Door County, Wisconsin is one of my favorite places in the world. As a child, my family vacationed there every summer and as an adult, I have had many wonderful trips to Door County during every season (even winter!). Door County is so special to me and my husband we even got married there! Door County is the perfect destination for a girls’ weekend, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation.
The peninsula is very unique in the fact that there are no chains. You won’t find a McDonald’s, Starbucks, etc. anywhere – a feature I adore and I hope this standard lasts forever.
Door Country truly is the “Cape Cod of the Midwest”. There is so much to do in Door County for all ages and all types of vacations.
Below is just a brief list of my absolute Door County favorites. Trust me, there will be more Door County posts in the future because I can’t even begin to cover this little piece of paradise.
Breakfast
Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant(Sister Bay) Al Johnson’s is an authentic Swedish restaurant with goats grazing on the sod roof. Make sure to get the Swedish pancakes and the hot chocolate is a must! On busy summer mornings, you might experience a bit of a wait (especially if you have a large party) but the connected gift shop has a ton of cool stuff to look at. Plus, there is an awesome playground for the young kids right across the street.
White Gull Inn (Fish Creek) This Bed and Breakfast is open to the public and its featured dish is the Cherry Stuffed French Toast – so tasty! Cherries always remind me of Door County.
Blue Horse Beach Cafe (Fish Creek) Instagram-worthy coffee, delicious food, and a cozy atmosphere.
Awesome view from our campsite at Newport State Park!
Biking/Hiking/Camping
Peninsula State Park(Fish Creek) I love this park. I grew up not only camping here but enjoying the trails, beach, and close location to all my other Door County favorites. Inside Peninsula State Park is also a really cool outdoor summer theater (see below). I don’t play golf but for those who do there is an 18-hole golf course. A must-do is biking the 10-mile Sunset Trail, there are multiple places right outside the park to rent bikes.
Newport State Park (Ellison Bay) A little more out of the way and definitely less crowded, Newport State Park features 30 miles of hiking trails with hike-in campsites. Last summer, we spent an entire morning on the beach and didn’t see one other person. It’s beautiful!
The Ridges Sanctuary (Baileys Harbor) A great place to enjoy nature. The boardwalk is perfect for kids and the paths are not strenuous – I would suggest bringing bug spray.
Ellison Bluff State Natural Area (Ellison Bay) Last summer we hiked the paths in this park and would absolutely go back again, very peaceful and the lookout was neat.
Lunch
PC Junction (Bailey’s Harbor) If you have kids take them here to have your food delivered by toy train. There will be a wait so put your names in then head back outside for the children to have fun in the large play area while you sip cherry margaritas from the bar.
Food Trucks (misc.) Food trucks can be found all over the peninsula but I like to grab a meal from the Backbone Food Truck at Nicolet Beach in Peninsula State Park.
Enjoying live music at Husby’s after a sail in Sister Bay.
Music
Northern Sky Theater (Fish Creek) If you know me at all, you know that I love musicals. At this outdoor theater inside Peninsula State Park, the cast puts on original musical comedies every summer. I have seen many of the plays and they are so funny. These are probably the only musicals I have dragged my husband to that he has actually enjoyed. My favorites by far have been “Lumberjacks in Love” and “Guys on Ice”. I would recommend bringing blankets to sit on as the wooden benches can get hard after a while.
Other local restaurants, bars (such as Husby’s), wineries, and resorts (like Gordon Lodge) often have great live music.
Wilson’s is an iconic Door County stop.
Ice Cream
Wilson’s(Ephraim) Wilson’s is an ice cream parlor with regular flavors but it is one of my long-standing Door County traditions because I love to eat my ice cream right on the water. Plus, there is always a little surprise at the bottom of your cone.
Not Licked Yet (Fish Creek) The frozen custard is soooo yummy. It’s hard to choose from all the fun specialty sundaes. Tip – It’s the perfect place to stop after biking the Sunset Trail in Peninsula State Park.
Cider tasting
Alcohol
There are many wineries to enjoy around Door County. If you enjoy wine I suggest taking one of the tours offered by the Door County Trolley so no one in your group has to drive! There are also many places to drink beer, cocktails, and hard cider. Here are the particular places I’ve enjoyed but there are many more;
There are tons of places to eat in Door County, you really can’t go wrong. From hot dogs on the beach to super classy establishments I could never afford, everyone will find something they love. I have just listed a few of my favorites that I have eaten at time and time again.
Alexanders (Fish Creek) This restaurant has a menu with excellent variety, it’s a tad more upscale, and make sure to save room for dessert!
Chives (Bailey’s Harbor) I highly recommend the Chives Trio appetizer and then I follow it up with the mussels (because I can be a creature of habit).
Wild Tomato (Fish Creek and Sister Bay) The place to go for wood-fired pizza in Door County.
Villaggios (Fish Creek) I love pasta but even more than pasta I love gnoochi. Get the gnoochi.
Unfortunately, I haven’t even begun to touch on everything Door County has to offer. Other great activities to enjoy during your trip to Door County include but are not limited to;