MileHacker Logo
Door County Travel Checklist

Door County Travel Checklist

Door County Wisconsin, USA Travel Guide

Chronological Planning Timeline

Plan chronologically for a smooth trip.

Pre-Trip Timeline

Steps to take for a well-organized Door County adventure.

1

-6+ Months Before

Book Peak Season Accommodation

Secure your preferred hotel, B&B, or vacation rental. Popular properties fill quickly.

Book Rental Car

If flying into a regional airport, reserve your rental car early.

Research Major Attractions

Identify must-see lighthouses, state parks, and unique experiences.

2

-2 Months Before

Book Popular Tours

Reserve spots for the Washington Island Ferry (especially with a vehicle), boat tours, or traditional fish boils.

Plan Daily Itinerary

Outline a general daily plan, grouping geographically similar attractions to save time.

Purchase Travel Insurance

Obtain a policy covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. World Nomads.

3

-2 Weeks Before

Passport/Visa Validity

International travelers: Your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay. Apply for U.S. Visa or ESTA if required.

Inform Credit Card Companies

While less common, some banks appreciate travel notifications to prevent fraud alerts.

Arrange Pet/House Sitting

Finalize care arrangements for pets or plants at home.

Bookings

Secure your spot for popular elements of your trip.

Essential Advance Bookings

  • Accommodation (always).
  • Rental car (if needed).
  • Washington Island Ferry (vehicle spot, for peak season).
  • Popular dinner reservations and specific tours/activities.

Pre-Trip Research

Inform your choices with prior investigation.

Research & Review

  • Read detailed guides on specific state parks, villages, and dining options.
  • Familiarize yourself with local seasonal closures.
  • Review recent traveler comments for current insights.
  • Secure your home by locking all windows and doors.

Last-Minute Checks

Final preparations a few days before your journey.

Electronic Devices

  • Charge all electronics: phone, camera, portable charger.
  • Download offline maps of Door County and surrounding areas.
  • Print or save digital copies of essential documents (passport, visa, tickets, reservations).
  • Complete a final pack of your luggage against your packing list.

Packing & Essentials

  • Pack appropriate clothing and gear based on the season and your planned activities.
  • Buy any missing toiletries, medications, or specialized gear.
  • Confirm luggage meets airline weight and size restrictions.
  • Consider packing some basic snacks for arrival.

Home Security

  • Secure your home by locking all windows and doors.
  • Hold your mail or ask a neighbor to collect it.
  • Set timers for lights to deter burglars.
  • Unplug unnecessary electronics for energy savings and safety.

Important Reminder

Ensure your travel documents are in order and your home is secure before your departure.

Arrival Checklist

The first few hours in a new destination can feel overwhelming. A clear arrival checklist aids smooth settling.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Pick Up Rental Car:

    If flying, proceed directly to the rental car counter. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before departing the lot.

  • 2
    Navigate to Accommodation:

    Use your pre-downloaded maps or GPS to drive to your hotel, B&B, or vacation rental.

  • 3
    Check In:

    Complete the check-in process. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with your room or property.

Orientation Strategies

  • Grab a Local Map:

    Once settled, pick up a physical map of Door County from your lodging lobby or a nearby visitor center.

  • Drive Through Your Immediate Village:

    Take a short drive or walk to get a lay of the land and locate nearby restaurants and businesses.

  • Currency Exchange and Initial Purchases:

    Ensure you have some cash. If in a rental, make a quick trip to a local grocery store for immediate necessities.

Post-Arrival Activities

Local Maps

Pick up a physical map of Door County from your lodging lobby or a nearby visitor center.

These maps often highlight scenic roads, bike trails, and points of interest with more detail than GPS.

Initial Supplies

If staying in a vacation rental, make a quick trip to a local grocery store for immediate necessities.

Purchase items like water, snacks, or breakfast essentials to save time and money later.

Transportation

Follow your chosen navigation method from your airport, bus station, or ferry landing to your accommodation.

If using a ride-share or taxi, confirm the address and destination with the driver.

Arrival Tip

Download offline maps before arrival, as cell service can be spotty in some rural areas.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for your departure a day or two before leaving Door County to ensure a relaxed and organized exit.

Shopping & Shipping

  • Purchase souvenirs a day or two before your departure to side-step a last-minute rush.
  • If you purchased large or fragile items (e.g., pottery, wine), inquire about shipping options directly from the shop.
  • Many Door County businesses arrange domestic shipping services.
  • The United States lacks a nationwide Value Added Tax (VAT) system, thus no VAT refunds are available for tourists.

Departure Timing

  • Allow ample time to get to your departure airport, especially if driving to Milwaukee or Chicago.
  • Factor in potential traffic, gas fill-ups for rental cars, and rental car return procedures.
  • Try to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights and 2-3 hours before international flights.
  • If departing from Washington Island, consult the ferry schedule carefully and arrive at the terminal well in advance.

Return Trip Preparation

Ensure a smooth exit from your accommodation.

Final Accommodation Steps

  • Confirm Flight Times:Double-check for any changes or delays.
  • Pack Efficiently:Ensure your luggage meets airline weight and size restrictions. Consolidate items.
  • Dispose of Perishables/Waste:Empty your refrigerator and dispose of all trash and recycling from your accommodation.
  • Secure Accommodation:Lock all windows and doors upon leaving your rental or hotel room.

Rental Car Return

  • Refuel the car to the agreed-upon level to avoid extra charges.
  • Allow sufficient time for driving to the rental facility and the return process.
  • Take photos of the car's condition during drop-off for your records.
  • Retain all rental car receipts and documentation.

Departure Reminder

Double-check your flight times for changes and ensure luggage meets airline restrictions.

Empty your refrigerator and dispose of all trash and recycling from your accommodation.