Posted by Door County, Wisconsin is one of the loveliest places I have visited. I have always been intrigued by its romantic name and was first lured here 16 years ago. As the easternmost county in Wisconsin, it occupies a peninsular that juts out into Lake Michigan. One half of the county is populated on the calmer shores of Green Lake, the other half on the rockier shores of Lake Michigan. On a warm summer day, gazing out into the expansive lake, there is nowhere better. It doesn’t feel like Wisconsin. It could be Northern Europe or the Eastern seaboard of America. Its picturesque coastal towns, cherry orchards, and state parks make up a unique, quaint, and colorful place that deserves to be visited over and over. Come to Door County for your next adventure!
Sturgeon Bay
The official Gateway to the Peninsular is Sturgeon Bay, a harbor town with the largest of Door’s population and its own shipbuilding industry. I love strolling along the waterfront and admiring the boats in the dock, as the traffic trails over the suspension bridge. This is a good location to stay if you are on a tight budget since anywhere north of this location will be resort-priced. It offers a variety of very affordable chain motels. The downside is, you will spend more time driving if you stay here. The distance to Gills Rock, the northernmost tip of the peninsula is a slow but beautiful 41 miles.
Getting around Door County
If like me, you are geographically challenged, your stay in Door County will be a relief. There is one road going up the west side of the Peninsula (Hwy 42). Cut across the county and take Hwy 57 back down the east side for a different view. Even I couldn’t get lost!
What Will I find?
Upon leaving Sturgeon Bay and journeying to your first town, you will have an overriding sense that you have arrived on a beautiful historic island that will tantalize every sense. Door County ancestry hails from central and northern Europe, and there is an electric mix of this throughout the peninsular. Read on for a sample of what you can expect.
Wineries!
Door County boasts many since there is an abundance of cherry and apple orchards that need to be put to good use. As you drive north on Hwy 42 you will be spoilt for choice. My suggestion is to find the ones where you sample for free since many now charge for the privilege of tasting their wines. The best winery hands down is Door County Peninsula located in Carlsville. https://store.dcwine.com/winery/about/ It’s free, friendly, and delicious with over 60 varieties to sample! There is also a restaurant and a spirit distillery.
You will also find many roadside markets that offer delicious assortments of cherry and apple products. I love the cherry barbeque sauce and apple butter. Shop around, it’s all part of the Door experience!
After swooping up a few bottles of choice wine, you will find yourself on the way to my most favorite of towns, Egg Harbor. This tiny place offers a stunning view of the harbor and lake. It’s worth the hike down the hill and back to admire the view from all angles. Stroll around the art and jewelry shops and stop into Fat Louie’s Olive Oil to sample their varieties. I recommend the garlic blend. Lunch should be at Shipwrecked Brew Pub and Restaurant offering outdoor and indoor dining. Select a home-brewed beer or sampler, and choose from their extensive menu.
Next stop Fish Creek. Home to a nice choice of touristy shops, cozy harbor, and the classic Door County Fish Boil Dinner at Pelletiers. I have been here many times and it’s always a fun and delicious spot for dinner. Simply buy a ticket, then watch the process of boiling fish and potatoes over a blazing hot outdoor kettle. After that, it’s time to eat and finish with homemade cherry pie.
Fish Creek is also home to the lovely Peninsula State Park. Here you can camp, swim, hike, and visit a lighthouse! Door County is known for these, and while some are hard to reach, Eagle Bluff lighthouse is easy to access and offers seasonal tours. A daily visitor pass is required to enter the state park; buy online or at the kiosk.
In Ephraim, take some time to sit by the lake and enjoy the view with the locals while tasting an ice-cream!
As you coast down the hill into Sister Bay, make sure you stop and take in the scenery, including goats on a rooftop! This is a busy little town with a small beach area and a good choice of accommodation, cafes and of course, shopping!
By now you are almost at the tip of the Peninsula, and this is where the scenery changes. Follow signs for Gills Rock where you are on the tip of Lake Michigan and her choppy waters.
Gills Rock is home to the ferry transporting tourists to Washington island. A short 45 minute trip across the water will get you to the small island. Click on the link to read all about getting there at https://wisferry.com/
Is it worth taking the trip? Who doesn’t love a boat ride on a nice day and if you select the combination ticket with the mini “train” ride, you get a nice overview of the Island with some unique stop-offs. I loved the lavender farm, it’s a great Instagram opportunity (I have a canvas print of my daughter surrounded by lavender). And who knew Lavender cookies could be so delicious? The Stavkirke Church is also impressive. I am always the first to get sea-sick and while Lake Michigan can be choppy, I was fine. The trip gives great views of the other islands that are not visible by land. More intriguing to me, is how residents of the Island survive the harsh Wisconsin winters surrounding by a frozen lake! I learned icebreaker boats plow through the lake, and in the event of medical emergencies, the inhabitants rely on helicopters to get them to a hospital. The ferry also shuttles cars, allowing residents to plan their trip to civilization for necessities.
Allow a day, or at least a half-day for this visit.
Where to stay?
My personal favorite is the Landmark Resort in Egg Harbor. It offers a variety of suites for families or small groups. Conveniently located to the town but on its own expansive site, the Landmark offers three outdoor pools with stunning views of the lake in a lovely wooded complex. Choose to dine in the Carrington restaurant with an outdoor patio, have a drink in the bar, or splash in the indoor pool if the weather is chilly. This resort is gorgeous but can be pricey. It also tends to book up months in advance, so schedule way ahead to get the most affordable suite.
A less expensive option is the Landing in Egg Harbor. It offers suites, a nice outdoor pool, and is centrally located. When we stayed here, the boys walked to the harbor for early morning fishing, stopping off at the Pink Bakery on the way back for breakfast goodies.
Depending upon what you want to do, location is everything. If you want a resort or a cozy B&B, there are options for everyone. Click on my booking.com link and see what’s out there!
Lake Michigan
The other side of Door, the Lake Michigan side, has its own appeal. It is rougher, windier, and less touristy but just as gorgeous. Lake Michigan looks and feels like the ocean with its lovely beaches, but don’t expect warm water temperatures. On a hot day, it’s a good place to cool off but the water is always cold! Lake Michigan is the wild cousin and is a great area to explore.
Stop off at Baileys Harbor for lovely views and unique cafes.
Follow the trail south and explore Jacksonport and Whitefish Dunes State Park
Still not sure if you want to visit? Click right here for your all-inclusive guide to this incredible area. This guide gives you information about everything Door. Don’t forget to visit them in Sturgeon Bay for brochures and recommendations for getting the most out of your stay. https://www.doorcounty.com/
Best time of the year to visit? Summer since this is the chilly midwest, however, the fall colors are so beautiful if you are looking for a post-summer trip.
I hope my pictures have painted a thousand words for you and enticed you to visit this stunning area.
If you have any questions, I’m here to help!
Thanks for reading!
