns and it looks like more are in store. This means that more people are getting creative with their family vacations and seeking out non-traditional options. Door County fits this requirement perfectly! It’s definitely unique- something not many Texans have experienced. And it’s possible to stay properly socially distanced in Door County. As in Texas, DC restaurants are open at limited capacity with an abundance of outdoor seating; pretty much everything you’ll want to do is outside in the fresh air (thanks, beautiful weather!); and mask wearing is required and enforced in all businesses and restaurants. If you want a unique experience that your family will remember for years to come, Door County is where you want to be!
Baileys Harbor Marina
Where to Stay
There are so many precious towns in Door County and all of them offer locally owned and operated accommodations- hotels, motels, condos, and B&Bs. There are also many charming Airbnb and VRBO properties available. Just be aware that things book up quickly for the busy seasons of June/July and October, so plan ahead. We are fortunate to have a family-owned home base for our Door County trips, but we have booked local accommodations several times and enjoyed our time at each one of them.
Sister Bay
Sister Bay is a hub for many things in Door County. It’s one of the larger towns and offers gems such as Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik (dine with goats on the roof!); a marina for booking a boat tour, parasailing, or a fishing charter; many extraordinary restaurants; and a beach on Green Bay.
Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik, Sister Bay
Baileys Harbor
Baileys Harbor is where we stay when we go to Door County. We love this tiny town. There is a farmer’s and artisan’s market on the square every weekend, a great playground for the kids during some downtime, really good restaurants, and Ridges Beach, which is semi-private and not often crowded.
Ridges Beach, Baileys Harbor
Ephraim
Ephraim is home to the best sunsets on the peninsula! It also offers plenty of restaurant and accommodation options, as well as its own beach and the sweetest little soda fountain you ever did see- Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor, which has been around since 1906.
Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor, Ephraim
What to Do
Beaches
Door County has beaches everywhere you turn! Our go-to is Ridges Beach in Baileys Harbor, but there are so many other excellent options, such as Nicolet Beach in Peninsula State Park and the beach in Whitefish Dunes State Park. But if you’ve never been to a beach on a Great Lake, be warned- the water is chilly! As Texans who get cold when it hits 72 degrees, we tend spend more time playing on the beach than in the water, though we do take some pretty epic dips on warmer days. Just bring some sand toys and you’ll be set. It’s also a great idea to rent kayaks or paddle boards for a fun afternoon at the beach!
Cherry Picking
Door County is famous for it’s cherries, and mid-July is prime cherry picking time! Many working cherry orchards offer pick-your-own cherry opportunities in July. We love going cherry picking for the novelty of it, and of course the photo ops. And if you’re staying in a place with a full kitchen, you could always whip up your own cherry pie with your fresh Door County cherries! Or if you want to buy pre-made cherry treats, you must try Seaquist Orchard and Sweetie Pies.
If you’re visiting in the fall, many of these same orchards are deep into apple season and offer pick-your-own apples opportunities. There is something magical about picking apples in the crisp weather in the middle of an orchard... Door County apples make great pies, too!
Outdoor Experiences
Johnson’s Park Go Karts
Johnson’s Park, Sister Bay
No trip to Door County is complete without at least one track day at Johnson’s Park. It’s nothing fancy- just a ton of fun and smiles for the whole family. Johnson’s Park also has a mini golf course we usually work our way through after our laps.
Pirate’s Cove
Pirate’s Cove, Sister Bay
If it’s mini golf you’re looking for, head to Pirate’s Cove in Sister Bay. As far as mini golf courses go, this one is breathtaking and a ton of fun to work your way through. Kids love a well-executed pirate theme!
Peninsula State Park
Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek
Suit up and head out for a beautiful morning bike ride through Peninsula State Park! We love to rent bikes from Edge of Park Rentals in Fish Creek, then hop on the bike trail straight from their property. Edge of Park Rentals has something for everyone- adults’ and kids’ bikes, burleys, tag-alongs, tandems, even dog carts and mopeds! This was the first year our family completed the almost 10-mile bike trail loop through the park and it was such a great time! We took all the breaks to see the sights along the way- scenic overlooks, beaches, and lighthouses.
The Farm
The Farm, Sturgeon Bay
Want to make your kids’ day? Take them to The Farm in Sturgeon Bay to cuddle and bottle feed some kids (the baby goat kind)! The Farm also offers feeding opportunities for grown-up goats, sheep, horses, and donkeys. Walk the expansive grounds to see other wonders such as peacocks, rabbits, pigeons, pigs, gardens, and lots of local history. The goat milking experience is currently closed due to COVID, but will hopefully open again soon!
Cave Point County Park
Cave Point County Park, Jacksonport
Cave Point is probably the most scenic spot in Door County. This local park offers incredible views of Green Bay surrounded by beautiful cliffs and trees. If the water is calm enough, you’ll see people jumping off the iconic horseshoe cliff. My own kids took the plunge for the first time this year (we made sure there was a family member in the water below to help them to the side to climb out- would not recommend for anyone under my son’s age of 5.5, and even then I was a nervous momma). Cave Point is also a great place to rent kayaks and enjoy some time out on the water. We also like to hike the trails along the waterline.
Washington Island
Sand Dunes Park, Washington Island
Washington Island is the northernmost point of Door County. Spend a day riding the ferry over (there is no bridge) and playing on the island! (You can take your own car on the ferry, or rent an ATV for transportation once you reach the island.) Start with lunch at The Albatross Drive-In then head to our favorite spot on the island- Sand Dunes Park. The beach there offers lots of soft white sand, clear water, and dunes that our kids love running around on. This may have been our favorite beach time of the entire trip!
Where to Eat
There are so many delicious dining options in Door County, from super casual drive-ins and walk-ups to fine dining on the water at sunset. Door County is also known for their traditional fish boils (usually locally caught perch), so be sure to attend at least one of those. I’ve linked to several of our top favorite restaurants here, but I could go on and on and on… Please note that due to COVID, restaurant operations may be a little wonky (i.e., shorter hours, outdoor seating or to-go only, reservations required, limited menus, etc.).
White Gull Inn, Fish Creek
Sister Bay
Al Johnson’s- Swedish and American breakfast and lunch, the place with goats on the roof
CHOP- steakhouse and American fare
Lure- seafood
Fish Creek
White Gull Inn- great breakfast and American fare, nightly fish boil
Not Licked Yet Frozen Custard- walk-up burgers, hot dogs, and gnome custard with water view and small playground
Baileys Harbor
Harbor Fish Market & Grille- seafood, lobster boil, and gorgeous views
Chives- farm-to-table
Clover & Ash- Italian
Coyote Roadhouse- casual ribs and burgers, right on Kangaroo Lake
Ephraim
Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor- burgers, sandwiches, ice cream treats
How to Get There
We’ve done it all, but most often we fly into either the Milwaukee or Green Bay airport and rent a car from there. It’s about a three hour drive from Milwaukee to Door County, and an hour and a half from Green Bay. We’ve also driven from Texas to Door County; it takes about 18 hours and necessitates at least one overnight stay on the road.
As you can see, we’re head over heels for Door County and plan to keep visiting for a long time to come. If you have any questions about visiting, I’d be happy to talk to you about our personal experiences and opinions- just comment below!