Door County, Wisconsin: Coastal Charm in the Midwest

Golf

• Can’t miss the legendary Peninsula State Park! 18-hole course, driving range and even a short course par-three 6-hole! Highway 42 between Fish Creek and Ephraim.

• If it’s family mini golf you crave, the Red Putter in Ephraim has been entertaining for more than 50 years (and very little has changed, but that's the charm!). Highway 42 in Ephraim right before Sister Bay.

• Stone Hedge Golf is one of the Door’s best-kept secrets. Quiet golf course with golf carts and a great pub for golfers and non-golfers alike. Inland from Egg Harbor.

Arts

• Hands On Art Door County is a must-visit. Create your own pottery, jewelry, glass art or painting. For kids and adults alike — they even have adult beverages available. Between Highways 42 and 57 on Penninsula Players Road.

• Edgewood Gallery is not just an art gallery, it’s and experience. Take a walk through the woods and see their sculpture art, or visit multiple indoor galleries for artists from the Door and beyond.

• Cappeart Contemporary Gallery in Egg Harbor is always a favorite, with beautiful art at multiple price points.

Shopping

• There’s no shortage of Door County souvenirs, but some of the best come from the Skal shop at Al Johnson’s in Sister Bay. Authentic Swedish products and lots of goat theme (if you know, you know!)

• Chelsea Shops off Highway 57 just south of Sister Bay, has a great and contemporary collection of housewares and womens clothes.

• Spot shops now have several locations across the Door - Egg Harbor and Sister Bay are two of the best for fun women’s clothing.

• Maxwell House has been in Egg Harbor for as long as I can remember (47 years and counting). Upscale home furnishings.

Beaches

• The best-kept secret in Door County is Newport Beach off of Bailey’s Harbor. You can walk for ages without the water going above shoulder level, and the bay is always cooler (and quieter!) than other more well-known beaches.

• Sister Bay beach is among the most popular, and nearby Sister Bay Marina offers rentals for pontoons, jet skis and a captained boat ride. There’s also an amphitheater just off the beach with regular music programming. And the sunset over the Peninsula is epic.

Historic spots

• The legendary Anderson dock off Ephraim has been welcoming visitors for more than a hundred years. The graffiti on the barn is a legacy from when sailors used to leave messages to their loved ones. It's been painted over hundreds of times with new names and dates.

So many legendary spots in Door County, it’s hard to know where to start!

• First, an experience you won't get anywhere else - Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, where live goats roam the top of the building “mowing” the grass roof. Come for the Swedish pancakes at breakfast, stay for the Swedish meatballs at lunch. Closed for dinner. Don’t miss the hot chocolate with a literal mountain of whipped cream!

• Fish fry are the stuff of Wisconsin legends, but the ultimate is at Sister Bay Bowl.

• Door County also has its own unique experience — the fish boil. Even if not eaten, you will want to see this — the “boil over” is something to remember. Pelletier’s Restaurant & Fish Boil in Fish Creek is easy to view for diners and non-diners alike.

• Barringer’s in Fish Creek is an upscale supper club for a lovely evening out. Don't forget to order a traditional ice cream drink at the end — a grasshopper, golden Cadillac or pink squirrel.

• On your drive up to Northern Door, located just south of Sturgeon Bay, Renard’s Cheese is a great roadside stop. Get any of dozens of varieties of cheese to go, or order a honey truffle grilled cheese sandwich to eat on site.

• For a “food truck” experience (they are faux, but it still gives the vibe!) head to Chives Food Truck in Bailey’s Harbor. Burgers, pizzas and even a breakfast truck with an outdoor dining area. The adjoining sit-down restaurant, Chives, is also one of Door County’s best.

• And for one of the best pizzas you’ll ever have, head to Wild Tomato. Locations in Fish Creek and Sister Bay.

• Stabbur is an excellent place to chill in the afternoon or evening. The grassy yard lends itself to lounging and the cocktails are great. The food does what it needs to do. Located on Main Street in Sister Bay.

• You already know Door County for its goats, so don’t miss Door County Creamery in Sister Bay for some goat cheese to go, or have a delicious sandwich on site.

• For dessert, a Door County must-do is Wilson’s in Ephraim. Sit down for lunch or dinner for traditional diner food, or grab a cone to go at the counter. Wilson’s trademark red and white awning makes it impossible to miss, and you won't want to.