Door County Wisconsin's Premier Vacation Guide
Things to Do
Want to capture some winter magic, like you see in movies or read about in books? You must try Door County in the Winter, because once you have been here in the Winter, you will indeed return! There’s plenty to do and nothing to do, all at the same time. Winter is truly the “quiet season”, so plan to enjoy the tranquil times the Door County Peninsula has to offer, where both traveler and resident are at ease, have time to relax and talk, and have fun! So here are some of the things you should try out this Winter in Door County
1. Winter Breakfast! One of our favorite things-to-do! Is there anything cozier that a nice warm winter breakfast at an old inn? You remember pictures from story books, or Currier and Ives prints? Well, imagine no more and live it! Get yourself to the White Gull Inn in Fish Creek – there simply is no better place for a Winter breakfast! The Inn was built in 1896, and is a wonderful country experience as the snow is falling and drifting outside while you watch through the windowpanes from a warm and cozy inside with great people, great food, super atmosphere, and a roaring fire! Best table in the house for this: as you enter the dining room, the corner table by the windows to the left! Don't miss this Winter experience - you will love it! We love this place!
Also, catch Winter Concerts at the White Gull Inn, at 8PM
Dates of event:
1/12/11: Lou and Peter Berryman
2/02/11: John McCutcheon
2/16/11: Antje Duvekot
3/02/11: The Waymores
4/06/11: The Honey DewDrops
Call 920-868-3517 or 888-364-9542. http://www.whitegullinn.com/concerts.html - Please tell them that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!
2. How about a Winter Wonderland Tour? Check out Door County Trolley for lots of winter fun! Like a WINTER WONDERLAND TOUR! Trolley guests will tour/taste at an award winning winery, followed by a cozy sleigh ride through the Door’s most wintery landscape. Top it all off with a fireside lunch at the wonderful White Gull Inn. Call 920-868-1100 for reservations. Info at www.doorcountytrolley.com . $58 per person (plus tax). Includes trolley transportation, fireside lunch, and sleigh ride. Limited seating available. See our Review of Door County Trolley! And tell them DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!
2010-2011 Dates
JANUARY: Saturday January 1st, 9th, 15th, 22nd, and 26th, 2011.
FEBRUARY: Saturday February 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th, 2011MARCH: Saturday March 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th.
3. Stay at a wonderful B&B or Inn! There are many beautiful inns in Door County, and we have reviewed quite a few on our website here including all of these below (or go to our page where you can Read our Reviews of all of these inns).
Some of our highly recommended inns include (please make sure to tell them you saw them on DoorCountyNavigator.com - that helps keep the site fresh and viable!):
Fish Creek
The White Gull Inn: Andy or Jan at 920-868-3517
Thorp House: Christine at 920-868-2444
Ephraim
Eagle Harbor Inn: Natalie or Nedd at 920-854-2121, 800-324-5427
Village Green Lodge: Sue or Steve: 920-854-2515, 800-471-8277
Lodgings at Pioneer Lane: Hugh or Alicia: 920-854-7656
Sturgeon Bay
The White Lace Inn: Dennis or Bonnie at 920-743-1105
Reynolds House: Heather at 920-746-9771
Scofield House: Vickie or Dan at 920-743-7727
Black Walnut Guest House: Geri or Mike: 920-743-8892
The Chanticleer Guest House: Darrin or Bryon: 920-746-0334
Inn at Cedar Crossing: Steve or Kelly at 920-743-4200
Baileys Harbor
Inn at Windmill Farm: Ed: 920-868-9282
Blacksmith Inn on the Shore: Joan or Bryan at 800-769-8619
Egg Harbor
Cornerstone Suites: Leif: 888-495-3005 or 920-868-3005
Door County Lighthouse Inn: Claire and Frank: 920-868-9088
The Feathered Star: Sandy at 877-743-4066 or 920-743-4066
Wildflower BYB & Shoppe: Judy: 920-868-9030
Other really nice places to stay are:
Baileys Harbor
The Baileys Harbor Yacht Club in Baileys Harbor: 920-839-2336
Baileys Harbor Ridges Resort: 930-839-2127
Gordon Lodge: 920-839-2331
Sturgeon Bay
The Westwood Shores Waterfront Resort in Sturgeon Bay: 920-746-4057
Bridgeport Waterfront Resort, in Sturgeon Bay: 920-746-9919
Glidden Lodge in Sturgeon Bay: Bill at 920-746-3900
Sister Bay
Country House Resort in Sister Bay: Joan or Jerry at 800-424-0041
Open Hearth Lodge: 920-854-4890
Pheasant Park Resort in Sister Bay: Michelle at 800-392-3921
Scandinavian Lodge in Sister Bay: call 888-645-6343
Birchwood Lodge in Sister Bay: Mary at 866-854-7195
Egg Harbor
Newport Resort in Egg Harbor: Sandy: 920-868-9900, 800-468-6160
Bay Point Inn: 800-707-6660
Door County Bluff House: 847-778-3202
Fish Creek
Hilltop Inn in Fish Creek: Kelly: 888-868-3556
Homestead Suites: Paul or Kevin: 800-686-6621, or 920-868-3748
AppleCreek Resort Motel & Suites: 800-569-0059
White Gull Inn: 920-868-3517
Ephraim
Edgewater Resort in Ephraim: 920-854-2734
Eagle Harbor Inn: 920-854-2121
High Point Inn in Ephraim: Scott: 800-595-6894
Park’s Edge Lakeshore Homes and Cottages: 414-481-2654
Read all our reviews on these Inns and Resorts on our Review Page.
Snuggle in front a fireplace with a nice bottle of Door County wine (watch our Winery Video to your right!) and enjoy your Winter get-away!
4. Cross-country ski! Door County has gorgeous cross-country ski trails throughout the State Parks! Try Peninsula State Park for sure - they even have candlelight runs sometimes just for fun (snow permitting of course)! Sometimes hiking will be substituted for skiing if no snow. Note vehicle stickers required. Check our calendar of events.
Parks:
Whitefish Dunes State Park: 920-823-2400 1-888-936-7463).
Candlelight Ski January 29 2011, 5:30 - 8:30PM ADDRESS: 3701 Clark Lake Rd, Sturgeon Bay (Candlelight Hike replaces ski if not enough snow)
Newport State Park: 920-854-2500 Candlelight Ski. 2/12/2011
ADDRESS: 475 County Hwy NP, Ellison Bay
5:30 - 8:30 PM
Peninsula State Park: 920-868-3258
Candlelight Ski: 5:30 - 8PM: 02/05/2011
http://www.peninsulafriends.org
Rentals
Bayshore Outdoor Store in Sister Bay: Snowshoes, Cross-County Skis, Sledding Tubes and lots more! 920-854-7598
Nor-Door Sport & Cyclery: 920-868-2275 They rent cross-country skis, ice skates, snow shoes and more! Great place!
5. Snowmobile - there are miles and miles of snowmobile trails in Door County that wind through the Peninsula! If you like snowmobiling, or want to try it, there aren't too many better places than Door County! Bring your own snowmobile – but here are a couple of places that service them, just in case!
Door County Motorsports: 920-743-3999 in Sturgeon Bay
Harbor Marine & Motorsports, 2556 Hwy F, Baileys Harbor - 920-839-2930
And yes, there are a few dealers up here where you can purchase your very own!
6. Snowshoe! There are even more places to hike and snowshoe! So bring your own snowshoes for a romantic little outing, or rent them when you are up here - but call ahead to reserve just to make sure. Do something different!
Bayshore Outdoor Store in Sister Bay: Snowshoes, Cross-County Skis, Sledding Tubes and lots more! 920-854-7598
Nor-Door Sport & Cyclery: 920-868-2275 They rent cross-country skis, ice skates, snow shoes and more!
7. Sleighride! This is your chance to stop by the snowy woods! Want something right out of Robert Frost? Take a sleigh ride in Door County, through the snow-puffed woods on a two-horse open sleigh! We have done it a few times - take a camera because you will want to remember every moment - it is just awesome and awe-inspiring! Do yourself a favor and take a sleigh ride – there is nothing else quite like it!
The best: call John at Mayberry's Carriages, in Egg Harbor, 920-743-2352. Through March 31 2011, snow permitting!
If you sleigh through the wood at Orchard Country Winery & Market (GREAT PLACE) , John can even give you a lesson in the many varieties of cherries grown in Door County. Tell John, please, that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!
8. Ice Fishing! Brrrr! Yes - you too can ice fish, and actually thousands of people do. This is a very cold thing to do, and you have to be very careful of the ice conditions, etc. You can get the best information about ice fishing from the local bait and tackle shops, inns and other local towns folk. Fishing Hotline: 920-743-7046
9. Door County Trolley’s Progressive Dinner - Trolley guests will experience unique stops for hors d’ oeuvres/cocktails at a surprise location, an elegant dinner at "The Inn at Kristofers and a decadent dessert at a Romantic Inn". Selected Saturday’s only in January thru June.( $73/person.) Call 920-868-1100 for details/reservations. (Trolleys are heated). Pickup at 5pm at Orchard Country Winery.
2010 - 2011 Dates
December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18
January 7, 8
10. Visit some bars and talk to the locals. Winter is great for people having and taking the time to chat and relax after the busy summer season. Visit some local bars, and enjoy the conversation! Some good talking places: (see our reviews of bars, taverns and saloons on our website and read about them, then visit!). NOTE: some have limited hours in Winter, like Thursdays – Sundays, or some just weekends.
Casey's Inn in Egg Harbor, right on Hwy 42: 920-868-3038
Coyote Roadhouse in Bailey's Harbor, right on Kangaroo Lake, 920-839-9192
Bayside Tavern in Fish Creek, right on Hwy 42 (a classic): 920-868-3441
Husby's in Sister Bay, 920-854-2624
Weisgerber's Cornerstone Pub in Baileys Harbor: 920-839-9001
Sister Bay Bowl, the bar section, right across from Husby's: 920-854-2841
The Blue Ox in Bailey's Harbor, on Hwy 57: 920-839-2771
The Hitching Post, at County T in Sturgeon Bay (see Hughy!): 920-743-5735
AC Tap in Bailey's Harbor, between Sister Bay and Baileys Harbor: 920-839-2426
11. Door County Coffee! No better time to warm up than now, and with one of the greatest cups of coffee in the world! Visit the Door County Coffee & Tea Company about 3 or so miles south of Egg Harbor in the town of Carlsville! Owner Vicki Wilson roasts her own beans and has a tremendous assortment of flavors, like Door County Christmas (one of our very favorites), White Christmas, Southern Pecan and more. She also has straight, unflavored roasts, like Sumatra and more. Take the time to stop in and smell the coffee . . . and take some home too! This place is a real find! They also sell jams, light lunches, and other country items! This is GREAT stuff! You can put together some wonderful holiday gifts for the coffee-lovers on your list!
Door County Coffee & Tea Company, 5773 HWY 42, Sturgeon Bay (Carlsville) - 920-743-8930 or 800-856-6613 and please tell them that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you! We love this place!!
12. Historic Sturgeon Bay! Over the last 10 or 11 years, they have revitalized the downtown area of Sturgeon Bay, and did a magnificent job! Stroll down 3rd St and enjoy the many quaint shops in near turn-of-the-century buildings, like The Dancing Bear, coffee houses, Perry's Cherry Diner (a 1950's diner), restaurants and inns. Sturgeon Bay really IS part of Door County, and at least you should take the 16-mile drive south of Egg Harbor into town and enjoy it! Or even stay in Sturgeon Bay. And check the calendar for special events.
Enjoy the town - eat at the Inn at Cedar Crossing on a snowy day or night - you'll like it - trust us!
How about gourmet popcorn (carmel, cashew, more) and handmade fudge? Stop in Door County Candy on 3rd Avenue – see Terry and get some of the best gourmet goods around!
Find some wonderful clothing and accessories at Wilkins and Olander on Historic Third Avenue, including huge Vera Bradley collection, Pandora jewelry, Switch Flops and more. Watch the video to your right!
There are many beautiful B&Bs and Resorts in Sturgeon Bay worth checking out!
13. SWIM! Are we crazy? Well, some people will think that the members of the Door County Polar Bear Club are as they dive into the icy waters of Lake Michigan, off Jacksonport Lakeside Park at noon on January 1st! They've been doing it for 20 years already! Call 920-823-2231 for info! Brrrrrrr.
OR you can check out the winter hours at one of Door County's YMCAs! A whole lot warmer!
Door County YMCA Northern Center in Fish Creek, 3866 Gibraltar Rd, Fish Creek - 920-868-3660
YMCA, 17 S. 5th Ave, Sturgeon Bay - 920-743-4949 OR 1-800-287-4949
14. SUNSET WATCHING! Where you ask? Try it at Sunset Park, one of the hidden gems in Door County! It's in Fish Creek - stay on Main Street heading towards Founder's Square, The Main Street Motel, The White Gull Inn - and keep going to the end of the road. Park the car - there is a little park here, and you can climb down right near the shore and watch the sunset over the icy Green Bay waters! Spectacular! Don’t forget the camera – there are some spectacular pictures you can take in winter!
Or try heading up to Ephraim and watching the sun set from there – right from the beach – truly wonderful!
Or try the Egg Harbor down around the dock area!
15. Cave Point! While you're in the outdoorsy mood, head over to Cave Point, another very much photographed site in Door County. It's over on the Quiet Side (the Lake Michigan side), near Jacksonport and Whitefish Dunes State Park - head south on Hwy 57 from Bailey's Harbor. This is a bluff of rock overlooking the Green Bay waters, and it produces wonderful sprays of splashing waters in summer as the waves crash the rocks below, and it takes on an icy chilly, mysterious cloak in winter! Be careful, watch for ice - don't slip. And bring the camera for sure – you will want to frame a shot or two! This is one awesome spot year round! See our Cave Point video to your right!
16. Tour Door County By Air! Yes, you can tour the County by air when you go on a tour conducted by Orion Flight Services! Here is the contact info - call ahead of course to see when they are flying! P.O. Box 845, 3418 Park Drive, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235-0845 - Phone: 920-743-6952 or 1-888- 743-6952, or Fax: 920-743-7874 
17. Photo Opportunities! Don't forget the camera! The icy water scenes, and the tranquility of the interior peninsula with its beautiful old barns, rolling field and trees all make a wonderful backdrop for people picture, or just plane landscape pictures that you will cherish for a long time.
Great Spots:
Sunset Park (again, beautiful and scenic water, ice and island views); Fish Creek
Cave Point - see above #15! See our Cave Point video!
Take a trip across County E from Egg Harbor to Bailey's Harbor - lots of beautiful open fields, trees and Kangaroo Lake - which you can cross on a causeway by car.
Gills Rock - the Top of the Thumb! Great water and island shots available here
Peninsula State Park - climb Lookout Tower and take some panoramic pics!
Ellison Bay Bluffs: watch for the signs on the left as you head north into Ellison Bay - and find this bluff above the trees for a great view of the icy waters of Green Bay. See our Ellison Bluff County Park video!
18. Visit a Gallery! Many of the galleries have some winter hours especially on weekends, or by appointment – so why not take this quiet time to enjoy some art, and maybe even select a special piece. Especially visit: See our Gallery page! Call to make sure they can see you when you are there. Fun places and please tell them that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!
Ed Fenendael Watercolor Excitement
3829 Fairview Road
Bailey's Harbor, Wisconsin
920-868-9282
Ed Fenendael
Hands On Art Studio
3655 Peninsula Players Road
(head west from Hwy 42, about 1 ¾ miles)
Fish Creek
920-868-9311
19. Restaurants! Well, you'll probably want to dine out, so here are some restaurants that will maintain some winter hours as far as we know, mostly weekends, some from Thurs - Sun. Call ahead and Read our Reviews: and please tell them that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you! Read Our Reviews...
The Bistro (Egg Harbor): 920-868-4800 (Review)
Chef Andy's Nautical Inn in Sturgeon Bay: Tell Chef Andy we sent you: 920-743-339 ! (Read our Review)
Harbor Fish Market & Grille, Baileys Harbor: 920-839-9999 (See our Review)
Greenwood Supper Club, Fish Creek at Hwys A and F (open F - Sun) 920-839-2451 (See our Review)
The Cookery: 920- 868-2372: rebuilt and better than ever! (Review)
Cooper's Corner, Fish Creek: 920-868-2667! Awesome! (Review)
The White Gull Inn: a Door County classic: 920- 868-3517 (Review)
Mission Grille, Sister Bay: 920-854-9070 (Review)
The Waterfront in Sister Bay: 920- 854-5491 (Review)
Coyote Roadhouse, Baileys Harbor at Kangaroo Lake: 920-839-9192 (See our Review)
Mink River Basin, Ellison Bay: 920-854-2250 (See our Review)
Family Thyme Restaurant, Sturgeon Bay: 920-818-0520 - tell Angie hi! (Review)
Inn at Cedar Crossing: 920- 743-4249 (Review)
Alexander’s in Sister Bay: 920-854-7972 – tell Jill we sent you! And Read our Review!
Casey’s Inn in Egg Harbor: 920-868-3038 – tell Matt we sent you!
20. SHOP TILL YOU . . . well, get too c-c-c-cold? Not too many years ago, even on the weekends, you would not find many shops open in Winter. Well, there are a bunch of and galleries open on the weekends in Winter! So, you will find plenty to do if you like shopping, and probably be able to come home with a treasure or two! So have some fun and shop the winter blues away in Door County!
21. Fish Creek Winter Festival! You never know what to expect at the Fish Creek Winter Festival! Sleigh rides, Kites over the Bay, food, music, fun! It’s really fun event, February 4 - 6 2011. This year’s activities include a “fun and funky” parade, the always-popular chili cook-off, family games, trolley and sleigh rides, winter wine festival, Kites Over the Bay, live music and great food. Peninsula Art School will serve up homemade and the Door Community Auditorium will host the now infamous 6th Annual Door County Idol. Call 920-868-2316, 800- 577-1880 or www.fishcreekinfo.com. We have enjoyed this year after year, and you will too!
22. New Years Eve Candlelight Ride – Sturgeon Bay
Date of Event: 12/31/10
At Kurtz Corral. Ride through the woods of Door County. After the ride enjoy a cup of hot cider, wine or champagne around the fireplace. Call for trail conditions. Ride leaves at 4:00 PM if conditions are right. For reservations and information call: 920-743-6742. See general Kurtz Corral video! Tell Jim Kurtz that Dan at DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!
23. New Year’s Day Parade in Egg Harbor - Well, OK, here’s another one! This is a fun parade on New Year’s Day in Egg Harbor, and yes, YOU can be in it! Just show up! 1PM no matter what the weather is like! Fun event and a great way to kick off the New Year!!
24. Chill at a great Spa! With the snow flying outside, be cozy on the inside as you get a special spa treatment, massage and more at one of Door County's premiere spas! We love going to Lavender Spa ~ Egg Harbor and Spa at Sacred Grounds in Ephraim. You deserve it!'
25. WINTER WINE & CHERRY FEST – FISH CREEK
Date of Event: 2/05/11 - At Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market from 10 AM-5 PM. Cure the winter blues with live music 1-4 PM, free product tastings, door prizes, cherry pit spit competition 1:30 PM, cherry brats, hot soup and baked goods, horse-drawn sleigh rides, wine glass painting...and more! Fun for all! For info call 920-868-3479 or 866-946-3263
AND LOTS OF other stuff to do in the Winter on the beautiful Door County Peninsula! See our Calendar of Events for more details! And open the Video Gallery at the top of any page and choose "Seasons in Door County" to see more Winter videos!
Always check with establishments ahead of time to make sure of schedule, cancellations etc. Things can change without notice.
25 Things to Do in Door County this Summer!
"Be In the Know Before You Go . . .
and When You Get There!™"
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Summer is the season! In Door County, this is the busy season - but you can still find exactly what you are looking for: lots of activities and things to do, or peace and quiet! You can have a fun-packed summer in Door County! This trip, try some brand new things in Door County. Whether traveling alone, with a significant other, family or friends, there’s more to do in Door County in the summer than any other time. Sail, go charter fishing, kayak, go on eco-tours, golf, shop, dine outdoors, swim, look for real estate, hike and even just relax!
1. Go Sail Door County! That’s right – and you don’t even have to have a boat! Call Peder at Sail Door County and you can go out on a divine cruise on the Green Bay waters on one of his beautiful sailboats! Read our Review, then call to make a reservation! 920-495-SAIL (7245)
This is the way to go!
2. Tour Door County by Trolley! Get a grand tour of Door County on an old-fashioned trolley – check out Door County Trolley for lots of fun! The 45 minute tours are informative, fun, and show you show great vistas – bring the camera! They also have a General Tour, Lighthouse Tour a trolley “Ghost Tour, a new Premier Wine Tour and more! Please tell AJ that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!
3. MAKE YOUR OWN ART!
Head over to Hands-On Art Studio and create your own are – paint ceramics, shorts, glass; make metal sculptures and lots more! Tell Cy we say hi! This is a fabulous spot to create art in metal, glass, ceramics and more. Watch all of our videos in the Trusted Review to see
Hands On Studio
3655 Peninsula Players Rd
Fish Creek
920-868-9311
4. Kayak! Take a Scenic Cruise! Learn to Sail! More! Check out the Ephraim Kayak Center, part of the Bay Shore Outdoor Store activities offered for a lot of summer fun!
Ephraim Kayak Center
South Shore Pier,
Ephraim
920-854-4336.
Lakeshore Adventures
8113 Hwy 57
Baileys Harbor, WI
920-493-3474
Door County Kayak Tours
8442 South Highway 42
Fish Creek, WI
920-868-1400
Head out on a Catamaran!
Stiletto Sailing Cruises
at South Shore Pier
9993 Hwy 42
Ephraim
920-854-7245
Scenic Boat Excursions
Sail Door County
Sister Bay Marina
920-495-SAIL (7245)
Shoreline Charters - Scenic Cruises & Boat Rides
Sister Bay Marina
Sister Bay, WI
920-854-4707
Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours
Next to Fish Creek Marina, near Clark Park
Fish Creek
920-421-4442
Rent Pontoon Boats, Waverunners™, Sea Doos™ & More
South Shore Pier, Inc.
9993 Water St.
Ephraim
920-854-4324
Sister Bay Boat Rental
Sister Bay Marina
Sister Bay, WI 54234
www.sisterbayboatrental.com
920-421-3330
5. Go Para-Sailing!
This is terrific fun and a unique way to see Door County from the air! We did it last summer and we will do it again - this is fun! Call Wisconsin Water Wings and make a reservation,
Wisconsin Water Wings
South Shore Pier
9993 Hwy 42
Ephraim
920-854-9000
and tell them that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!
6. Spend a Day on County I! Yes – you can spend an entire fun day right on County I in Door County! Head towards Carlsville – County I runs east and west. Great fun!
Stop in Door County Coffee and Tea for some of the best coffee and light lunches around! You can purchase whole bean or ground in up to 75 varieties! And, you can have a nice much in the café!
Door County Coffee & Tea
5773 Hwy 42
Carlsville
920-743-8930
800-856-6613
Stop in Pet Expressions for that pet lover in your or that special friend. Hundreds of items from cups to towels, shirts and more with every kind of pet you can think of – very cool shop! It is also attached to a General Store – lots of interesting goodies! This is a fantastic store!
Pet Expressions
9922 Water St
Ephraim
920-854-5445
Visit Door Peninsula Winery and have your own wine tasting!
Door Peninsula Winery
5806 Hwy 42
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-7431
Buy the best candles and accessories money can buy at:
Door County Candle Company
5789 Highway 42
Carlsville, WI 54235
www.candleworksdc.com
877-263-5975
Then head east on County I and
Go to Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery – fabulous!
Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery
5896 Bochek Road
Sturgeon Bay
920-746-9307
7. Ridges Sanctuary! (Nature sanctuary)
Hwy 57, N - 1/2 mile N. of Baileys Harbor A beautiful nature preserve formed by the lake waters. No cars here, just walking. A must see. Take the camera! Beautiful! See our Ridges Sanctuary Video in our Door County Video Gallery under Nature & Historic Sites.
8. Nature Walks and Tours: what better place than in beautiful Door County?
- The Ridges Sanctuary: 8270 Highway 57, Baileys Harbor: 920-839-2802. Premiere spot for nature lovers in us all. Gorgeous nature preserve, the ridges of which were formed by the lake waters crashing against the shore. Beautiful plants and flowers. Park and walk. Check out inns or B&Bs in Baileys Harbor.
- The State Parks
- Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek: 920-868-3258. The largest (3776 acres) of the State Parks in Door County. Golf, nature trails, bicycle, hike, camp! Our favorite!
- Newport State Park, 475 County Hwy NP, Ellison Bay: 920-854-2500. 2400-acre wilderness park. With sandy beaches, and lots of Lake Michigan shoreline. Nice park!
- Potawatomi State Park, 3740 Park Dr., Sturgeon Bay: 920-746-2890. Camping, hiking, boating, guided hikes.
- Whitefish Dunes State Park, 3701 Clark Lake Rd., Sturgeon Bay: 920-823-2400. There are original Native American villages within this park (they are actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places). And this park is right near Cave Point, which is a must see! Great half-day outing!
- Rock Island State Park. Washington Island: 920-847-2235. This is remote! Take a boat FROM Washington Island to Rock Island. There are about 40 or so family-type campsites. Hike, swim.
If you want State Park Camping information, click this Camping link!
9. Theater
- Peninsula Players Theater: W4351 Peninsula Players Road, Fish Creek: 920-868-3287. The oldest resident summer theater in the U.S. This is magnificent! If you have never been to a production here, you must go. The outdoor theater is covered so you are protected from the elements, but the open-air feeling is great when the sides are open! Comfortable seats too. Get to the theater early, before sunset, get a drink at their outdoor bar, and watch one of the most gorgeous sunsets you have seen, from one of the greatest spots to watch in Door County. And the productions are always fabulous. This is one super experience all around. Do it! Check their schedule (starts around third week in June through October)
- Northern Sky Theater – Fish Creek: 920-854-6117. Very nice open-air theater in Peninsula State Park. Mid-June through September. Take in a show at this musical theater under the stars – you’ll love it. Tell them we sent you!
- TAP: Third Avenue Playhouse always has something good on “TAP!” Check their schedule. Indoors, staged performances.
- Birchcreek Music Performance, Egg Harbor. Wonderful music from steel drums to swing!
- Door Community Auditorium – lots happening here! Check their schedule.
- Door Shakespeare – more great theater right near Baileys Harbor!
10. Music In the Parks: The towns all publish their schedule of music in the parks. Check our Calendar of Events too for more information. Here are some of our favorites: you must go to at least one of these – they are so relaxing and so much fun for all!
- Sturgeon Bay - Wednesdays: "Harmony by the Bay", 7PM, June 15 – August 24th
- MONDAY EVENINGS IN EPHRAIM Evenings in Ephraim, free Monday concerts at Harborside Park, 6PM - 8PM, June 20 – Aug 29th
- Fish Creek – Tuesdays, 2:30- 4:30PM, June 14 – August 16th
- Sister Bay – Wednesdays (and select Saturdays) 6-9PM, June 22nd –August 24th
- Egg Harbor – Thursdays, 5PM, June 16 –f August 12th
- Peg Egan Sunset Concert Series, 7PM Sunday nights, June 19 – August 21st in Egg Harbor. Details.
11. Horse-Back Riding AND Camel Riding!– There are some beautiful trails in Door County, so take advantage at some of these very fine horse-back riding stables. Many have ponies for kids too, like Herb’s Horses. Door County on horseback is quite a treat. Try it!
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
Ride Icelandics!
Camel Rides:
Stoneboat Farm Camelids
9511 Townline Road
Sister Bay
920-421-0082
12. Biking Bike your way around Door County! Always be careful – bike Peninsula State Park on state of the art bikes from
Nor-Door Sport & Cyclery
4007 Hwy. 42
Fish Creek
920-868-2775
Edge of Park, Inc. Bike & Moped Rental
P.O. Box 188 at the Park Entrance Rd.
Fish Creek
920-868-3344
Island Clipper Bike Rentals
12731 Hwy. 42,
Gills Rock
920-854-2972
13. Mini-Golfing - There are several places to mini-golf – here’s what we think for each!
Egg Harbor Fun Park
7340 Hwy 42
Egg Harbor
920-868-9417
This is a mini-golf, arcade and restaurant that opened in June 2001. And in 2010, they added a state-of-the-art go-karting course! Awesome! We mini-golfed here many times – love it!. They have a huge arcade room which also has redemption games (save tickets to win prizes), and a water fight set up outside, great pizzas, ice cream and more! Great place! Tell the folks we sent you please!!
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
810 S Bay Shore Dr
Sister Bay
920-854-4929
This looks spectacular from the road – huge waterfalls, a pirate’s theme with a sunken ship in the lagoon and more! Pirate lore, some pirate facts, and fun golfing! Great place! Mention DoorCountyNavigator.com!
Red Putter Mini-Golf
10404 Water St
Ephraim
920-854-5114
14. Charter Fishing – Try these charter companies for starters. See our Activities section for more.
Andy’s Silver Strike Charter Fishing
At the Baileys Harbor Municipal Marina
Baileys Harbor
920-854-6069
Hooked Up Sportfishing Charters
6512 County C
Sturgeon Bay
920-495-5586
First Choice Charter
Baileys Harbor Town Marina
Baileys Harbor, WI
920-839-1409
15 Rent A Boat!
From pontoon boats or kayaks to sail boats, rent them all in Door County
Ephraim Kayak Center
South Shore Pier
Ephraim920-854-4336
Nicolet Beach Rentals
On the Beach in Peninsula State Park
10170 Shore Rd
Fish Creek
920-854-9220
Sister Bay Boat Rental
Sister Bay Marina
Sister Bay, WI 54234
www.sisterbayboatrental.com
920-421-3330
16. Washington Island - Go There! Stay There! Ferry Boat – Go for the day, or stay! Fun, 20-minute ferry boat ride that you can take from Gills Rock (passengers only, with bikes ok) or from Northport with your car. The ferry boat ride is great fun – you cruise by the islands, Death’s Door, shipwrecks and more. You owe it to yourself to do it! Or stay a night or two on Washington Island!
17. Fine Dining: (also visit our Dining Guide at www.DoorCountyDinining.com) fine but Door County casual!
□ The Waterfront – fabulous dinners, great wine list! Tell JJ or Kris we sent you! This chef is talented!
□ Harbor Fish Market & Grille – wonderful, with outdoor waterfront dining! Tell Carl we sent you!
□ White Gull Inn – on non-fish boil nights, enjoy candlelight dinners!
□ Galileo’s Italian Steakhouse in Egg Harbor – love it!
18. Swimming – swim in or swim out! Go to the YMCAs (Fish Creek and Sturgeon Bay) for indoor swimming
YMCA
1900 Michigan Street
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-4949 OR
1-800-287-4949
YMCA – Northern Center
3866 Gibraltar Rd
Fish Creek
920-868-3660
or try some of the beaches (NOTE: beach conditions with the Door County Visitor Bureau) at
- Fish Creek – right in downtown Fish Creek at the park
- Egg Harbor – around back on Hwy G past Shipwrecked and Harbor Park – follow the signs
- Murphy Park in Egg Harbor
- Ephraim Beach in Ephraim (see our September Sundown video filmed at Ephraim Beach!)
- Whitefish Dunes State Park in Sturgeon Bay (beautiful)
19. Door County Fair! August 3rd – 7th
The Fairgrounds are very nicely kept, and this is a fun event especially for kids — there are lots of barns and sheds to see all kinds of interesting things, crafts, animals, and of course rides on the midway! Worth the trip for an old-fashioned county fair! Lots of fun for all! http://www.doorcounty.org/fair/
20. Perseid Meteor Showers – August 12th!
This is a once a year phenomenon as the Earth passes through the Perseid meteor belt. You will have to check local listings here for any events. This is supposed to be spectacular! Those who have seen them have been awe-struck! 50 meteors in an hour — how can you miss them?! We think the northeast end of the peninsula (near the Northport Ferry dock, or Newport State Park, are the places to get the best view. Check out the local Resorter Reporter newspaper for up to the minute news if you are here at this time. It is a phenomenon and a true astronomical event!
21. Aurora Beaurealis – if you can ever catch this “phenomenal” show in Door County, it is awe-inspiring. If you have never seen this magnificent show put on by nature, absolutely free, you have missed something. On a clear night, look to the northern skies and you will see huge curtains of light flashing and flowing across the skies, gently, easily, colorfully. It is a site to behold. In big cities, they are drowned out by light and pollution. In Door County, we have witnessed some superior shows. Lie back on the grass, lie on the hood of your car, open the sunroof on your car and sit back and enjoy. The “northern lights” are a spectacular show!
22. Take a Carriage Ride! See Ephraim at night on a romantic carriage ride for 10, 20 or 30 minutes (check with John for price). John Mayberry runs a wonderful carriage, and as you clip-clop through historic Ephraim under the moonlight, well, ahhh – it’s just one of the nicest things to do! So. . .do it! Check out John’s site at Mayberry’s Carriages and Sleigh! And tell him that we sent you on the carriage ride of your life!
23. Ellison Bluff Park – This is a very cool park that’s really not like a park. You drive into the area just on the south end of Ellison Bay (follow the signs for Ellison Bluffs), park the car, and hike up a walkway to a bluff that over looks the waters of Green Bay. Panoramic views – a nice little trip and a memorable view. Take the camera for sure! Watch our Ellison Bluff video on our Parks page!
24. Town Festivals: Lots of them! See our Calendar for full details!
25. Wine Tour! Tell them sent you! This is great fun and here are some of our favorite wineries to tour!
Door Peninsula Winery
5806 Hwy 42
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-7431
Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery
5896 Bochek Road
Sturgeon Bay
920-746-9307
BONUS THINGS TO DO!
26. Zip Line: Gravity Trails up in Baileys Harbor area has some great adventures waiting for you! Read our Review! Also, zip lining available at Egg Harbor Fun Park in Egg Harbor! Also at Lakeshore Adventures
27. Historical Walking Tours and Lighthouse Tours! This is a great way to learn more about the towns! Check 27. with the towns to see if and when they have these scheduled. Sometimes, there are self-guided tours. For Lighthouse Tours, call Claire at Door County Lighthouse Inn - she knows everything and has tour info. 920-868-9088
28. Bring the Kids (of all ages!) THE Farm, near Sturgeon Bay is an awesome place for kids of all ages! Milk the goats, feed the goats, see horses, cows, kittens, antique farm implements and lots, lots more. This is a fun place – highly recommended! Please tell them that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!
The Farm
4285 Hwy 57
(4 Miles North of Sturgeon Bay)
920-743-6666
29. Golf Door County!! There are 11 courses in Door County for you to choose from, and some of them are just spectacular! Try some of our favorites:
Alpine Golf Course (36 holes) – awesome panoramas!
P.O. Box 200,
Hwy. G, Egg Harbor
Egg Harbor, on County G
920-868-3232
Maxwelton Braes Golf Course
7670 State Hwy 57
Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
920-421-4653
920-421-GOLF
The Orchards Golf Course
8125 Heritage Lake Road
Egg Harbor, WI
920- 920-868-2483
Peninsula State Park Golf Course
(18 holes)
Hwy. 42, Fish Creek
Fish Creek, at north entrance to
Peninsula State Park
920-854-5791
30. Go Gallery Hopping! Door County is full of fabulous artists and wonderful galleries displaying art in every medium you can think of: glass, oil, watercolor, ceramic, metal and more! So check out our Gallery pages!
Always check with establishments ahead of time to make sure of schedule, cancellations etc. And remember, wherever you go, please tell them that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you! That helps us keep this site going (in our 17th year)!
This Week's Happenings in Door County Wisconsin!
Repeating
-
Join the Bay Shore Outfitters Running Group for a 30 min. casual run every Wednesday at 6:00 P.M. Meet at the store at 27 S. Madison Ave. Bring friends and meet new ones. All runners invited. Please wear reflective clothing, a headlamp or blinking lights for visibility. Any questions, call 920-818-0431
- Group Segway Experience – Fish Creek, everyday through January
- Salsa Dance Nights at Benny D’z, Sturgeon Bay. Call for schedule. 7pm. Open dancing 8pm 805-450-0389
- Open Mic Tuesdays at Waterfront Mary’s in Sturgeon Bay (every Tuesday). 1-800-388-8055
- NOTE: Harbor Fish Market & Grille will be open during April they only weekends -- same hours of lunch & dinner on Friday, breakfast, lunch & dinner on Saturday & Sunday. They serve breakfast from 7:30 am, lunch from 11:30 am and dinner from 4:30 pm.
- Adult Night at Hands On Art Studio! 6:30 – 10pm
- Third Avenue Playhouse, The Laramie Project. 7:30PM. Call for info: 920-743-1760
- 23rd Annual Blossom Run- Livestrong Run for a Cause. 8:30AM
- 9th Annual Door County Half-Marathon, starts at 10AM.
- Nicolet Bay 5K Run/Walk, starts at 10:30AM. Info: 920-421-1518
- Spring Blossom Trolley Tour (SOLD OUT)
- Music at The Cookery Wine Bar: Deathfolk , 3:30 – 5:30PM
- Third Avenue Playhouse, The Laramie Project. 7:30PM. Call for info: 920-743-1760
- Happy Mother's Day!
- Peninsula Singers’ Mother’s Day Concert (at Door Community Auditorium, Fish Creek), 3PM
- Third Avenue Playhouse, The Laramie Project. 2PM Call for info: 920-743-1760
- Scenic Trolley Tour of Door County, 1PM
- Gibraltar Schools Event: Middle & High School Choir (at Door Community Auditorium, Fish Creek), 7PM
- Scenic Trolley Tour of Door County, 1PM
- Comedy Club at Carrington Pub (at the Landmark in Egg Harbor). 6:30PM. Dinner at 8.
- 26th Annual Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament (Day 1 of 3): Info920-493-2953
- Scenic Trolley Tour of Door County, 1PM
- Door County Wine Trail Weekend (Day 1 of 3)
- Adult Night at Hands On Art Studio! 6:30 – 10pm
- 26th Annual Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament (Day 2 of 3): Info920-493-2953
- Spring Blossom Trolley Tour, 10AM
- Door County Wine Trail Weekend (Day 2 of 3)
- 26th Annual Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament (Day 3 of 3): Info920-493-2953
- Bloody Mary & Brunch Trolley Tour, 10AM
- Door County Wine Trail Weekend (Day 3 of 3)
25 + Things to do in Door County
this Summer!
Catch Your Summer Breeze in Door County!
Summer is the season! In
- Go
This is the way to go! - MAKE YOUR OWN ART!
- Kayak! Take a Scenic Cruise! Learn to Sail! More! Check out the Ephraim Kayak Center, part of the Bay Shore Outdoor Store activities offered for a lot of summer fun!
Ephraim Kayak Center
Ephraim
920-854-4336.
Head out on a Catamaran!
Stiletto Sailing Cruises
at South Shore Pier
9993 Hwy 42
Ephraim
920-854-7245
Scenic Boat Excursions
Sail Door County
Sister Bay Marina
920-495-SAIL (7245)
Shoreline Charters
12747 Hwy. 42 - Gills Rock
Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours
Next to Fish Creek Marina, near Clark Park
Fish Creek
920-421-4442
Rent Pontoon Boats, Waverunners™, Sea Doos™ & More
South Shore Pier, Inc.
9993 Water St.
Ephraim
920-854-4324
Sister Bay Boat Rental
Sister Bay Marina
Sister Bay, WI 54234
www.sisterbayboatrental.com
920-421-3330
5. Go Para-Sailing!
This is terrific fun and a unique way to see Door County from the air! We did it last summer and we will do it again - this is fun! Call Wisconsin Water Wings and make a reservation
Wisconsin Water Wings
South Shore Pier
9993 Hwy 42
Ephraim
920-854-9000
and tell them that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!
6. Spend a Day on County I! Yes – you can spend an entire fun day right on County I in
Stop in Door County Coffee and Tea for some of the best coffee and light lunches around! You can purchase whole bean or ground in up to 75 varieties! And, you can have a nice much in the café!
5773 Hwy 42
Carlsville
920-743-8930
800-856-6613
Stop in Pet Expressions for that pet lover in your or that special friend. Hundreds of items from cups to towels, shirts and more with every kind of pet you can think of – very cool shop! It is also attached to a General Store – lots of interesting goodies! This is a fantastic store!
Pet Expressions
9922 Water St
Ephraim
920-854-5445
Visit Door Peninsula Winery and have your own wine tasting!
Door Peninsula Winery
5806 Hwy 42
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-7431
Buy the best candles and accessories money can buy at:
Door County Candle Company
5789 Highway 42
Carlsville, WI 54235
www.candleworksdc.com
877-263-5975
Then head east on County I and go to Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery – fabulous!
Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery
5896 Bochek Road
Sturgeon Bay
920-746-9307
7. Ridges Sanctuary!(Nature sanctuary) Hwy 57, N - 1/2 mile N. of Baileys Harbor A beautiful nature preserve formed by the lake waters. No cars here, just walking. A must see. Take the camera! Beautiful! See our Ridges Sanctuary Video in our Door County Video Gallery under Nature & Historic Sites.
8. Nature Walks and
- The State Parks
If you want State Park Camping information, click this Camping link!
9. Theater
- Peninsula Players Theater: W4351 Peninsula Players Road, Fish Creek: 920-868-3287. The oldest resident summer theater in the U.S. This is magnificent! If you have never been to a production here, you must go. The outdoor theater is covered so you are protected from the elements, but the open-air feeling is great when the sides are open! Comfortable seats too. Get to the theater early, before sunset, get a drink at their outdoor bar, and watch one of the most gorgeous sunsets you have seen, from one of the greatest spots to watch in Door County. And the productions are always fabulous. This is one super experience all around. Do it! Check their schedule (starts around third week in June through October)
- American Folklore Theatre – Fish Creek: 920-854-6117. Very nice open-air theater in Peninsula State Park. Mid-June through September. Take in a show at this musical theater under the stars – you’ll love it. Tell them we sent you!
- TAP: Third Avenue Playhouse always has something good on “TAP!” Check their schedule. Indoors, staged performances.
- Birchcreek Music Performance, Egg Harbor: 06/18/14 to 08/09/14. Wonderful music from steel drums to swing!
- Door Community Auditorium – lots happening here! Check their schedule.
- Door Shakespeare – more great theater right near Baileys Harbor!
10. Music In the Parks: The towns all publish their schedule of music in the parks. Check our Calendar of Events too for more information. Here are some of our favorites: you must go to at least one of these – they are so relaxing and so much fun for all!
- Sturgeon Bay - Wednesdays: "Harmony by the Bay", every Wednesday like 7-9PM
- MONDAY EVENINGS IN EPHRAIM Evenings in Ephraim, free Monday concerts at Harborside Park, 6PM - 8PM, June 16 – Aug 25th
- Fish Creek – Tuesdays, 2:30- 4:30PM, June 17 – August 19th
- Sister Bay – Wednesdays 3PM, mid-June – mid-August
- Egg Harbor – Thursdays, 5PM, June 19 – August 28
- Baileys Harbor: Lots of times and dates: Check Schedule!
11. Horse-Back Riding – There are some beautiful trails in
Kurtz Corral
5712 Howard Lane
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-6742
1-800-444-0469
Ahnapee Ranch
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-2715
Field Wood Farm Ltd.
RR 1,
920-847-2490
Ride Icelandics!
12. Biking Bike your way around Door County! Always be careful – bike Peninsula State Park on state of the art bikes from
Nor-Door Sport & Cyclery
4007 Hwy. 42
Fish Creek
920-868-2775
Edge of Park, Inc. Bike & Moped Rental
P.O. Box 188 at the Park Entrance Rd.
Fish Creek
920-868-3344
Island Clipper Bike Rentals
12731 Hwy. 42,
Gills Rock
920-854-2972
13. Mini-Golfing -There are several places to mini-golf – here’s what we think for each!
Egg Harbor Fun Park
7340 Hwy 42
Egg Harbor
920-868-9417
This is a mini-golf, arcade and restaurant that opened in June 2001. They added a state-of-the-art go-karting course, gem mining for kids, zip-lining, batting cages and more! Awesome! We mini-golfed here many times – love it!. They have a huge arcade room which also has redemption games (save tickets to win prizes), and a water fight set up outside, great pizzas, ice cream and more! Great place! Tell the folks we sent you please!!
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
Sister Bay
920-854-4929
This looks spectacular from the road – huge waterfalls, a pirate’s theme with a sunken ship in the lagoon and more! Pirate lore, some pirate facts, and fun golfing! Great place! Mention DoorCountyNavigator.com!
Red Putter Mini-Golf
10404 Water St
Ephraim
920-854-5114
14. Charter Fishing – Try these charter companies for starters. See our Activities section for more.
Andy’s Silver Strike Charter Fishing
At the Baileys Harbor Municipal Marina
Baileys Harbor
920-854-6069
Hooked Up Sportfishing Charters
6512 County C
Sturgeon Bay
920-495-5586
Angler Refuge Fishing Charter
520 E. Vine Court
920-746-9442
920-495-9442
Captain Paul's Charter Fishing
921 Cottage Rd.
Gills Rock
920-854-4614
ChaDawidiuk's Fishing Team
848 South 16th Ct.rter
Sturgeon Bay
920-746-9916, Charter
Eagle Harbor Charters
P.O. Box 187
Ephraim
920-854-4667
Elite Fishing Charters, LLC
Quarter Deck Marina
Sturgeon Bay
320-679-5995
218-390-4522
Fox 1 Charters
435 N. Geneva Ave
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-3092
J-E Fishing Enterprises
1229 Georgia St
Charter Fishing Guide Service
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-7877
Lynn A Charter Fishing
6831 Edgewood Ct.
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-6731
May's Guide Service
920-856-6743
920-559-0069 cell
Reel Action Sport Fishing Charters
1802 Morning View Road
Brussels
920-825-1105
Stone Wing Charters
P.O. Box 37
Ellison Bay
920-854-4718
Wacky Walleye Guide Service
3798 Sand Bay Point Rd
Sturgeon Bay
1-888-879-5548
15. Rent A Boat! From pontoon boats or kayaks to sail boats, rent them all in
Ephraim Kayak Center
Ephraim920-854-4336
Nicolet Beach Rentals
On the Beach in
Fish Creek
920-854-9220
Sister Bay Boat Rental
Sister Bay Marina
Sister Bay, WI 54234
www.sisterbayboatrental.com
920-421-3330
16. Washington Island - Go There! Stay There! Ferry Boat – Go for the day, or stay! Fun, 20-minute ferry boat ride that you can take from Gills Rock (passengers only, with bikes ok) or from Northport with your car. The ferry boat ride is great fun – you cruise by the islands, Death’s Door, shipwrecks and more. You owe it to yourself to do it! Or stay a night or two on Washington Island!
17. Fine Dining: (also visit our Dining Guide at www.DoorCountyDinining.com)
□ Alexander's - now in Fish Creek- wonderful food, great décor!
□ The Waterfront – fabulous dinners, great wine list! Tell JJ or Kris we sent you! This chef is talented!
□ Harbor Fish Market & Grille – wonderful, with outdoor waterfront dining! Tell Carl we sent you!
□ White Gull Inn – on non-fish boil nights, enjoy candlelight dinners!
□ Galileo’s Italian Steakhouse in Egg Harbor – love it!
18. Swimming – swim in or swim out! Go to the YMCAs (Fish Creek and
YMCA
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-4949 OR
1-800-287-4949
YMCA – Northern Center
Fish Creek
920-868-3660
or try some of the beaches (NOTE: beach conditions with the Door County Visitor Bureau) at
- Fish Creek – right in downtown Fish Creek at the park
19. Door County Fair! July 30th – August 3rd The Fairgrounds are very nicely kept, and this is a fun event especially for kids — there are lots of barns and sheds to see all kinds of interesting things, crafts, animals, and of course rides on the midway! Worth the trip for an old-fashioned county fair! Lots of fun for all! http://www.doorcounty.org/fair/
20. Perseid Meteor Showers – August 12th! This is a once a year phenomenon as the Earth passes through the Perseid meteor belt. You will have to check local listings here for any events. This is supposed to be spectacular! Those who have seen them have been awe-struck! 50 meteors in an hour — how can you miss them?! We think the northeast end of the peninsula (near the Northport Ferry dock, or
21. Aurora Beaurealis – if you can ever catch this “phenomenal” show in
22. Take a Carriage Ride! See Ephraim at night on a romantic carriage ride for 10, 20 or 30 minutes (check with John for price). John Mayberry runs a wonderful carriage, and as you clip-clop through historic Ephraim under the moonlight, well, ahhh – it’s just one of the nicest things to do! So. . .do it! Check out John’s site at Mayberry’s Carriages and Sleigh! And tell him that we sent you on the carriage ride of your life!
24. Town Festivals:Lots of them! See our Calendar for full details. Fyr Bal, 4th of July, lots more!
25. Wine Tour! Tell them sent you! This is great fun and here are some of our favorite wineries to tour!
Door Peninsula Winery
5806 Hwy 42
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-7431
Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery
5896 Bochek Road
Sturgeon Bay
920-746-9307
BONUS THINGS TO DO!
26. Zip Line: Gravity Trails up in Baileys Harbor area has some great adventures waiting for you! Read our Review! Also, zip lining available at Egg Harbor Fun Park in Egg Harbor!
28. Historical Walking Tours and Lighthouse Tours! This is a great way to learn more about the towns! Check with the towns to see if and when they have these scheduled. Sometimes, there are self-guided tours. For Lighthouse Tours, call Claire at Door County Lighthouse Inn - she knows everything and has tour info. 920-868-9088
29. Bring the Kids (of all ages!) THE Farm, near
The Farm
4285 Hwy 57
(4 Miles North of Sturgeon Bay)
920-743-6666
30. Golf Door County!! There are 11 courses in Door County for you to choose from, and some of them are just spectacular! Try some of our favorites:
Alpine Golf Course (36 holes) – awesome panoramas!
Hwy. G,
920-868-3232
(18 holes)
Hwy. 42, Fish Creek
Fish Creek, at north entrance to
Peninsula State Park
920-854-5791
31. Go Gallery Hopping!
There are lots of things to do in
Put some Spring in your step – up here in Door County! Springtime is Quiet-time on the
1. Enjoy the quiet times, and check out what is happening at Door Community Auditorium in Fish Creek!
2. Take a Door County Trolley Tour!Definitely check out seeing
3. VISIT THE
This is a wonderful museum located in
4. Driving
q Visit Jacksonport and
q Drive north from
q Take a tour through the center of the peninsula on
q And, if you are in Egg Harbor and want to head north of Fish Creek, head East on E, then North on A (left at PC Junction and Pen Pub) – you will come out north of Fish Creek – take a right on Hwy 42 and continue north to Ephraim!
q From Egg Harbor, go East on County T (towards Valmy). Take it to Elm, and take a right, then another quick right on Hillside, and a quick left on Lost Lake Road (heading south – and yes, there’s a lake in there!). Nice old barns, open fields, shacks….ahh! Get lost! Take a left on
q From
q Also from Egg Harbor, turn down towards the water right at Greens n Grains and head north on White Cliff road which will put you back on Hwy 42 at Juddville (near Villagio's).
q From Egg Harbor head east on County E all the way to Baileys Harbor – passing Coyote Road House (a classic) and crossing the causeway across Kangaroo Lake.
5. DOOR COUNTY FESTIVAL OF BLOSSOMS
Dates of event: 04/14 to 06/15/14 County-wide celebration of spring, featuring blossoming daffodils, wildflowers & blossoming cherry and apple orchards. Garden and wildflower hikes, trolley and boat tours, arts and crafts, and lighthouse walks. There are community celebrations every weekend. Sister Bay has an event, Jacksonport has a Maifest (5/24 - 5/25), and there's the 7th Annual Half Marathon May 3rd. Check our Calendar of Events!
6. ANNUAL DOOR COUNTY LIGHTHOUSE FESTIVAL
Dates of Event 6/13/2014 - 6/15/2014
Festival-goaers can choose from 11 different land or water tours. Check the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay for all the details. The lighthouses in Door County are magnificent to see, especially Cana Island (one of the most photographed features of Door County) and Eagle Bluff (in Peninsula State Park). You can try to tour the lighthouses on your own, or there are organized excursions, even by boat, to take in many of these beautiful lighthouses that helped guide many a ship through tough and rough waters. Even if you miss this weekend, be sure to schedule some time to visit a few of
7. Stay at a wonderful B&B,
Some of our highly recommended ones include (please make sure to tell them you saw them on DoorCountyNavigator.com - that helps keep the site fresh and viable!). Read our in-person Reviews of all of these places and find exactly what you are looking for! And please, please tell them you found them on DoorCountyNavigator.com! We’re finding great places for you! We have been to and reviewed all of these places!
q In
- The White Lace Inn in
- Reynolds House: Jan or Stan at 920-746-9771
- The Chanticleer Guest House: Darrin or Bryon: 920-746-0334
q Egg
- Cornerstone Suites: talk to Leif: 888-495-3005,
920-868-3005 - The Feathered Star (ALLOWS PETS): Sandy, 1-877-743-4066, 920-743-4066
q Fish Creek
- The White Gull Inn: Andy or Jan at 920-868-3517
- Thorp House: Christine at 920-868-2444
q Ephraim
- The Ephraim Inn: Tim at 920-854-4515
- Eagle Harbor Inn: call Natalie: 800-324-5427
- Village Green Lodge: Sue & Steve: 1-888-471-8277
q
- Blacksmith Inn on the Shore: Joan or Bryon: 800-769-8619
Other really nice places to stay are: Check re-openings for Spring (where applicable) directly with Inn. See videos of many of these places in our Trusted Reviews or Video Gallery!
q
- Country House Resort: 800-424-0041 – See Their Video on our Homepage
- Scandinavian Lodge: 920-854-7123, 888-645-6343. Video too!
- Birchwood Lodge: 866-854-7195. Video too!
- Little Sister Resort: 920-854-4013. Video too!
- Coachlite Inn: 920-854-5503
- Nordic Lodge: 920-854-5432
- Open Hearth Lodge: 920-854-4890
- Church Hill Inn: 920-854-4885
q Egg Harbor
- The Landmark: call 800-273-7877
- The Ashbrooke: talk with Fred: 920-868-3113
- The Alpine Resort : 920-868-3000
- The Shallows: 920-868-3458 - See Video on our Homepage!
- Egg Harbor Lodge: 920-868-3115
- Lull-Abi Inn: 920-868-3135
- Cape Cod Motel: 920-868-3271 OR 1-877-590-0286
q Ephraim
- Ephraim Shores Motel and Restaurant: 920-854-2371
- Bay Breeze Resort: 920-854-9066
- Harbor View Resort: 920-854-2425.
- Somerset Inn and Suites: 920-854-1819
- Park’s Edge Lakeshore Homes & Cottages: 414-481-2654
q
- Westwood
- Bridgeport in Sturgeon Bay: 920-746-9919
- Bay Shore Inn – call Joe and the gang at 800-556-4551
q Baileys Harbor
- Kangaroo Lake Resort in Baileys Harbor: 920-839-2341
- Beachfront Inn at Baileys Harbor866-251-0750 OR 920-839-2345
q Fish Creek
- By-The-Bay Motel in Fish Creek: Mary at 920-868-3456
- Main Street Motel in Fish Creek: Nedra at 920-868-2201
- The Hilltop Inn: Kelly: 888-868-3556
- Apple Creek Resort: 800-569-0059
q Washington Island
We have reviewed many more places too! So read the Trusted Reviews first! Be sure to call first for opening dates!
8. Cave Point! Must see! While you're in the outdoorsy mood, head over to Cave Point, another very much photographed site in
9. Restaurants! Well, you might want to dine out, and the restaurants for the most part are still on the Winter hour schedule. So here are some restaurants that will be open, mostly weekends, some from Thurs – Sun, some opening in early May.
q Alexander’s, Fish Creek – fine dining: 920-868-3532
q The Waterfront,
q Casey’s Inn Supper Club, Egg Harbor: 920-868-3038
q Hof Restaurant at Alpine Resort, (May – on) Egg Harbor: 920-868-3000
q Harbor Fish Market & Grille, Baileys Harbor: 920-839-9999
q Greenwood Supper Club, Fish Creek at Hwys A and F (open F - Sun) 920-839-2451
q The Cookery, Fish Creek - 920-868-2372
q Fred & Fuzzy’s Waterfront Bar and Grill: 920-854-6699 (check opening da, usually mid-May)
q Door County Coffee & Tea – café in Carlsville: 920-743-8808
800-366-7947 (we LOVE this place!)
q Coyote Roadhouse, Baileys Harbor at Kangaroo Lake: 920-839-9192
q Viking Grill in Ellison Bay: Say hi to Dan: 920-854-2998 – great place!
q Cooper's Corner in Fish Creek, call 920-868-COOP (2667)
If you are staying in a resort with kitchen facilities and want to dine in, then pick up some food at the wonderful Main Street Market in Egg Harbor, or some gourmet delights at Top Shelf Gourmet and Café in Sister Bay (Country Walk Shops), and a great natural food shop in Egg Harbor, Greens n Grains (and cafe too)!. All awesome places! Tell them we sent you!
Bay Shore Outfitters
655 Bay Shore Dr
Sister Bay
920-854-7598
Rent kayaks, canoes, and more. Sail, take lessons, paddleboat or hydrobike! Very cool!
11. Visit some bars and talk to the locals. Another good thing about Spring is that it is still slow enough where people have the time to chat and relax – this is a real luxury for all. Visit some local bars, and enjoy the conversation! Some good talking places:
q JJ.s/La Puerta in
q Casey's Inn in
q Husby's in
q Bayside Tavern in Fish Creek, right on Hwy 42: 920-868-3441 (very local, very cool, very good burgers too!) – one of our favorites!
q Shipwrecked in
q Karley’s Bar on Washington Island: 920-847-2655
q Coyote Roadhouse in Bailey's Harbor, right on
q Sister Bay Bowl, the bar section, right across from Husby's, 920-854-2841
q The Blue Ox in Bailey's Harbor, on Hwy 57, 920-839-2771
q AC Tap in Bailey's Harbor, between
12. Fishing! If you like fishing, well, you can fish in
q Middle of April: Lots of brown trout fishing going on not far from the Stone Quarry.
End of April: this is rainbow, brown and brook trout season! Catch like crazy all along the shore. Smelt and perch too!
Beginning of May: here come the bass, some walleye. Even the lakes internal to the peninsula (Kangaroo, Europe, and
End of May: walleye, small mouth bass, jumbo perch, and lake trout – all kinds of fish waiting for you!
NOTE: Check with some of our favorite Charter Fishing organizations for times when they might be heading out for the season – make your plans:
-
- Andy’s Silver Strike Charter FishingAt the Baileys Harbor Municipal MarinaBaileys Harbor
920-854-6069
- Hooked Up Sportfishing Charters
6512 County C
Sturgeon Bay
920-495-5586
- Andy’s Silver Strike Charter FishingAt the Baileys Harbor Municipal MarinaBaileys Harbor
13. Plan a Family
14. SWIM!If you are not staying at an inn with an indoor pool, and you missed the Polar Bear Swim in Jacksonport on January 1st, try the YMCAs
- YMCA
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-4949 OR
1-800-287-4949 - YMCA – Northern Center
Fish Creek
920-868-3660
16. Hike! Hiking in
State Parks: they are beautiful year-round!
q
q
q
q
Or try Ridges Sanctuary (see video in Video Gallery) in Baileys Harbor: 8270 Hwy 57 – 920-839-2802
17. Museums/Galleries/Do-it-Yourself Art! Springtime is a great time to take in some of the local museums and galleries. This will get you started:
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-5958- Door County Historical Museum
18 N 4th Ave
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-5809 - This is a great little museum, with very friendly and knowledgeable folks! - AMO Gallery
PHONE 920-743 2259
Custom framing, great gallery of
- Hands On Art Studio
3655 Peninsula Players Road
(head west from Hwy 42, about 1 ¾ miles)
Fish Creek
920-868-9311 - Young at Heart Pottery Painting 7828 Hwy 42
(Main Street Shops)
Egg Harbor WI
920-868-5047
18. Get Artistic!Take an art class, or do an art project on your own! Fun for all! Check into these cool places:
□ You can take any number of classes in art at the
Peninsula Art School
Fish Creek
920-868-3455
□ For the Do-It-Yourself Artist in us all! Check out Hands-On Art Studio where you can paint ceramics, glass, metal art, t-shirts! Fun projects for any age. Call them at 920-868-9311. Tell Cy that we sent you, please! Great place!
Hands On Art Studio
3655 Peninsula Players Road
(head west from Hwy 42, about 1 ¾ miles)
Fish Creek
920-868-9311
Young at Heart Pottery Painting
7828 Hwy 42
(Main Street Shops)
Egg Harbor WI
920-868-5047
19. Search for your Dream Home!If you have always thought about owning your own home, land or cottage (even a business!) in
- Coldwell Banker - The Real Estate Group7734 Hwy 42 Egg Harbor 920-868-2002
- Century 21 Action Realty Group
Betty Tipler
4859 S. Cave Point Dr
920-743-7327
888-743-7327
Sturgeon Bay
Visit a Farm Market, Gourmet or Coffee Shop! There are so many farm markets in
- Door County Coffee and Tea Company! Great shop! And they roast and flavor their own coffee so you can buy many varieties (75) whole bean, or ground. And enjoy their café too! 5773 Hwy 42
Carlsville
920-743-8930
800-856-6613
- Door County Candy – home made gourmet popcorns (caramel, cashew, more) and home made fudge! Some of the best we have ever had!
920-746-0924 - Door County Deli at Liberty Square - Wine, cheeses, lots more!
7755 Hwy 42
Egg Harbor
920-868-4800 - Double Delites - homemade gelato (Italian ice cream) - as soon as this place opens this spring, get in there!
7818 Hwy 42 (next to Main
Street Shops)
Egg Harbor
920-868-2221 - Dairy View Country Store – take a tour, and learn how a real dairy farm works!
- The Shops at Liberty Square7755 Hwy 42
Egg Harbor
920-868-4800
Awesome shops! You will love it – tell them we sent you! - ·Sweetie Pies
Fish Creek
920-868-2743
AWESOME PIES! Tell Dave we sent you!
FARM MARKETS/Tours
Dairy View Country Store
5169 County I
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-9779
20. Luxuriate at a Spa!
Settlement Courtyard Inn and Lavender Spa
9126 State Rd 42
Fish Creek
920-868-3524
877-398-9308
The Spa at Sacred Grounds
10453 Townline Rd
Ephraim
920-854-4733
21. In May, The Skyway Drive-In Theatre opens for the season! You MUST make this part of your Door County vacation! This is just an awesome place that we love!
22. In May, you might be able to para-sail, head out on a catamaran, paddleboat, Wave Runner and more!
23. Mid – late May, head to the fun parks and enjoy mini-golf, go-karts and a whole lot more! Check out what’s around! Some of our favorites:
- Egg Harbor Fun Park in Egg Harbor – awesome mini-golf, go-carts, arcade, water wars, bounce zone, paint ball and more! Tell Donna and Lee that we sent you! Great place!
- Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf in Sister Bay – what a fun course, with pirate lore on each hole, and huge waterfall!
24. Golf! We love hitting the 36 holes at Alpine Golf Course in Egg Harbor. Try to play the Blue in your mix of 18 – the 9th hole is spectacular!
25. Take a Trip to Washington Island – If you have never gone before, or haven’t for a while, take a nice day trip to Washington Island. The ferry boat ride is fun for all. Take your car with, from Northport. Passengers and bikes from Gills Rock.
BONUS! Zip Line at Gravity Trails , take a Scenic Boat Tour aboard the Quo Vadis (in season) at Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours . . . and lots more!
There are many arts and craft shows, carriage rides, art classes and more happening this Spring. Check our Calendar Of Events for more details.
Summer Things to Do!
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Summer is the season! In Door County, this is the busy season - but you can still find exactly what you are looking for: lots of activities and things to do, or peace and quiet! You can have a fun-packed summer in Door County! This trip, try some brand new things in Door County.
Whether traveling alone, with a significant other, family or friends, there’s more to do in Door County in the summer than any other time. Sail, go charter fishing, kayak, go on eco-tours, golf, shop, dine outdoors, swim, look for real estate, hike and even just relax!
1. Go Sail Door County! That’s right – and you don’t even have to have a boat! Call Peder at Sail Door County and you can go out on a divine cruise on the Green Bay waters on one of his beautiful sailboats! Read our Review, then call to make a reservation! 920-495-SAIL (7245) And tell Peder we sent ya!
2. Tour Door County by Trolley! Get a grand tour of Door County on an old-fashioned trolley – check out Door County Trolley for lots of fun! The 45 minute tours are informative, fun, and show you show great vistas – bring the camera! They also have a General Tour, Lighthouse Tour a trolley “Ghost Tour, a new Premier Wine Tour, Haunted Pub Crawls, Wine,Spirits & Brew Tours, Beer & Burger Tours and more! Please tell AJ that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!
3. Make Your Own Art!
• Head over to Hands-On Art Studio and create your own are – paint ceramics, shorts, glass; make metal sculptures and lots more! Tell Cy we say hi! This is a fabulous spot to create art in metal, glass, ceramics, even throw pots and more. Watch all of our videos in the Trusted Review to see Hands On Studio , 3655 Peninsula Players Rd Fish Creek. Call 920-868-9311
4. Kayak! Boat! Cruise! Sail! Highlights - Check out Bay Shore Outfitters for activities offered for a lot of summer fun! Also check Door County Kayak Tours in Egg Harbor . And here are more!
Lakeshore Adventures
8113 Hwy 57
Baileys Harbor, WI
920-493-3474
Door County Kayak Tours
8442 South Highway 42
Fish Creek, WI
920-868-1400
Peninsula Kayak Company
6300 Hwy 57
Sturgeon Bay Wi
920-918-4314
Head out on a Catamaran!
Stiletto Sailing Cruises
at South Shore Pier
9993 Hwy 42
Ephraim
920-854-7245
Scenic Boat Excursions
Sail Door County
Sister Bay Marina
920-495-SAIL (7245)
Shoreline Charters - Scenic Cruises & Boat Rides
Gills Rock
920-854-4707
Shoreline Charters – Scenic Cruises & Boat Tours
8132 Hwy. 57
Baileys Harbor Village Marina
920-854-47-7
Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours
Next to Fish Creek Marina, near Clark Park
Fish Creek
920-421-4442
Rent Pontoon Boats, Waverunners™, Sea Doos™ & More
South Shore Pier, Inc.
9993 Water St.
Ephraim
920-854-4324
Sister Bay Boat Rental
Sister Bay Marina
Sister Bay, WI 54234
www.sisterbayboatrental.com
920-421-3330
5. Go Para-Sailing! This is terrific fun and a unique way to see Door County from the air! We did it last summer and we will do it again - this is fun! Call Wisconsin Water Wings and make a reservation and be sure to tell Captain Doug and the crew DoorCountyNavigator sent you!,
Wisconsin Water Wings
South Shore Pier
9993 Hwy 42
Ephraim
920-854-9000
6. Spend the Day on County I (carlsville & Sturgeon Bay) Yes – you can spend an entire fun day right on County I in Door County! Head towards Carlsville – County I runs east and west. Great fun!
• Stop in Door County Coffee and Tea for some of the best coffee and light lunches around! You can purchase whole bean or ground in up to 75 varieties! And, you can have a nice much in the café!
Door County Coffee & Tea
5773 Hwy 42
Carlsville
920-743-8930
800-856-6613
Visit Door Peninsula Winery and have your own wine tasting! This is great stuff. Hint: Sample the Sunset Splash - a delight for summer!
Door Peninsula Winery
5806 Hwy 42
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-7431
Buy the best candles and accessories money can buy at:
Door County Candle Company
5789 Highway 42
Carlsville, WI 54235
www.candleworksdc.com
877-263-5975
Then head east on County I and Go to Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery – fabulous! Sample some great wines - like Untouchable Red - awesome!
Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery
5896 Bochek Road
Sturgeon Bay
920-746-9307
- While you are near Simon Creek, you are close by to Kurtz Corral - go horseback riding - beautiful grounds, and the best palce to ride in Door County. Tell Jimmy we said hi!
Kurtz Corrall
5712 Howard Lane
Sturgeon Bay, WI
920-743-6742
7. Ridges Sanctuary Ridges Sanctuary! (Nature sanctuary) - Hwy 57, N - 1/2 mile N. of Baileys Harbor A beautiful nature preserve formed by the lake waters. No cars here, just walking. A must see. Take the camera! Beautiful! See our Ridges Sanctuary Video in our Door County Video Gallery under Nature & Historic Sites
8. Nature Walks & Tours - What better place than in beautiful Door County?
o The Ridges Sanctuary: (mentioned above- must see) 8270 Highway 57, Baileys Harbor: 920-839-2802. Premiere spot for nature lovers in us all. Gorgeous nature preserve, the ridges of which were formed by the lake waters crashing against the shore. Beautiful plants and flowers. Park and walk. Check out inns or B&Bs in Baileys Harbor.
o The State Parks
1. Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek: 920-868-3258. The largest (3776 acres) of the State Parks in Door County. Golf, nature trails, bicycle, hike, camp! Our favorite!
2. Newport State Park, 475 County Hwy NP, Ellison Bay: 920-854-2500. 2400-acre wilderness park. With sandy beaches, and lots of Lake Michigan shoreline. Nice park!
3. Potawatomi State Park, 3740 Park Dr., Sturgeon Bay: 920-746-2890. Camping, hiking, boating, guided hikes.
4. Whitefish Dunes State Park, 3701 Clark Lake Rd., Sturgeon Bay: 920-823-2400. There are original Native American villages within this park (they are actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places). And this park is right near Cave Point, which is a must see! Great half-day outing!
5. Rock Island State Park. Washington Island: 920-847-2235. This is remote! Take a boat FROM Washington Island to Rock Island. There are about 40 or so family-type campsites. Hike, swim.
If you want State Park Camping information, click this Camping link!
9. Theater! Great live theater in Door County this summer!
• Peninsula Players Theater: W4351 Peninsula Players Road, Fish Creek: 920-868-3287. The oldest resident summer theater in the U.S. This is magnificent! If you have never been to a production here, you must go. The outdoor theater is covered so you are protected from the elements, but the open-air feeling is great when the sides are open! Comfortable seats too. Get to the theater early, before sunset, get a drink at their outdoor bar, and watch one of the most gorgeous sunsets you have seen, from one of the greatest spots to watch in Door County. And the productions are always fabulous. This is one super experience all around. Do it! Check their schedule (starts around third week in June through October)
• Northern Sky Theater – Fish Creek: 920-854-6117. Very nice open-air theater in Peninsula State Park. Mid-June through September. Take in a show at this musical theater under the stars – you’ll love it. Tell them we sent you!
• TAP: Third Avenue Playhouse always has something good on “TAP!” Check their schedule. Indoors, staged performances.
• Birchcreek Music Performance, Egg Harbor: Wonderful music from steel drums to swing!
• Door Community Auditorium – lots happening here! Check their schedule.
• Door Shakespeare – more great theater right near Baileys Harbor!
10. Music in the Parks - The towns all publish their schedule of music in the parks. Check our Calendar of Events too for more information. Here are some of our favorites: you must go to at least one of these – they are so relaxing and so much fun for all! Check local listings to make sure these are still on for days assigned.
• Sturgeon Bay - Wednesdays: "Harmony by the Bay", 7PM, Mid June – Third Week of August
• MONDAY EVENINGS IN EPHRAIM Evenings in Ephraim, free Monday concerts at Harborside Park, 6PM - 8PM, 3rd week of June thru end of August
• Fish Creek – Tuesdays, 2:30- 4:30PM, June 14 – August 16th
• Sister Bay – Wednesdays (and select Saturdays) 6-9PM, Third week of June – almost the end of August
• Egg Harbor – Thursdays, 5PM, Nid-June to mid-August
• Peg Egan Sunset Concert Series, 7PM Sunday nights, #rd week of June to 3rd week of August in Egg Harbor. Details.
11. Horseback Riding - do it - it is beautiful and fun! There are some beautiful trails in Door County, so take advantage at some of these very fine horse-back riding stables. Many have ponies for kids too, like Herb’s Horses. Door County on horseback is quite a treat. Try it!
Kurtz Corral
5712 Howard Lane
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-6742
1-800-444-0469
12. Biking & Mopeding! Bike or moped your way around Door County! Always be careful – bike Peninsula State Park on state of the art bikes from
Nor-Door Sport & Cyclery
4007 Hwy. 42
Fish Creek
920-868-2775
They have new power assist electric bikes - check then out!
Edge of Park, Inc. Bike & Moped Rental
P.O. Box 188 at the Park Entrance Rd.
Fish Creek
920-868-3344
Only palce to rent mopeds on the main peninsula!
13. Mini-Golf and Family Fun Centers! There are several places to mini-golf – but Egg Harbor Fun Park has a ton of additional things as well. Here’s what we think for each!
Egg Harbor Fun Park
7340 Hwy 42
Egg Harbor
920-868-9417
This is a mini-golf, arcade and restaurant that opened in June 2001. And in 2010, they added a state-of-the-art go-karting course! Awesome! We mini-golfed here many times – love it!. They have a huge arcade room which also has redemption games (save tickets to win prizes), and a water fight set up outside, paint ball, zip lining, batting cages, boucne zone for the kids and more. Great pizzas, ice cream and more! Great place! Tell the folks we sent you please!!
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
810 S Bay Shore Dr
Sister Bay
920-854-4929
This looks spectacular from the road – huge waterfalls, a pirate’s theme with a sunken ship in the lagoon and more! Pirate lore, some pirate facts, and fun golfing! Great place! Mention DoorCountyNavigator.com!
Red Putter Mini-Golf
10404 Water St
Ephraim
920-854-5114
14. Charter Fishing Try these charter companies for starters. See our Activities section for more.
Andy’s Silver Strike Charter Fishing
At the Baileys Harbor Municipal Marina
Baileys Harbor
920-854-6069
Hooked Up Sportfishing Charters
6512 County C
Sturgeon Bay
920-495-5586
First Choice Charter
Baileys Harbor Town Marina
Baileys Harbor, WI
920- 839-1409
15. Rent a Boat! From pontoon boats or kayaks to sail boats, rent them all in Door County!
Nicolet Beach Rentals
On the Beach in Peninsula State Park
10170 Shore Rd
Fish Creek
920-854-9220
Sister Bay Boat Rental
Sister Bay Marina
Sister Bay, WI 54234
www.sisterbayboatrental.com
920-421-3330
16. Washington Island - Go there - stay there- have fun! Go for the day, or stay! Fun, 20-minute ferry boat ride that you can take from Gills Rock (passengers only, with bikes ok) or from Northport with your car. The ferry boat ride is great fun – you cruise by the islands, Death’s Door, shipwrecks and more. You owe it to yourself to do it! Or stay a night or two on Washington Island!
17. Fine Dining - fine but Door County it is still casual!
• White Gull Inn – on non-fish boil nights, enjoy candlelight dinners!
18. Swimming! Swim in or swim out! Go to the YMCAs (Fish Creek and Sturgeon Bay) for indoor swimming or enjoy outside!
YMCA
1900 Michigan Street
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-4949 OR
1-800-287-4949
YMCA – Northern Center
3866 Gibraltar Rd
Fish Creek
920-868-3660
or try some of the beaches (NOTE: beach conditions with the Door County Visitor Bureau) at
• Fish Creek – right in downtown Fish Creek at the park
• Egg Harbor – around back on Hwy G past Shipwrecked and Harbor Park – follow the signs
• Murphy Park in Egg Harbor
• Ephraim Beach in Ephraim (see our September Sundown video filmed at Ephraim Beach!)
• Whitefish Dunes State Park in Sturgeon Bay (beautiful)
19. Door County Fair! Door County Fair! uly 31 - August 4th The Fairgrounds are very nicely kept, and this is a fun event especially for kids — there are lots of barns and sheds to see all kinds of interesting things, crafts, animals, and of course rides on the midway! Worth the trip for an old-fashioned county fair! Lots of fun for all! http://www.doorcountyfair.com/
20. Perseid Meteor Showers August 11th - 12th This is a once a year phenomenon as the Earth passes through the Perseid meteor belt. You will have to check local listings here for any events. This is supposed to be spectacular! Those who have seen them have been awe-struck! 50 meteors in an hour — how can you miss them?! We think the northeast end of the peninsula (near the Northport Ferry dock, or Newport State Park, are the places to get the best view. Check out the local Resorter Reporter newspaper for up to the minute news if you are here at this time. It is a phenomenon and a true astronomical event! Could also be some on the night of the 13th, but plan the 11th and 12th.
21. Aurora Beaurealis - if you can ever catch this “phenomenal” show in Door County, it is awe-inspiring. If you have never seen this magnificent show put on by nature, absolutely free, you have missed something. On a clear night, look to the northern skies and you will see huge curtains of light flashing and flowing across the skies, gently, easily, colorfully. It is a site to behold. In big cities, they are drowned out by light and pollution. In Door County, we have witnessed some superior shows. Lie back on the grass, lie on the hood of your car, open the sunroof on your car and sit back and enjoy. The “northern lights” are a spectacular show! Simply stunning!
22. Take a Carriage Ride! See Ephraim at night on a romantic carriage ride for 10, 20 or 30 minutes (check with John for price). John Mayberry runs a wonderful carriage, and as you clip-clop through historic Ephraim under the moonlight, well, ahhh – it’s just one of the nicest things to do! So. . .do it! Check out John’s site at Mayberry’s Carriages and Sleigh! And tell him that we sent you on the carriage ride of your life!
23. Ellison Bluff Park This is a very cool park that’s really not like a park. You drive into the area just on the south end of Ellison Bay (follow the signs for Ellison Bluffs), park the car, and hike up a walkway to a bluff that over looks the waters of Green Bay. Panoramic views – a nice little trip and a memorable view. Take the camera for sure! Watch our Ellison Bluff video in our video gallery.
24. Town Festivals! Lots of them! See our Calendar for full details, but here are a few you might want to take in: Fyr Bal, 4th of July, Pumpkin Patch etc.
25. Wine Tours! Tell them sent you! This is great fun and here are some of our favorite wineries to tour!
• Door Peninsula Winery
5806 Hwy 42
Sturgeon Bay
920-743-7431
• Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery
5896 Bochek Road
Sturgeon Bay
920-746-9307
BONUS!
• Drive in Movie at Skyway Drive In Ephraim! Great fun for the whole family! 1st run movies!
• Zip Line at Gravity Trails, or Lakeshore Adventures
• There are many arts and craft shows, carriage rides, art classes and more happening this Spring. Check our Calendar Of Events for more details.
• Plum Loco Animal Farm - this is a way cool place for kids! Places to play, lots of animals to see and mroe! Check out our Trusted Review!
• And Lots more: Comedy Club at Carrington Pub & Grill in Egg Harbor (Landmark Resort), Salsa Dancing, Ski-For-Free in Sturgeon Bay!
Always check with establishments ahead of time to make sure of schedule, cancellations etc.
Things can change without notice.