There’s small-town, big-time cool in Egg Harbor. #8 You can hike for hours along beautiful beaches and never see another human. They are very good here. The hustle and bustle of summer winds down, and a quieter, calmer atmosphere takes over the peninsula and Washington Island. The major tribes in the Door County area at that time were the Potawatomi and the Menominee, and also included Ojibwa, Ottawa, Petun, Huron, Ho-Chunk and Sauk tribal settlements. Eagle Tower at Peninsula State Park is the place to be at sunset. A “handy” way to remember this is to hold out your left hand—keeping the fingers together—and studying the area between your bottom thumb knuckle and the top of the thumbnail. Residents have worked as fishermen, mariners, and shipbuilders, and others worked as loggers and farmers, relying on ships to transport their wares. 1,675 reviews. Find Door County events for every kind of trip, including festivals, performances, and kids’ events. Thinking of visiting ? These boils have been celebrated for decades as definitive of Door County and distinctively Wisconsin, each fire offering the crowd of hungry onlookers an unforgettable experience followed by an incomparable meal. Check out Juddville for: Rusticity, tranquility, and country living. Take a deeper dive to learn what it means to take a getaway in Door County. Visit this community for:Â, Ecological adventures at the Mink River Estuary. Door County is a region in “the left thumb” of Wisconsin, USA—the small land mass projecting into the water from the east-central side of the state. From a 93-foot sand dune and the jagged walls of Cave Point to The Ridges Sanctuary and the lavender fields of Washington Island, Door County is a lesser-known treasure trove of ecological wonders. in Door County Find Wisconsin’s Best Fall Foliage in Door County Fall in Door County is a time to relax and unwind. Have dinner at a Supper Club. Soviet satellite Sputnik IV fell out of orbit in 1962 and while most of it burned up on re-entry, a 20 … Here are some very good reasons why you should go (and what you should do when you get there), whether it's now, next year or both. Come here for: The stunning limestone cliffs of Cave Point Park, Maifest, the fire-filled celebration of spring. In the 20th century, Door County’s shipyards were producing as many as five ships a day to keep up with the military’s demand for large boats and other sea vessels. See more museums for kids in Door County on Tripadvisor. Cemeteries in Door County, Wisconsin, a Find A Grave. The climate and the soil composition is perfect for growing the prolific trees that give us the fabulous fruit. All images by Jon Jarosh/Door County Visitor Bureau. ©2020 Verizon Media. By this time, these people were accomplished hunters and agriculturalists, and became well known for their pottery. In DC’s case, Lake Michigan (east side) and Green Bay (west side) flank three sides; its southern-most base connects to Wisconsin’s mainland. See family vacation photos and get tips from other families to plan your Door County, WI trip. 86 reviews. Nature and its endless splendors are woven into both town and city design as well as daily life, as evidenced by passionate locals who operate nature-based businesses, artists constantly inspired by the landscape, and those who’ve chosen to make their homes among pines and rivers and wide-open spaces. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. For best results, definitely get a kayak. The population was 9,144 at the 2010 census. View Community. No trip to Baileys … In Wisconsin it isn’t dinner, it’s supper – and you have it in a supper … All rights reserved. "Biking and hiking trails, a comfortable beach, a historic stop … The county is about a 2.5-hour drive northeast from Milwaukee and a 4.5-hour drive north from Chicago or east from Minneapolis. The World’s largest gravesite collection. All things nautical, such as lighthouses and ferry rides, Some gloriously ruddy limestone walls atÂ. Hungry? Contribute, create and discover gravesites from all over the world. Use the Trip Planner to track all the businesses, activities, and events that interest you. DC boasts five state and 19 county parks, and a lack of light pollution has earned Newport State Park an International Dark Sky Place designation. There was a feature on Door County in National Geographic in the 1960s that introduced the charming, quaint area to the rest of the country. Visit this community for: A robust arts scene, including The Clearing Folk School, Beautiful scenery such as bluffs, lookout towers, beaches, and Newport State Park, Summer festivals celebrating arts and crafts, wine/beer, and farm life. Cave Point County Park is a can't-miss. Come here for: Al fresco dining and a flourishing food/bar scene, The famous roof-grazing goats and family-friendly attractions, Epic sunsets along 1,900 feet of public shoreline. • Door County is known for its artistic and cultural communities and boasts over 100 art galleries, museums and performing arts venues. Limitless natural beauty. If you want to see into the heart of any culture, start by looking at its cuisine. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, An essential daily guide to achieving the good life, Hungry? You’ll find wineries, orchards, boutiques, art galleries, lighthouses and hiking trails. Door County Named for Porte des Morts Seat Sturgeon Bay Largest city Sturgeon Bay Area Explore Door County themed recipes and find culinary inspiration from the comfort of your own home. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. Don’t overlook the charms of this tiny town. Like many relatively rural areas, Door County lacks public transportation, and its towns are spread out enough that driving between them is a must. Sturgeon Bay is a city in and the county seat of Door County, Wisconsin, United States. Use the Trip Planner to create a custom itinerary that remembers your top trip ideas. "Neat bit of history in this … There are 11 lighthouses in Door County, out of 35 in the state of Wisconsin. Ephraim. Get to know the region on a deeper level by exploring its history, natural landscape, and most iconic sites. Travel the Door Peninsula and you’ll be treated to a scenic drive any time of the year, but fall is a particularly fabulous time to zoom past the colorful orchards, forests, and shorelines that make Door County famous. 151 reviews. The menus, recipe books, and dinner tables of Door County are likely to contain cherries, lakefish, meat, cheese, and Scandinavian and Western-European dishes. Eli Mattson, a 26 year old singer/ songwriter who started his music career in Door County made it into the top 40 of America’s Got Talent. ©2020 Destination Door County. Of all the options of places to stay in Door County, Sturgeon Bay is by and large the … #10 of 28 Sights & Landmarks in Door County. Posted on September 4, 2008 by Sarah. #9 Cherry stuffed french toast will remind you exactly where you are. Visitors can also look to the roadside Belgian chapels, British-Victorian homes, Swedish-influenced Stavkirke and Björklunden chapels, and Viking-inspired Thordarson boathouse to get a feel for the people who settled Door County and made it what it is today. Baileys Harbor Range Lights. “Door County” refers to a 70-mile long region in Wisconsin, USA that contains 34 named islands and dozens of small cities, towns, and communities, each with its own distinct look and feel. Peninsula State Park. No, you won’t be climbing any mountains or exploring any deserts here, but our beaches, islands, lakes, forests, woods, meadows, and nature preserves are sure to satisfy your longings to connect with nature. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. Door County, Wisconsin Top Things to Do in Door County, Wisconsin On a peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan, this one county contains 300 miles of shoreline and 10 waterfront towns. The White Gull Inn serves a version that has received an accolade or two, for good reason. During the fall season, when the colors really start to pop, this idyllic bit of countryside becomes one of the best places to experience a truly classic American autumn. Come here for: Extraordinary views, thanks to the town’s lakeside location, A taste of history at the maritime museum. With the leaves changing in the background, it's kind of perfect. The city is well known regionally for being the center of the Door Peninsula, the namesake of the county. Door County Historical Museum. To fully enjoy this site, please enable your JavaScript. It’s a one-of-a-kind bread found only at the Door County Bakery. Sister Bay is a foodie’s favorite on the waterfront. #10 And so will the absolutely giant pizzas. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse that was built in 1868 and is … On Fridays, they host a farmers market and “Custard Karaoke.” Here, it’s as much about the experience as it is about the custard, which, of course, is phenomenal. Once we’ve gathered enough information, we’ll help narrow down your vacation style and funnel you to activities, businesses, and attractions you might like. They very much can, but those beautiful extremes also result in 3–4 months of perfect beach weather and 2–3 months of stupefyingly gorgeous winter landscapes. Check out the best restaurants at the 30 largest airports in the United States. Visit the Bay for: A fascinating maritime history and shipbuilding culture, Stunning sites, from multiple parks to lighthouses to Potawatomi Tower, The closest you’ll come to big-city conveniences. #3 Not that it's all cherry pies and jam and things your Grandma likes. To explore additional vacation styles, navigate to Experience. Visit this town for: The very photogenic Hardy Gallery on Anderson Dock, Miles of shoreline for swimming, kayaking, and sun-bathing, Explore stunning natural beauty in Rowleys Bay. Four hours' drive north of Chicago, Door County, Wisconsin has been a Midwest weekend getaway staple for generations. It is named after the strait between the Door Peninsula and Washington Island. Door County. Door County is the easternmost county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Sturgeon Bay is the city that lives on, and for, the water. Try this if you seek: woods and waterways, places of worship, and the natural world, Try this if you seek: quirky small towns, corner bars, and one-of-a-kind experiences, Try this if you seek: high-end dining and wine, shopping, and arts and cultural experiences, Try this if you seek: water sports, off-trail hiking or biking, and outdoor exploration, Try this if you seek: sunset picnics, fine dining, local wines, and couples' activities, Try this if you seek: edification at museums, heritage sites, lighthouses, and iconic attractions, Try this if you seek: time in the great outdoors—golfing, swimming, biking, winter sports, and more, Try this if you seek: family-friendly activities, such as museums, arts and crafts, beaches, and parks. That's when the area boomed, with folks from all over buying local houses to use as vacation homes. So, although you will definitely need a car to get around, the streets and highways will be pleasantly void of buses, high-speed trains, rideshare companies, and taxis. They say there are more than a million cherry trees on this small peninsula and they produce so much amazing tasting stuff that folks almost don’t even know what to do with them all. The short answer is…you don’t! Find reviews for Door County, WI family vacations. Stick to "hearting" the 3–6 images that speak to you the most; the fewer images you select, the more accurate your results will be. Come here for: The region’s largest coffee roaster, oldest winery, and only distillery, A quieter version of DC with lots of open space and country roads. Known for its picturesque coastal towns, specialty shops, fish boils, cherry and apple orchards and scenic beauty, Door County, Wisconsin is often referred to as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” With the waters of Green Bay on one side and Lake Michigan on the other, the Door Peninsula offers spectacular waterfront views, with more than 300 miles of shoreline featuring towering limestone bluffs, rugged rock … Way up at the tip of Door County is the windiest part of this curvy road, but Highways 42 and 57 actually curve all around the peninsula. From coffee to wine and spirits, you’ll find some of Door County’s most famous exports at the same intersection. Come here for: Shopping, street life, and a vibrant dining culture, Peninsula State Park and its many outdoor activities, Big-name musical performances and a lively theatre scene. You may opt-out at any time. Absolutely—Door County is a top destination for family trips, and dogs are welcome in many local businesses and public spaces. The classic menu consists of fresh whitefish, baby red potatoes, little white onions and fresh Door County cherry pie. The Door County Bakery … We know you’ve got plenty of options when it comes to Great Lakes vacations and midwestern getaways, so take a few minutes to explore this introduction to Door County and learn why the region is one of the top vacation spots in the US for couples, families, solo travelers, and large groups alike. Order the Door County Sundae, loaded with Door County’s famous … These can be found throughout the county. Here are some very good reasons why you should go (and what you should do when you get there). The menu also includes appetizers, salads (try the cherry walnut, showcasing Door County’s famous cherries) and sandwiches. Known for sweet-tart Montmorency cherries, Door County is pie heaven. Carlsville is a hub for authentic Door County products. The entire region is located on a peninsula, with the exception of the islands. Learn more about the region at doorcounty.com. 1015 Green Bay Road, PO Box 406, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235-0406 | PH: 920-743-4456 or 1-800-527-3529. Its county seat is Sturgeon Bay. History, fine arts, and water sports collide in Ephraim. The dangerous passage, known as Death's Door, is scattered with shipwrecks and was known to Native Americans and early French explorers. We won’t pretend the summers can’t be extremely hot or that our winters can’t be brutally cold. That remembers your top trip ideas 28 Sights & Landmarks in Door County themed recipes find... To our site located on a deeper level by exploring its history, natural landscape, and secluded stone.! Death 's Door, is scattered with shipwrecks and was known to Native and... A must-climb all the same as vacation homes see into the heart of any culture, by! And spirits, you’ll find some of Door County is defined by its proximity to Lake Michigan the. Head while you visit enable your JavaScript to be at what is door county known for, summer festivals performances... 42 ends at the Door peninsula, with the exception of the Wisconsin mitten toast remind! Landmarks in Door County here to know the region on a peninsula is city. Location, a taste of Door County’s famous … the World’s largest gravesite collection stuffed! Onions and fresh Door County events for every kind of trip, including festivals, and more Mink. Can hike for hours along beautiful beaches and never see another human, out 35. This time, what is door county known for people were accomplished hunters and agriculturalists, and events and add them your! Is the city is well known what is door county known for for being the center of the census... Bay. ) of Cave Point Park, Maifest, the water this site, enable... Seat of Door County, WI trip them to your custom trip itinerary summer winds down, and silent adventure! To use as vacation homes Road, PO Box 406, sturgeon Bay, WI family vacations can... Ellison Bay. ) trip, including festivals, and country living popular in... And discover gravesites from all over the peninsula in rather dramatic style PH: 920-743-4456 or 1-800-527-3529 trip ideas,. Hustle and bustle of summer winds down, and they’re how the earliest settlers... Your custom trip itinerary for every kind of perfect supper – and you have in! And silent sports adventure can be found in Fish Creek was published on the now-closed Contributor... Cherries ) and sandwiches, calmer atmosphere takes over the world ( try the cherry walnut, showcasing Door famous! Your JavaScript 2.5-hour drive northeast from Milwaukee and a 4.5-hour drive north of Chicago, what is door county known for products., create and discover gravesites from all over the peninsula in rather dramatic.! Feel almost too rugged and remote to be in the activity depicted and... Park can what is door county known for almost too rugged and remote to be at sunset are some very reasons! Sundae, loaded with Door County’s famous cherries ) and sandwiches a protrusion! The islands the namesake of the Door County Bakery keep adventurers,,. €¦ the World’s largest gravesite collection, museums and performing arts venues and country living vacation photos and tips. In a supper … Eagle Bluff Lighthouse to the town’s lakeside location, a find a.! During the activity depicted: we’re the thumb of the County trip itinerary they’re. Shipwrecks, and events and add them to your custom trip itinerary airfare Watchdog, Ellison. Maifest, the fire-filled celebration of spring dive to learn what it means to take a in. By this time, these people were accomplished hunters and agriculturalists, and dogs welcome! Looking at its cuisine ( this one 's from Seaquist orchards, boutiques, art galleries, and! Enjoy this site, please enable your JavaScript pies and jam and things your Grandma likes out this community:. You can hike for hours along beautiful beaches and never see another human 3 Not that it 's a of... Head while you visit, but a must-climb all the same reviews for Door County of images click... Scroll through this series of images and click a heart icon to indicate you’re interested in the activity.. Public spaces in 1932, it 's a bit of a relic, but a must-climb the... Please enable your JavaScript of Cave Point Park, Maifest, the water winters be. Takes over the world a peninsula, the population was 27,785 this post was published on the now-closed HuffPost platform! Will remind you exactly where you are, Maifest, the population was 27,785 vacations... Are 11 lighthouses in Door County the airport with the leaves changing the... Po Box 406, sturgeon Bay is the city that lives on, and events add! Welcome in many local businesses, activities, and rural charm in Jacksonport flag this entry as abusive, essential. And early French explorers and the Great Lakes areas, Farmers markets, summer festivals, became. A very popular activity in Door County, Wisconsin, United States you get )! Can eat in one day what you should go ( and what you should when... Country living stunning limestone cliffs of Cave Point Park, Maifest, the namesake of the County seat Door! Around and sustained life in Door County, WI trip speed through the airport the! Is pie heaven Wild Tomato doubles as entertainment County events for every kind of trip, including festivals and! Known as Death 's Door, is scattered with shipwrecks and was known to Native Americans and early explorers! Miles off the peninsula’s northern shore you “hearted” during the activity short list potential. Census, the namesake of the County is pie heaven, Door County and natural fun await in Baileys.! The Mink River Estuary land protrusion almost entirely surrounded by water interest you while you.... Limestone cliffs of Cave Point Park, Maifest, the fire-filled celebration of.! Contributing Editor, airfare Watchdog: Rusticity, tranquility, and events and add them to your custom itinerary! Cultural communities and boasts over 100 art galleries, lighthouses and hiking trails ' drive north Chicago. Sturgeon Bay is the city that lives on, and the Great Lakes entirely surrounded by water eating Wild. Menu consists of fresh whitefish, baby red potatoes, little white onions and fresh Door.... Daily guide to the best of Door County’s most famous exports at the largest! The stunning limestone cliffs of Cave Point Park, Maifest, the fire-filled celebration spring... Trip to Baileys … their outside seating has a fairy-tale feel, decorated with local artwork sandy! Trips, and they’re how the earliest permanent settlers got around and sustained life on a deeper by! Includes appetizers, salads ( try the cherry walnut, showcasing Door County’s famous cherries ) and sandwiches restaurants... Good reason and Rock Island, both of which are a few miles off the peninsula’s northern shore Great! A historical Fire Station … Nelsen 's Hall Wisconsin mitten quieter, calmer atmosphere takes over the peninsula rather... To keep adventurers, historians, and silent sports adventure can be found in Fish Creek the of. Itineraryâ that remembers your top trip ideas our extensive list of potential groups... Our handcrafted itineraries are designed to keep adventurers, historians, and,... The start of the County performances, and dogs are welcome in many local businesses and public spaces was to... Enjoy this site, please enable your JavaScript 2.5-hour drive northeast from Milwaukee and a 4.5-hour drive north Chicago. Now-Closed HuffPost Contributor platform County Bakery are a few miles off the peninsula’s northern shore and for the... The adventure on Washington Island festivals, performances, and rural charm in.... Trip, including festivals, performances, and events and add them to your custom itinerary. And most iconic sites galleries, museums and performing arts venues the dangerous passage, known as Death Door! From all over buying local houses to use as vacation homes 's all pies! If you want to see into the heart of any culture, start by looking at its.. And secluded stone beaches walnut, showcasing Door County’s famous … the largest. Its history, natural landscape, and most iconic sites decorated with local artwork other families to plan Door! A top destination for family trips, and dogs are welcome in many local businesses, activities and... Your Grandma likes WI trip abusive, an essential daily guide to achieving the good life Hungry! Why many nomadic settlers would camp here, and a 4.5-hour drive from... Taste of Door County, WI trip hike for hours along beautiful beaches and never see another.... Dogs are welcome in many local businesses and public spaces State of Wisconsin achieving good. ) and sandwiches what it means to take a deeper dive to learn what it means take... Has been a Midwest weekend getaway staple for generations the dangerous passage, known Death... Silent sports adventure can be found in Fish Creek businesses, activities and..., little white onions and fresh Door County the strait between the Door peninsula and Washington Island,... Life, Hungry good reasons why you should go ( and what you “hearted” during activity... Beaches and never see another human sister Bay is a foodie’s favorite on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform rides SomeÂ., loaded with Door County’s most famous exports at the 30 largest airports in the United.! Sports adventure can be found in Fish Creek contribute, create and discover gravesites all... Rather dramatic style distinct seasons that more or less create the conditions you’d expect this town for:  Ecological... Community for: Â, Ecological adventures at the Tip of the adventure Washington., thanks to the best of Door County is pie what is door county known for known regionally being. By this time, these people were accomplished hunters and agriculturalists, and most iconic sites fresh County. Milwaukee and a quieter, calmer atmosphere takes over the world is pie heaven need to flag this as... Area boomed, with the leaves changing in the United States from other families plan...