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25 Things to Do in Door County This Fall!
Be In the Know Before You Go ™!

Fall for Door County!  Door County is one of the best places to be in the Fall – so make sure you spend some time and come on up.  And think about coming up for a mid-week trip – avoid the busy weekends, get some great deals, and truly relax!  Here are a few things to help as a guide!  And please, please, please tell any and all of these businesses that you found them on DoorCountyNavigator.com – that helps us and them and you!

Be In the Know Before You Go ™!  Our suggestion is to spend time reading our reviews.  We have done the legwork, so you can find the best.  Also, watch as many videos as you can to get ideas, and to see first-hand (we shot ‘em) what we see!

1. Trolley Tour:  Hop aboard the Door County Trolley that leaves from Orchard Country, about a half-mile south of Fish Creek!  For 45 minutes, AJ and crew will entertain you, and show you some spectacular sites – some panoramas that are breathtaking anytime, but especially in the Fall!  This is a must!  Check their site for special Fall Getaway Outings!  Give AJ a call (and tell him we sent you!) at 920-828-1100.  They also run Ghost Tours, Lighthouse Tours and more.

2. Make Your Own Art!  The Hands-On Art Studio offers a unique blend of gallery and art that you can create.  You can paint ceramics, glass, shirts, ornaments, light switch plates, metal art and a lot more.  We have done it a few times, and enjoyed each time a lot – the fun is not only in the doing, but also in the keepsake treasure you have created.  Kids of all ages (read: adults too) love this place!  Create your art this Fall at:

Hands On Art Studio
3655 Peninsula Players Rd
Fish Creek
920-868-9311

Please tell Cy you read about them on our site!

3. Go Kayaking!  Contact Bayshore Outdoor Store and you will have one spectacular time in the fall, seeing Door County like you have never seen it before!

4. Animal Farms / Petting Zoos! For the kids in all of us, visit a petting zoo or animal farm!  This is great fun, and we have gone to both many times!  Feed the goats, see dozens of animals up close, play, enjoy the fresh air!

  • The Farm
    4285 Hwy 57
    (4 Miles North of Sturgeon Bay)
    920-743-6666
  • Plum Loco Animal Farm
    4431 Plum Bottom  Road
    Egg  Harbor
    920-743-1617
5. Winery Tour:  While you’re at Orchard Country take a wine tour!  On a cold Fall day, fall into Door Peninsula Winery, or Simon Creek Winery & Vineyard – spectacular! 

Watch our Winery Tour Video!

6. Driving Tour!  This is fun!  Do a driving tour through the center of the peninsula.  Try to stay off Hwy 42 and Hwy 57 for as long as possible - the center is gorgeous with color, hills, and beautiful patches of trees and fields.  Take a ride up County A and take a few turns here and there. Explore roads you were never on before, and the sites will reward you!  If you are heading north of Fish Creek from Egg Harbor, head East on Hwy E to County A.  Take a left on A (heading north) and follow it all the way to Hwy 42 – you will find yourself past all the Fish Creek traffic, north of town.  Take a right and continue north of Hwy 42.  It’s a short cut, and a beautiful one!  Try lots of different interior roads – you won’t get too lost!

7. Festivals! The Fall of course is a great time for the Fall Festivals in Egg Harbor (Pumpkin Patch, October 10th – 11th ) and on Washington Island Cider Pressing & Fall Fest (October 10th-11h) and Sister Bay (October 16th – 18th).  Check our Calendar of Events for more details.  The Fests are a delight for all ages – we love Pumpkin Patch in Egg Harbor!

8. Like beer?  Well, you must sit out on the patio on a nice crisp, fall day and have a pumpkin beer at Shipwrecked in Egg Harbor – it’s a nice treat.  Shipwrecked is at 7791 Egg Harbor Rd, in the heart of Egg Harbor.  A huge grayish/blue building with a large outdoor patio in front.  We like the beer – they make a variety of 6 all together. 920-868-3036.

See our Egg Harbor Look-Around Video!

9. Mini-Golf: You can still mini-golf on the weekends, so have a nice cup of coffee and head out to one of four nice courses: Egg Harbor Fun Park (excellent course, with a huge indoor arcade too!),  Pirate’s Cove or Johnson’s Park in Sister Bay, or The Red Putter!

10. Carriage Ride Anyone?  Take a romantic carriage ride with John Mayberry!  You can find John in Ephraim in the evenings, or catch him at one of the festivals where he does wagon rides, and set one up!  You can always call John to set up a carriage ride ahead of time, or at least find out his schedule, at 920-743-2352.  We have taken many, many rides aboard his wagons, sleighs and carriages – picture perfect!

11. Spa!  Massage! Treat yourself to luxury at the Lavender Spa ~ Egg Harbor – from facials, therapeutic body massages, wonderful skin products and more!  Or try  The Spa at Sacred Grounds in Ephraim   Check them out – you will enjoy!  We always do!

12. Charter Fish And Cruises!  You can take a fall excursion and catch some salmon!  A great family adventure, and great for the serious fisherman.  Check for special times/outings in Fall - call ahead! Try

    • Sail Door County
      Sister Bay Marina
      920-495-SAIL (7245)
    • Stiletto Sailing Cruises
      at South Shore Pier
      9993 Hwy 42
      Ephraim
      920-854-7245
    • Wisconsin Water Wings
      South Shore Pier
      9993 Hwy 42
      Ephraim
      920-854-9000
    • Shoreline Charters / Scenic Cruises
      Departing from Sister Bay Village Marina or Gills Rock
      PO Box 946
      Sister Bay, WI.  54234
      920- 854-4707
    • Andy’s Silver Strike Charter Fishing
      At the Baileys Harbor Municipal Marina
      Baileys Harbor
      920-854-6069
    • Hitman Charters
      At the Leathem Smith Lodge & Marina
      Sturgeon Bay
      920-609-7788
      920-609-3940
    • Hooked Up Sportfishing Charters
      6512 County  C
      Sturgeon Bay
      920-495-5586
13. Fresh Pies!  Well, you’re in the right place – go to Sweetie Pies in Fish Creek for some of the best pies around – lots of varieties.  Read our review – we love this place!  Tell Dave and the gang we sent you! 

Watch out 12 second video!

14. Horse Back Riding:  What better time to take a ride down a beautiful trail on horse back than in the fall, in one of the most beautiful places on earth!  Call ahead to check schedules and times they are open, but here are some riding places sure to please:

  • Kurtz Corral
    5712 Howard Lane
    Sturgeon Bay
    920-743-6742
    1-800-444-0469

  • Ahnapee Ranch
    6875 Tagge Rd
    Sturgeon Bay
    920-743-2715
  • Field Wood Farm Ltd.
    RR 1, Box 225, West Harbor Rd
    Washington Island
    920-847-2490

15. Shops!  Visit a few key shops for things from holiday items to great clothing, fine art and other unusual things!
            Try these shops for sure:

  • How about some wonderful clothing?
    • Wilkins & Olander in Fish Creek and Sturgeon Bay has wonderful clothing and accessories for women.  Great lines, like Vera Bradley(tm) Pandora(tm) jewelry, fill the shops. We have personally shopped here many times.   Friendly staff and great selection of fine things for you!  Make this a stop for sure!   Read our review,  
      • Main St, Founder’s Square
        Fish Creek
        920-868-3168
      • 120 N 3rd
        Sturgeon Bay
        800-926-3610
    • Hideside Outfitters offers the finest selection of leather and outerwear garments we have found!  We have shopped in these stores many times, to our complete satisfaction.  You can find them and their friendly staff at.  Read our Review or visit their website now – make them a destination stop!  They also offer many home accents and accessories!
      • Hideside Corner Store

(their new corner shop in Fish Creek)
     9413 Hwy 42, Fish Creek 54212
     (920) 868-2333 Voice
     (920) 868-1816 Fax

    • On Deck – this is one fabulous shop for men and women!  Actually. It’s several fabulous shops!  Read our Review for some outstanding clothing!  Put this one on your ‘things-to-do list” – you’ll be happy you did.
        • The Lower Deck
          Lower Level of Fish Creek Market
          (next door to On Deck Fish Creek)
          4164 Main St. (Hwy 42)
          Fish Creek
          920-868-9091 ext. 7

           
          On Deck Clothing Company
          In Downtown Fish Creek
          4168 Main St. (Hwy 42)
          Fish Creek
          920-868-9091 x 1
        • On Deck Clothing Company
          At the corner of 3rd and Jefferson
          265 North 3rd Avenue
          Sturgeon Bay
          920-743-8778

           
          On Deck Clothing Company
          Across from the Sister Bay Bowl
          10635 N. Bay Shore Drive
          Sister Bay, WI  54234
          920-854-2607
    • To Your Health!

Head to Greens N Grains in Egg Harbor for all your healthful, natural eating needs!  And now they have a raw foods deli and juice bar.  Tell Kathy and the crew we sent you - we love this shop! 

    • Just fun stuff! 
  • Gomy’s Goodies – in Egg Harbor – some of the best fudge and other fun candies and ice cream around!
  • Double Delites – stop in,  in Egg Harbor for authentic Gelato (just like in Italy) – awesome!
  • The Dancing Bear – full of fun things for adults and kids – books, puzzles, ceramics and more!

    13 N 3rd Av
    Sturgeon Bay
    920-746-5223

  • Copper Kettle Confections in Sturgeon Bay – Yes – homemade gourmet fudge, chocolates, and caramel corns in lots of varieties.  Get a 10% discount coupon in the review we wrote!  Tell Terry we said Hi!                    

16. Art!  You are in the right place for art!  Take the time to visit the many art galleries in the towns.  There are so many high-quality galleries, each is like visiting an art museum.   See the festivals too for special showings!

  • Dovetail Gallery – in Egg Harbor great art, wonderful folks (Kathy and Tom), and egg art like you would not believe!  Wow!  Look for the big Egg mailbox on the west side of Hwy 42, near E!
  • One of our favorites in Hanseatic Art Gallery in Ephraim.  Spectacular work by Karsten Topelmann and his wife Ellen Sprogo-Topelmann.  What a team!   Call for hours, but you can find them at:

3060 Hwy Q
P.O. Box 13
Ephraim
920-854-4312

  • In Sturgeon Bay, AMO Gallery & Framery also has a wonderful collection of art, and Audrey herself is an artist.  They do custom framing too, and also sell the Habour House collection of lighthouses and figurines. 
  • Also, beautiful watercolors at Ed Fenendael Watercolor Excitement at 3829 Fairview Road in Bailey's Harbor -
    920-868-9282.

Check our Gallery page for many other listings.

Be sure to check the line up for Fall Art Festivals, like the Townline Art Fair, October 7th in Ephraim.

17. Museums!  See our listings of museums, but try to stop by

Door County Historical Museum
18 N 4th Ave
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-5809

This is such a nice history of Door County, presented through artifacts and effective displays. Knowledgeable and friendly people are on hand too.  Truly a little delight!  The Chicago Tribune once rated it one of the best little museums in the Midwest.  We do too!

Try also

The Miller Art Museum
107 S 4th Ave
Sturgeon Bay
920-746-0707

Gerhard Miller, one of the true Door County artists, just passed away at age 100, and he was still creating art.

The William S. Fairfield Art Museum
242 Michigan St
Sturgeon Bay
920-746-0001
A wonderful museum with rotating art show and more – wonderful!

18. B&B Anyone?  Door County has some of the best B&Bs and B&B-type inns in the Midwest, and probably the entire country.  We have reviewed virtually all of these, so check them out!  We like every one of them.  These are all truly wonderful places – see which one you like best, and call right now to see if you can get a room!

Food & Wine!
Top Shelf Gourmet and Café! Get cozy on a cool Fall day, curl up with a book in front of a fireplace, have some Door County or other wine that you can pick up for Top Shelf Gourmet and Café in Sister Bay (country Walk Shops) – this is a GREAT shop with gourmet cheeses, wines, sauces, and a lot more!  Read our Review!

Also, you will find a huge selection of wines and foods at Main Street Market in Egg Harbor – great folks and great selection!
Or visit a fine winery too!

Other Unique Places to Stay:
A super, completely different motel awaits you at Main Street Motel, 4209 Main St., Fish Creek 920-868-2201, or By-The-Bay Motel  or Cedar Court Inn also in Fish Creek.  Also try the Ephraim Shores Motel and Restaurant in Ephraim!  Or try the Lull-Abi Inn in Egg Harbor, or even the Egg Harbor Lodge (one of the best water views in Door County).  In Ellison Bay, try the Parkside Inn.  Try Journey's End Motel & Cabins in Baileys Harbor, or traditional cottages at Ephraim Village Cottages.   
                                                                                          
Or try Homestead Suites in Fish Creek for a unique experience.

Want a gorgeous cottage in Ephraim?  More nice cottages are found at Pioneer Acre Cottages!  A gorgeous log home on Baileys Harbor?  All yours at Bella Villa II Log Home.

Great Cabins!  And here are some great cabins, far from the madding crowd: check out Cole’s Rowleys Bay Cabins and Read our Review!  And check out Clark Lake Waterfront Cottages in Jacksonport – and Read our Review!  Rent a home in Baileys Harbor

Some great value places too like Lull-Abi Inn in Egg Harbor, or Village View, Nordic Lodge, and Coachlite Inn all in Sister Bay, Baileys Harbor Sunset Motel & Cottages, Journeys end Motel & Cabins (in Baileys Harbor), the Voyager Inn in Sister Bay

Camping Anyone?  The State Parks (like Peninsula) are awesome.  So is Door County Camping Retreat in Egg Harbor, where you can get campsites, or camping cabins!  Very cool!  Read our Review!  Or try Beantown Campground in Baileys Harbor, or Wagon Trail Campground in Rowleys Bay.   Check out our reviews of these camp grounds.

19. Resort Life for you?  Try any of these resorts/inns that we have reviewed – you will not be disappointed!  Call for hours of operation, winter hours if any, and availability.

20. Look for Your Dream Property!  Fall and Winter are a good time to take the time to look for that right piece of land, or that right house or condo in Door County.  Some of the best real estate agencies and property opportunities are right here, so if you are interested in spend a half a day or so this Fall looking into a dream, check out these fine real estate opportunities:

  • Coldwell Banker
    Door County Horizons
    4086 Main St
    Fish Creek
    920-868-2373

Also at:

30 N 18th Avenue
Building #9
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-8881

    Read our Review!

Read our Review!

  • Betty Tipler/Century 21 Action Group
    4859 S. Cave Point Dr
    920-743-7327
    888-743-7327
    Sturgeon Bay
  • Century 21 Action Realty Group - Cindy Koutnik
    4050 Hwy 42/57
    Sturgeon Bay
    920-743-6906
    920-493-4500 (Mobile)
  • Washington Island Realty, Inc.
    1911 Lobdell Point Road
    (RR 1 Box 260)
    Washington Island
    866-847-9473
  • Leif Lautenbach/Sarkis & Associates Realtors

5051 Horseshoe Bay Rd
Egg Harbor
920-493 8845
Read our Review!

21. Performing Arts!  

Take in the last of the Peninsula Players works (Closes October 17th this year) at
Peninsula Players Theatre
Peninsula Players Rd (off Hwy 42, on bay side)
Fish Creek
920-868-3287

Fabulous, on the water theater (bring a sweater in Fall!) – always wonderful performances and just a plain great theater experience.  Check with them for schedules and final performances.  If you miss the final Fall performance, keep this in mind next summer.  Wonderful in the Fall!

See what’s happening at TAP (Third Avenue Playhouse)
Third Avenue Playhouse
239 N. 3rd. Ave
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-1760

Check our Performing Arts section for more listings and links!

22. Go Antiquing!  There are many fine antique shops and antique malls in Door County, and Fall is a perfect time for antiquing!  We have shopped and purchased antiques from several dealers here, with complete satisfaction.  Bay Trading, Olde Orchard and Peninsula Antique center are all indoor “mall” type places – great – lots of treasure.  Cornerstone has tons of primitives.  So, check out these places!  More are listed on our Antiques page!

A Summer Cottage
7445 Hwy 57
Baileys Harbor
Call for Hours/Appointment:
920-868-2430

Bailey's Barn Antiques & Gifts
10079 Hwy 57
Baileys Harbor
920-854-2412

The Bay Trading Company
7376 Hwy 42
Egg Harbor (South of Downtown)
920-868-2648

Chelsea Antiques
10002 Hwy 57
Sister Bay
920-854-4828

City Farmer
(used to be The Red Barn)
10432 Hwy 42
Ephraim
920-854-7501

Cornerstone Antiques
6960 Hwy 42
Egg Harbor
888-495-3005
920-868-3005

Jefferson Street Antiques
709 Jefferson St.
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-7242

LaMere House Antiques
6329 Hwy 57
Jacksonport
920-823-2150

Olde Orchard Antique Mall
7381 Hwy 42
Egg Harbor
(about 1 mi South of Downtown)
920-868-3685

Peninsula Antique Center
7150 Hwy 42
Egg Harbor
(South of Downtown)
920-868-3360

23. Something for your home?  We have found a few really nice, and something special kind of shops in Door County where you can find a treasure or two for your Door County home, or your home-home!  Nice to do on a chilly or rainy Fall day.  So when you are passing through these towns, stop in and check out these shops of interest, with lots of intriguing things!

  • Hide Side Corner Store
    9413 Hwy 42, Fish Creek 54212
    (920) 868-2333 Vx
    (920) 868-1816 Fx
  • Door County Nature Works
    7798 Hwy 42 (Granary Shops)
    Egg harbor
    920-868-2651

Door County Nature Works is another great place with lots of cabin and lodge type items, great furniture and accent pieces – very woodsy.  Look for the big wooden carved bear out in front!

  • Champeau

945 S Bay Shore Drive
Sister Bay
920-854-2842
Paint center, floor & wall tile, etc.

24. Eating Out - Restaurants – OK, we have to say something about restaurants.  You’re up here in the Fall and you want to know where you might dine and have a very nice meal.  Here are a few suggestions where you might find us! 

25. Take A Cooking Class!  Check out Savory Spoon in Ellison Bay or classes at the Inn at Kristofer’s!  Check our Cooking Lessons page!

This is a start – there are lots more things to do!  Like Bike, Hike, take a tour by air and a whole lot more!  Have a great time this Fall, in Door County.  So Fall for Door County on the Door County Peninsula!



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