Door County Travel Guide

Discover all the must-see attractions, best things to do, top places to stay, and local culture and customs in Door County - the beautiful county in Northeast Wisconsin, US.


Introduction to Door County

Door County sits in Northeast Wisconsin, on a peninsula jutting out into Lake Michigan, offering stunningly beautiful landscapes, scenic hikes, delicious food, and historic cultural attractions. The name “Door” comes from the strait passage through the peninsula formed by Green Bay on one side and Lake Michigan on the other. This guide will help you explore all the must-see attractions in Door County and plan your perfect trip.

List of Places to Visit in Door County

  • Washington Island
  • Peninsula State Park
  • Door County Maritime Museum
  • Cana Island Lighthouse
  • Death’s Door Maritime Museum
  • Door County Historical Museum
  • Whitefish Dunes State Park
  • Eagle Bluff Lighthouse
  • Sister Bay Marina
  • Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal North Pierhead Light

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Door County Maritime Museum

The door county maritime museum is the place to be for visitors in search of nautical history. The museum features interactive exhibits showcasing the shipping industry throughout the years in Door County. Its location in Sturgeon Bay makes it easy to access, and it also hosts maritime-themed events all throughout the year.

Death’s Door Maritime Museum

Death’s Door Maritime Museum, located on Washington Island, contains exhibits about the area’s commercial fishing industry, its wrecked ships, and historic maritime artifacts. The museum offers a unique insight into the long history of fishing in this stunning location.

Door County Historical Museum

The Door County Historical Society Museum, housed in an old schoolhouse building features exhibits that provide information about the people and industries who have shaped Door County throughout history. The museum has an extensive collection of local artifacts, including shipbuilding tools and household items.

Natural Attractions of Door County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Peninsula State Park

Peninsula State Park stretches across more than eight miles of shoreline and offers visitors a wide range of activities like cycling, hiking, fishing, and exploring the Wisconsin Chalet Country. The park’s majestic and panoramic views, rock formations, and natural landmarks such as Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, are ideal for sightseeing.

Whitefish Dunes State Park

Whitefish Dunes State Park is one of the most popular natural locations in Door County, offering outstanding views of Lake Michigan. The area features some of the finest sand dunes anywhere in the country, with hiking trails in the woods adjacent to the Door County Beach.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Door County

Cave Point County Park

Cave Point County Park is one of Door County’s most popular parks, with over 19 miles of scenic biking trails suitable for beginners or seasoned cyclists. The park’s limestone cliffs, sea caves, and thumping waves offer breathtaking views.

Ridges Sanctuary

The Ridges Sanctuary, a nature preserve with over 1600 acres of land and water in Door County that offers 10 miles of well-maintained hiking trails which leads across distinct forest, meadow, and ridge habitats to an observation tower.

Best Things to Do in Door County: Activities and Tours

  • Kayaking through the caves in Cave Point County Park
  • Winery Tours and Tastings
  • Shopping at boutiques in Fish Creek
  • Sunset Sailing Cruises
  • Cherry Picking during the harvest season
  • Attending Annual Festivals like Fall Fest and Fish Creek Winter Festival

Week-Long Itinerary for Door County

| Day | Activity | | — | — | | Day 1 | Explore Peninsula State Park | | Day 2 | Visit Door County Maritime Museum| | Day 3 | Kayak through the sea caves| | Day 4 | Attend a winery tour and tasting | | Day 5 | Take a sunset sailing cruise | | Day 6 | Visit a Lighthouse and the Ridges Sanctuary | | Day 7 | Cherry Picking and shopping in Fish Creek|

Food and Drink Scene of Door County

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Door County Cherries
  2. Fish Boil
  3. Cheeses
  4. Brats
  5. Ice Cream

Local Beverages

  1. Door County Wine
  2. Craft Beer
  3. Hand-Mixed Winecocktails

Where to Stay in Door County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Ashbrooke

The Ashbrooke is a boutique hotel located in Egg Harbor, centrally located to all the major attractions in Door County. The elegant hotel offers an indoor pool, sauna, and an exterior to die for.

The Hilltop Inn

The Hilltop Inn in Fish Creek is a family-friendly option featuring cozy rooms and unparalleled views of the bay from cozy room balconies.

What to Buy in Door County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Cherry Products
  • Handmade Soaps
  • Door County Lighthouse Merchandise
  • Craft Beer and Wine
  • Puzzles

Local Culture and Customs of Door County

Door County is a family-friendly, warm, and welcoming community. The community prides itself on its beautiful scenery paired with great food, friendly residents, and a slow pace of life, making it one of the top family destinations in the Midwest.

Best Time to Visit Door County

The best time to visit Door County is during the summer months, between June and September. During this time, the weather is warm, and most attractions are open to visitors. Fall is also a great time to visit, as the area’s autumn foliage is one of the most beautiful sights in the country.

Do’s and Don’ts of Door County

Do:

  • Enjoy nature and the outdoors
  • Be polite and friendly to locals
  • Shop for local goods and souvenirs
  • Sample local food and drink

Don’t:

  • Litter
  • Trespass on private property
  • Be rude to locals
  • Ignore traffic rules

Safety and Health

Safety in Door County

Door County is a relatively safe place to visit. However, like any other tourist destination, visitors should take precautions such as traveling in groups, storing valuables out of sight, and following signs on hiking trails.

Health in Door County

Visitors should bring a first-aid kit and necessary prescription medications. Emergency services are available, but medical centers in the area are limited.

Getting to Door County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Door County

The closest airports to Door County are Green Bay-Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) and Appleton International Airport (ATW), both about a two-hour drive from the county.

Bus Stations Near Door County

Door County is not serviced by any direct bus routes.

Other Options

Most visitors drive to Door County or take one of the available shuttle services.

How to Get Around in Door County

The best way to explore Door County is by personal vehicle or rental car, as public transportation options are limited.

Where to Go Next from Door County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Green Bay, Wisconsin
  • Mackinac Island, Michigan
  • Traverse City, Michigan
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Conclusion

Door County is a beautiful destination for anyone looking to escape city life and spend some time surrounded by nature. With its natural beauty, various activities and events, together with friendly locals and fabulous food, Door County is the perfect destination for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.

The channel light guides watercraft from Lake Michigan into the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal. The channel light guides watercraft from Lake Michigan into the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal. The Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Lighthouse is still operated by the U.S. Coast Guard The Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Lighthouse is still operated by the U.S. Coast Guard Baileys Harbor Baileys Harbor Lake Michigan has carved small coves in the rock at Cave Point County Park Lake Michigan has carved small coves in the rock at Cave Point County Park Marina at Sturgeon Bay Marina at Sturgeon Bay Downtown Sturgeon Bay Downtown Sturgeon Bay This retired Chicago fireboat offers one of the many guided water tours available on the Door Peninsula This retired Chicago fireboat offers one of the many guided water tours available on the Door Peninsula