Door County, Wisconsin: Your Ultimate 2025 Travel Guide

Top Highlights and Activities

State and County Parks

Peninsula State Park: Spanning 3,776 acres in Fish Creek, this park offers 8 miles of Green Bay shoreline, hiking trails, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, and the newly designed Eagle Tower for panoramic views. Activities include biking, camping, and golfing. Admission: $8 daily for residents, $11 for non-residents.
Cave Point County Park: Near Sturgeon Bay, explore limestone sea caves, underwater caverns, and wave-worn cliffs. Ideal for kayaking, hiking, and photography. Free entry.
Whitefish Dunes State Park: Features Wisconsin’s highest sand dunes, 14 miles of trails, and birdwatching with over 200 species. Perfect for hiking and beach walks. Admission: $8 daily for residents, $11 for non-residents.
Newport State Park: An International Dark Sky Park with pristine trails and stargazing opportunities. Great for hiking and solitude. Admission: $8 daily for residents, $11 for non-residents.
Ellison Bluff County Park: Offers a scenic overlook with limestone bluffs and Lake Michigan views. Free entry, ideal for short walks.

Cultural and Historical Attractions

Door County Maritime Museum: In Sturgeon Bay, explore shipbuilding history and tour the restored tugboat John Purves. Open daily, 10 AM–4 PM (Jan–Apr), 9 AM–5 PM (May–Oct). Adults: $15; youth (5–17): $7.
Cana Island Lighthouse: A historic 1869 lighthouse with climbable tower and scenic views. Open May–Oct, 10 AM–5 PM. Adults: $12; youth: $10.
The Farm: A living museum north of Sturgeon Bay where kids can bottle-feed baby goats and explore rural history. Open daily, 9 AM–4 PM. Adults: $9.50; children (3–12): $6.
The Ridges Sanctuary: In Baileys Harbor, hike through protected woodlands and wetlands, home to rare plants and birds. Open daily, 9 AM–4 PM. Adults: $8; children: $5.

Unique Experiences

Fish Boils: Enjoy a traditional Scandinavian-inspired meal of whitefish and potatoes cooked over an open fire with a dramatic kerosene flare. Try White Gull Inn in Fish Creek or Old Post Office Restaurant in Ephraim.
Cherry Picking: Visit orchards like Lautenbach’s in Fish Creek during July–August for pick-your-own cherries and cherry wine tastings.
Washington Island: Take a ferry to this serene island for lavender fields, Schoolhouse Beach, and the historic Stave Church. Ferry operates daily, May–Oct.
Kayaking and Water Sports: Paddle the Mink River Estuary or Cave Point’s sea caves with guided tours or rentals.
Peninsula Players Theatre: America’s oldest professional resident summer theater in Fish Creek, offering plays in a cedar forest setting. Shows run June–Oct.

        Pro Tip: Book fish boils, theater tickets, and ferry
        trips to Washington Island 2–3 months in advance for summer visits.
      

Exploring Door County’s Charming Towns

Sturgeon Bay: The gateway to Door County with a laid-back vibe, home to the Door County Maritime Museum and Bluefront Cafe for lunch. Take County Highway S to Algoma for scenic lake views.
Fish Creek: A bustling hub with top restaurants, shops, and Peninsula State Park. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas at Wild Tomato or a fish boil at White Gull Inn.
Sister Bay: Known for dining and beaches, visit Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant with goats on the roof or Thyme for sophisticated Midwestern cuisine.
Ephraim: A quiet, historic town with Anderson Dock, water sports, and Wilson’s Ice Cream for old-fashioned treats.
Baileys Harbor: Offers protected lands, three lighthouses, and Island Orchard Cider for apple-cherry ciders.

        Pro Tip: Base yourself in Fish Creek or Sister Bay for
        proximity to attractions, or Sturgeon Bay for a quieter, budget-friendly
        stay.()
      

Practical Information

Location: Door County is a 70-mile-long peninsula in eastern Wisconsin, between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, with Sturgeon Bay as its southern gateway.
Getting There:
- Car: Drive from Chicago (250 miles, 4.5–5 hours), Milwaukee (150 miles, 2.5 hours), or Green Bay (45 miles, 1 hour).
- Air: Fly into Austin-Straubel Field in Green Bay (GRB, 45 miles away) or Milwaukee Mitchell International (MKE, 150 miles).
- Bus/Tours: Day trips available from Green Bay or Milwaukee with professional tour operators.
Admission: State parks require a vehicle sticker ($8/day for residents, $11/day for non-residents). Most county parks are free.
Hours: Most attractions (e.g., museums, lighthouses) are open 9 AM–5 PM, May–Oct; some close in winter. Check specific hours for theaters and tours.
Accessibility: Boardwalks at Cave Point and trails in Peninsula State Park are partially wheelchair-accessible; lighthouses may have limited access.
Health/Safety: Watch for ticks in wooded areas; use sunscreen and stay hydrated during outdoor activities.

        Pro Tip: Stop at the Door County Welcome Center in
        Sturgeon Bay for free brochures and maps to plan your trip.
      

Travel Tips for a Seamless Visit

Advance Booking: Reserve accommodations, fish boils, and tours 3–6 months ahead for summer and fall (June–October).
What to Bring: Water shoes for rocky beaches, sunscreen, bug spray, binoculars for birdwatching, and layers for cool evenings (even in summer).
Safety: Stay on marked trails in parks, keep a safe distance from wildlife, and follow water safety guidelines for kayaking or boating.
Dining: Try local specialties like cherry-stuffed French toast at White Gull Inn or smoked fish at Charlie’s Smokehouse in Baileys Harbor.
Photography: Capture sunrises at Cave Point or sunsets in Ephraim; tripods recommended but avoid restricted areas.
Connectivity: Cell service can be spotty in northern areas; download offline maps or audio guides.
Weather: Summer highs are 70–80°F with cool lake breezes; fall (50–60°F) offers vibrant foliage; winter (20–30°F) has snow and ice formations.

        Pro Tip: Take a scenic drive on County Highway S from
        Sturgeon Bay to Algoma for stunning lake views and charming towns.
      

Events & Special Experiences in 2025

Cherry Blossom Season (May): Enjoy blooming orchards and Segway tours through cherry fields.
Door County Wine Festival (June): Sample local wines and ciders in Baileys Harbor.
International Motorcycle Show (July 26): Held in Algoma, featuring rides and exhibits.
Fall Festivals (October): Celebrate harvest season with apple picking, pumpkin patches, and town festivals.
Winter Activities (December–March): Explore ice formations at Cave Point or enjoy snowshoeing in Peninsula State Park.

        Pro Tip: Check the official Door County calendar for
        2025 festival and event schedules to plan your visit.
      

Plan Your 2025 Door County Adventure

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Door County, Wisconsin: Your Ultimate 2025 Travel Guide

Why Visit Door County in 2025?

Top Highlights and Activities

State and County Parks

Cultural and Historical Attractions

Unique Experiences

Exploring Door County’s Charming Towns

Practical Information

Travel Tips for a Seamless Visit

Events & Special Experiences in 2025

Plan Your 2025 Door County Adventure