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Things to Do in Door County

Things to Do in Door County

Door County Wisconsin, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Door County's natural landscape invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore its diverse terrain, from towering bluffs to serene waterways.

Adventure Sports

Hiking & Trekking

Routes range from easy paved loops in Peninsula State Park (Sunset Trail) to moderate trails at Whitefish Dunes, and difficult, rugged sections in some state parks.

Water Sports

Kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding in sea caves at Cave Point, tranquil Europe Lake, or Mink River Estuary. Boating, sailing, and fishing are popular on Green Bay and Lake Michigan.

Adrenaline Experiences

Zip-lining at Door County Adventure Center. Limited rock climbing opportunities on some bluffs, generally needing special permits and guides.

Nature & Wildlife

  • Cycling: Paved trails (Peninsula State Park's Sunset Trail), scenic road cycling (County A and F), and mountain biking (Peninsula State Park).
  • Wildlife: Deer are common. Various bird species are abundant, especially during migration (Ridges Sanctuary, Newport State Park, Mink River Estuary).
  • Birdwatching: Door County sits on a major migratory bird flyway, making it a prime destination for birdwatching.
  • Stargazing: Newport State Park is Wisconsin's only Dark Sky Park, offering exceptional stargazing.

Fish Boil Experience

  • The most iconic culinary event.
  • Fresh whitefish boiled outdoors over a fire.
  • Includes dramatic "boil over".
  • Often served with cherry pie.

Camping Immersion

  • Primitive sites to full-service RV hookups.
  • State Parks (Peninsula, Potawatomi) are popular.
  • Newport offers primitive, backpack-in camping.
  • Private campgrounds have amenities like pools.

Boating & Sailing

  • Marinas throughout the county support boaters.
  • Charter a scenic cruise on Green Bay.
  • Enjoy peaceful sailing or faster exploration.
  • Experience the waters from an unique vantage.

Winter Precautions

For ice fishing, always verify ice conditions and safety guidelines before venturing onto frozen bays.

Cultural Immersion

Immerse yourself in Door County's rich culture. Participate in workshops, performances, and local events that celebrate its heritage and artistic spirit.

Workshops & Learning

  • The Clearing Folk School (Ellison Bay): Offers adult residential workshops in arts, crafts, writing, and nature.
  • Peninsula School of Art (Fish Creek): Has workshops and classes for all ages in painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography.
  • Local Studios: Many art galleries and individual artist studios may have one-off workshops or open studio days.
  • Community-Based Tourism: Support local artists by purchasing directly from galleries and studios.

Performances & Festivals

Live Theater

Northern Sky Theater (original musicals) and Peninsula Players Theatre (professional summer theater) offer Broadway-caliber productions.

Music Venues

Birch Creek Music Performance Center (jazz, classical, big band) and Door Community Auditorium (diverse touring acts and local events).

Cultural Festivals

Fyr Bal Festival (Ephraim, June), Door County Lighthouse Festival (June), Door County Folk Festival (Sturgeon Bay, July).

Music Performances

Enjoy jazz, classical, and big band performances at Birch Creek Music Performance Center, or touring acts at Door Community Auditorium.

Summer Theater

Experience high-quality productions at America's oldest professional resident summer theater, Peninsula Players Theatre, or Northern Sky Theater's original musicals.

Cultural Food Experiences

The traditional Door County Fish Boil is a cultural performance with storytelling. Attend community events and festivals that often highlight seasonal produce or traditional dishes.

Relaxation & Wellness

Door County has many opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. You can unwind amid its serene natural beauty.

Spa & Wellness

  • Several resorts and independent businesses provide spa services, massages, and various wellness treatments.
  • Many resorts offer on-site spa facilities (e.g., in Fish Creek, Sister Bay, or Sturgeon Bay).
  • Yoga & Meditation: Local yoga studios offer drop-in classes. Inns or resorts may host retreats.
  • Natural Therapy: Door County does not have natural hot springs or specific natural therapy options like mud baths or mineral springs.

Beach & Pool Access

Public Beaches

Public beaches in Sister Bay, Egg Harbor, and others are free to access. They provide ample space for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing by the water.

Resort Pools

Many resorts feature indoor and/or outdoor pools for guests. Some private beach clubs or resorts might offer day passes.

Quiet Relaxation

Enjoy a quiet afternoon with a book on a sandy stretch of shoreline for a peaceful retreat.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music

Numerous restaurants and bars, especially in Sister Bay, Fish Creek, and Egg Harbor, feature live music during peak season.

Theater & Performances

Professional summer theaters (Peninsula Players, Northern Sky Theater) and the Door Community Auditorium host a variety of shows.

Bars & Pubs

Nightlife leans towards relaxed bars and pubs. Sister Bay has the highest concentration for "pub crawls." Late-night options are limited after 10-11 PM, especially off-season.

Shopping & Markets

Door County has diverse shopping, from traditional farmers markets to unique artisan studios and boutiques. You find something for every taste, whether seeking local specialties or fine art.

Local Goods

  • Farmers Markets: Found in most villages during warmer months. They offer fresh local produce, baked goods, and artisanal products.
  • Farm Stands/Orchards: Purchase fresh cherries, apples, and a wide array of related products like jams, jellies, and ciders.
  • Artisan Workshops & Crafts: Numerous galleries and studios throughout the peninsula. Showcase local pottery, glasswork, paintings, and jewelry.
  • Souvenirs: Cherry products (jams, wine, fudge), local beverages, Wisconsin cheese, lighthouse replicas, local art, apparel.

Boutique & Ethical Shopping

Luxury & Boutique

Concentrated in Fish Creek, Egg Harbor, and Sister Bay. These shops offer upscale clothing, home goods, unique gifts, and specialty food items.

Ethical Guidelines

Prioritize purchasing directly from local artists and producers. Look for "Made in Door County" or "Wisconsin Grown" labels to support the local economy.

Shipping

Many shops offer shipping services for domestic travelers. International visitors should be aware of customs regulations for food and alcohol.

Farmers Markets

  • Available in most villages.
  • Operate during warmer months (May-Oct).
  • Offer fresh local produce and baked goods.
  • A direct connection to local growers.

Artisan Studios

  • Galleries and studios dot the peninsula.
  • Showcase local pottery, glasswork, paintings.
  • Many artists have open studios.
  • Purchase directly from the creator.

Cherry Products

  • Jams, jellies, and pie filling.
  • Cherry wine and cherry salsa.
  • Dried cherries and cherry fudge.
  • Iconic edible souvenirs.

Shopping Tips

Support Local
  • Buy directly from local artists and producers.
  • Look for "Made in Door County" or "Wisconsin Grown" labels.
  • This helps preserve the unique character of the peninsula.
Shipping & Customs
  • Many shops offer shipping services for domestic travelers.
  • International visitors should be aware of home country customs regulations for food and alcohol.
  • Declare all purchases to customs.

Local Art

Consider purchasing a piece of local art directly from a gallery or studio. This supports local artists and provides an unique souvenir.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Activity Options

  • Hiking: Diverse trails from easy to difficult in state parks.
  • Water Sports: Kayaking, canoeing, SUP, boating, sailing, and fishing on bays and lakes.
  • Winter Sports: Ice fishing when conditions allow.
  • Cycling: Paved trails, scenic road routes, and mountain biking.

Cultural & Leisure Pursuits

  • Cultural Performances: Summer theater, live music, and various performing arts.
  • Workshops: Arts, crafts, writing, and nature studies at The Clearing Folk School or Peninsula School of Art.
  • Relaxation: Spa services, yoga, and unwinding at public beaches or resort pools.
  • Shopping: Farmers markets, artisan studios, and boutique shops with local specialties.