Getting Around Door County. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Specialized Transportation

Formal hop-on-hop-off bus services, common in large cities, do not operate in Door County. However, some private companies offer guided bus tours for specific purposes. These might include lighthouse tours, fall foliage tours, or specific wine/brewery tours. These tours usually need advance booking and follow a set itinerary. Check with the Door County Visitor Bureau or local tour operators for available options.

Numerous boat tours are available, offering different experiences. You can find scenic sightseeing cruises departing from various harbors (e.g., Fish Creek, Sister Bay), fishing charters for anglers, and guided kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tours, notably popular for exploring the sea caves at Cave Point. While not common for general point-to-point transportation, some resorts or private companies might offer limited water shuttle services to nearby islands or specific points for guests or pre-arranged groups. This is not a public transit option. Door County does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or other highly specialized, unique forms of public transport common in some other tourist destinations. Its transportation relies more on road vehicles and watercraft.

Tour Options

Guided Bus Tours: Lighthouse, fall foliage, wine/brewery tours. Need advance booking.
Boat Tours: Scenic cruises, fishing charters, guided kayak/SUP tours (e.g., Cave Point).
Water Taxis: Limited private services, not a public transit option.
Accessibility Services: Varies by attraction/business. Newer accommodations built to ADA compliance. Call ahead to confirm features.

Tour Booking

Check with the Door County Visitor Bureau or local tour operators for available options and booking details.

Water-Based Exploration

Explore scenic areas by boat or paddle, especially the unique sea caves at Cave Point.

On-Site Accessibility

Wisconsin State Parks offer accessible trails, restrooms, and picnic areas; Eagle Tower features an accessible ramp.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Driving Laws

Standard U.S. Driving laws apply. Drive on the right side of the road.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
Obey posted speed limits, which vary by area (e.g., 25-35 mph in villages, 55 mph on highways).

Road Conditions & Parking

Main highways (42 and 57) are well-maintained. Secondary roads can be narrower and winding.
During winter, snow and ice can make driving challenging; road crews regularly clear main routes.
Generally, ample free parking is available, but popular villages may have paid lots during peak season.

Bike Rental Comparison

Cruiser Bike

Comfortable for casual use, less for hills. $30-$45/day.

Hybrid/Road Bike

Versatile for paved roads/trails, efficient. $40-$55/day.

Electric Bike E-Bike

Pedal assist, good for hills/longer rides. $60-$80/day.

Mountain Bike

Durable, for rugged off-road trails. $45-$65/day.

Walking & Cycling Continued

Door County has many opportunities for walking and cycling, making it possible to explore its scenic beauty and charming villages at a slower pace.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Most villages (Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay, Egg Harbor, Baileys Harbor) are highly pedestrian-friendly.
They feature sidewalks, marked crossings, and scenic waterfront promenades.
You can easily stroll through downtown areas, browse shops, and enjoy the ambiance on foot.
Many state parks also offer extensive walking trails suitable for various fitness levels.

Walking Tour Options

Guided Tours: Some local historical societies or private guides offer guided walking tours in specific villages.
Focus on historical architecture, local lore, or ghost stories.
Self-Guided Tours: Numerous self-guided walking routes exist. Pick up maps or brochures from visitor centers.
Apps can also provide self-guided tour experiences, highlighting points of interest.

Bicycle Infrastructure & Safety

Excellent bike infrastructure: paved trails (Sunset Trail in Peninsula State Park), multi-use rail-trails (Ahnapee State Trail).
Many county roads are designated scenic bike routes, often with wider shoulders or lower traffic.
Safety Note: Some sections of State Highways 42 and 57 can have heavy traffic.

Always wear a Bicycle helmet. Obey all traffic laws and use hand signals.
Wear bright clothing and consider using lights for increased visibility.
Avoid high-speed sections of State Highways 42 and 57 where shoulders are narrow.

Packing for Cycling

Comfortable Clothing

Moisture-wicking activewear and comfortable shorts are ideal.

Hydration

Bring a reusable water bottle; stay hydrated on longer rides.

Navigation

A phone mount or GPS device for navigating trails and routes.

Driving & Parking Information

Driving Regulations

Standard U.S. Driving laws apply. Drive on the right side of the road.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
Obey posted speed limits; they vary by area (e.g., 25-35 mph in villages, 55 mph on highways).
Stop at all stop signs and yield to pedestrians.

Road Conditions & Safety

Main highways (42 and 57) are generally well-maintained.
Rural county roads can be narrower and more winding.
Be aware of deer, especially during dawn and dusk hours in rural areas.
Traffic congestion can occur on Highways 42 and 57 during peak seasons.

Winter Driving & Parking

Winter Conditions

If visiting from November to March, be prepared for challenging driving conditions due to snow and ice.

Ensure suitable tires.

Road Clearing

Road crews regularly clear main routes, but side roads may remain snow-covered for longer periods.

Check forecasts & conditions.

Parking Availability

Generally, ample free parking is available. Popular villages may have paid parking lots during peak season.

Arrive early for popular spots.

Washington Island Ferry & Car Safety

Ferry Access

The Washington Island Ferry Line provides access from Northport to Washington Island.
Vehicle reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, due to limited space.
The Northport terminal connects directly to State Highway 42.

In-Car Safety

Always be vigilant for wildlife crossings, especially deer.
A physical road atlas or pre-downloaded offline maps can be useful in areas with spotty cell service.
Drive cautiously, especially on narrower rural roads or in adverse weather.

Safety Reminders

Do not leave valuables visible in parked cars to discourage theft.
Always lock your vehicle when unattended.
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in village centers.
Exercise caution near water, especially on rugged bluffs or slippery shorelines.

Observe local fire regulations, especially during dry periods or when camping.
Pay attention to local weather alerts and advisories.
Have your health and emergency contacts readily available.
Familiarize yourself with local area-specific hazards, if any are present.

Final Tip

Rent a car if you plan to explore multiple villages or state parks. This has the most flexibility and convenience for your Door County trip.

Consider renting specific gear like kayaks or e-bikes locally to reduce packing bulk.

Getting Around Door County