Door County, Wisconsin: A Coastal Vibe in the Upper Midwest

Parks

There is no shortage of county and state parks to enjoy here, chief among them being Peninsula State Park. Hiking, biking (rentals available!), golf, camping or Eagle Tower for a literal birdseye view of Lake Michigan.

Newport State Park is also well known as a designated dark sky, perfect for stargazing or seeing the Northern Lights!

Family fun

Hands On Art Door County is fun for everyone, especially on a rainy day. Make pottery, paintings, jewelry or mosaics. They even have adult beverages on hand.

The Red Putter has been a mini-golf destination for more than 50 years. It hasn’t changed much, but that's the charm!

Historic places

Anderson Dock has been drawing visitors for over a hundred years — first, the sailors who came here to paint messages to loved ones. Years of painted names and dates has become beautiful graffiti — and an excellent place to watch the sunset.

The winding road that takes you to the Washington Island Ferry is a legendary, not-to-be-missed photo op.

Door County is known for its cherries — so whether you stop at a roadside stand or pick your own on one of the many farms, its an experience not to be missed.

Shopping

Plenty of shopping to be had up and down the Door County Peninsula, especially for art lovers. Don’t miss Edgewood Gallery, part forest walk to see the sculptures, and part indoor galleries.

Caeppart Contemporary Gallery in Egg Harbor has great options for a more modern edge, most artists shown here are local.

Skal, the Swedish boutique next to Al Johnson’s in Sister Bay, is another must visit, especially for goat-related gifts (if you know, you know!)

Maxwell House in Egg Harbor is another Door County classic, showcasing upscale home decor.

Beaches

Most come to Door County for the outdoor life, especially the beaches. Sister Bay has one of the best, with a marina nearby that rents pontoons, speedboats and jet skis and also offers sunset cruises. You’ll hear the sounds of the nearby ampitheater in the evenings as well.

Newport Beach, just outside Bailey’s Harbor, is a hidden gem with shallow waters that go well into the bay. Come here for cooler waters and to escape the crowds.

Skyline Drive-In movie theater is the ultimate in retro charm, showing double features nightly! Located between Fish Creek and Ephraim.

No trip to Door County is complete without stops at the following:

Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, Sister Bay: swedish pancakes in the morning, swedish meatballs for lunch. But the real treat is the famous goats meandering the roof — yes, the roof — "mowing" the grass up there. Order a hot chocolate for a mountain of whipped cream!

Next door is the newest addition to Al Johnson’s - Stabbur Beer Garden. It's a great place to hang out, watch the sunset and listen to music. Fun cocktails and beers on tap and an awesome atmosphere (with the occasional goat watching).

Sister Bay Bowl, Sister Bay: part bowling alley, part supper club, it has perhaps the most famous fish fry in Wisconsin — and as is tradition, its served on Friday (and Tuesday, because why not).

Renard’s Cheese is a must stop as you drive into the Door. The honey truffle grilled cheese is what dreams are made of, not to mention you can stock up on all your other cheese needs. As seen on Andrew Zimmern and the food network.

Wilson’s is THE place to go for ice cream. Classic soda fountain complete with the red and white stripes, it's a sit down restaurant or a counter for ice cream cone sales. Always busy, but worth it.

Fish Boils are unique to Door County and a must see, even if eating boiled fish isn’t your thing. The “boil over” is an Instagram moment! There are several but the best is at Pelletier’s in Fish Creek.

Newer on the scene but a fast favorite is the Chives Food Truck park in Bailey’s Harbor. These faux food trucks selling burgers and pizzas offer a great casual outdoor atmosphere. They’ve also added a breakfast truck called Morning Glory!

For a more upscale supper club, visit Barringer’s in Fish Creek. And don’t forget to finish your meal with a traditional ice cream cocktail — a Grasshopper, a Golden Cadillac or a Pink Squirrel!

For a casual pizza dinner, you simply can’t beat Wild Tomato, with locations in Sister Bay and Fish Creek. The ingredients are fresh and delicious. But plan ahead, the wait (including for carryout!) can be long.

A new addition to the scene but worth the stop is Klaud’s Kitchen on Highway 42 between Ephraim and Sister Bay. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and a huge case of baked goods to suit every taste.

Also new is Cultured, a bagel and focaccia bakery on Highway 57 just south of Sister Bay. Only open weekends but worth the visit.