Here's Why Door County is the Perfect Mid-West Getaway

I had an opportunity to solo travel and spend a week working remotely from Door County, Wisconsin, so I jumped at the chance!

Door County is on a peninsula, surrounded by Green Bay and Lake Michigan in the northern tip of Wisconsin. It really feels like a little island made up of bustling small towns, farmlands, vineyards and slow speed limits.

Whether you're seeking a family vacation, romantic getaway, friends-cation, or solo adventure, Door County offers something for every type of traveler. If you only have a few hours or several days, there is plenty to explore! Below is everything I did (and I few I wish I did) on my recent trip that can help you plan your visit.

What To Expect

Door County is a popular tourist destination for everyone ranging from those who love to hike and camp, motorcyclists going on a road trip, couples looking to reconnect and families who want to play at the beach.

I would advise having a vehicle as most towns are about 10-20 minute drive apart, however, I did see that there is a bus that operates on a select schedule so you can winery/brewery hop without worry of needing a designated driver.

It is one of the more expensive destinations in the mid-west I’ve been to from lodging and food prices, but you can always find good deals and cheap meals!

Like most small towns, everything closes so early (i.e 5pm) and as such, I highly recommend you make dinner reservations because the rush starts the minute all the shops close. I found that most of the restaurants also closed very early (like 8pm) with only a few of the breweries and bars open until about 9-10pm.

Where To Stay

Because I was traveling solo and had to work full time hours on my visit, I wanted to stay somewhere that had a kitchen and amazing WiFi so I could take my usual weekly meetings and not have to eat out for every meal.

I broke up my week by staying in two different locations, the first at The Landmark Resort in Egg Harbor, and the second half at the SwedeInn in Sister Bay.

I did this for a couple of reasons, 1. It was cheaper and 2. I wanted to experience a few towns without having to drive as much everyday while also working.

I knew through researching ahead of time that everything in Door County closes so freakin’ early (i.e 5pm) that it would be difficult for me to get out to do much while also working unless I was close by and could pop over to things during lunch breaks, so that’s what I did.

Landmark Resort, Egg Harbor

I would absolutely stay at the Landmark Resort again! I felt like I was staying in a 1 bedroom apartment and had all the amenities I could hope for from amazing views of Lake Michigan, multiple swimming pools (indoor and outdoor) an on-site restaurant if you don’t feel like cooking, a basketball court, tennis court and multiple walking trails, all while being very close (about 5 minute drive) to town.

SwedeInn, Sister Bay

This newly renovated motel was one of the more modern places I found to stay in Door County that was also so reasonably priced. Although this one didn’t have a full kitchen, it did have a fridge, a microwave and was walkable to everything in town.

Things To Do

There is no shortage of things to do in Door County! Below is everything I got experience in the week I spent exploring the area.

Shopping

There are so many local boutique stores all over Door County, but for the most concentration of shops in one spot, head to Fish Creek. You can easily park on the side of the street and walk along main street.

My personal favorite stores I found while exploring the peninsula are:

Sister Golden, Fish Creek, WI

Jackalope Trading Co, Baileys Harbor, WI

Good Leaf, Baileys Harbor, WI

Container Clothing Co, Baileys Harbor, WI

Blue Willow Shop, Sister Bay, WI

Skal, Sister Bay, WI

Spot Clothing, Egg Harbor, WI

Take a Hike!

Peninsula State Park

When it comes to Door County State Parks, Peninsula State Park is one of the best. Discover eight miles of Green Bay shoreline, scenic vistas, and abundant wildlife when you spend a day here.

Don’t miss Eagle Tower for amazing views of Lake Michigan. There is even a ramp you can take for an easier way up and down if you want to avoid all those stairs.

Cave County Park / Whitefish Dunes State Park

Cave Point County Park is located within Whitefish Dunes State Park. They are both beautiful places to explore, but Cave Point is free to visit since it’s a county park instead of a state park.

In the warmer months, you’ll see people kayaking, swimming and cliff jumping into the crystal clear blue waters below.

Ridges Sanctuary

If you’re in Bailey’s Harbor, make sure to stop and visit Ridges Sanctuary before leaving town. There are over 5 miles of trails, but you can easily walk along the board walk to the old light house and back if you’re not up for a full afternoon of hiking. The suggested donation is $5 per adult to help keep the nature center, trails and gardens maintained.

Three Springs Nature Preserve

This easy 1.75 mile looping trail takes you through woods and praire, with scenic outlooks over springs and wetlands. I didn’t pass another soul while I was there and definetely got the impression this park isn’t as well known as the others, but it was so peaceful! I highly recommend.

Visit an Art Gallery

Door County has an amazing local art scene, and there are galleries all throughout the region. And the best part is they are free to enjoy!

Edgewood Orchard Galleries

Edgewood Orchard Galleries represents over 150 artists from across North America and showcases original paintings, jewelry, sculptures, & furniture in a beautifully restored century-old barn. My favorite part though was walking through their award-winning sculpture garden in the woods.

Plum Bottom Art Gallery

Plum Bottom Gallery is family run and has a few locations throughout Door County. They have everything on display from jewelry, glass objects, ornaments and wall art. I visited the one in Egg Harbor and really loved all the paintings on display.

Hardy Gallery

The Hardy Gallery is inside an iconic building situated on the shore of Eagle Harbor in Ephraim. Unfortunately, I didn’t get there in time to go inside, but luckily the building itself is a work of art! It’s the only building in Door County where graffiti is allowed.

Watch the Sunset

You absolutely have to spend at least one night watching the sunset over Lake Michigan while you’re in Door County! There are so many places to stop all along the west side of the peninsula that you’ll be sure to get a great view.

I stopped to watch the sunset every night during my stay in Door County, and my favorite spots were:

Hardy Gallery, Ephraim
Egg Harbor Marina, Egg Harbor
Sunset Beach, Fish Creek

Cana Island Lighthouse

Cana Island Lighthouse was on every ‘must-do’ list for Door County I found and I’d have to agree! The parking lot is a short distance away from the island and you can either go by foot or jump on the back of a hay wagon to get across. The causeway can sometimes be underwater, but it was dry the day I went so I chose to walk.

You can climb 97 steps up the tower’s spiral staircase to look out its gallery deck and see sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Door County peninsula.

Even if you choose not to go up the lighthouse, the grounds and the beach are very beautiful and worth seeing!

Go for a Drive

I found myself driving a lot on my trip to Door County, bopping from town to town each day. It’s absolutely breath-taking driving along Lake Michigan, next to cherry orchards and vineyards and cruising through farmlands. But the coolest bit of highway is known as the Door County Curvy Highway. I can only imagine how stunning this stretch of road is during peak fall colors!

Head to the Beach!

I was in Door County at the very end of the warm season, so I spent many an afternoon and early evening soaking up the last bit of sunshine on the beach. Being a peninsula, there are plenty of amazing beaches in Door County to choose from!

I absolutely could not get over how clear the water is in Lake Michigan! Everywhere I went you could see straight through to the bottom and it is so beautiful.

My favorite by far was Pebble Beach in Sister Bay. It seemed to be not as well-known or popular as other beaches, and it’s protected so you can’t take any of the smooth rocks home with you. It’s located off of Wisconsin Hiway 42 by taking Little Sister Hill Road to Pebble Beach Road. (I had no issue finding it with Google Maps.) Just note there are no amenities at this beach, so bring what you need and take it all with you when you leave!

Drink + Dine

While I did choose to have most of my meals homemade, I did get out to a few restaurants during my stay in Door County. There are no shortage of places to choose from, but like I said above, I would make sure you get dinner reservations if you plan on eating out!

Greens N Grains Natural Food Market & Cafe, Egg Harbor, WI

Wilson’s Ice Cream, Ephraim, WI

Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, Sister Bay, WI

Lure, Sister Bay

Wild Tomato, Sister Bay, WI & Fish Creek, WI

Bearded Heart Coffee, Bailey’s Harbor, WI

Door County Brewing, Bailey’s Harbor, WI

Door County Coffee

Whether you’re starting your trip or heading home, make sure to stop by Door County Coffee for a cup of their gourmet coffee or tea. It’s located right on Highway 42 in Sturgeon Bay. (You can’t miss it!) While sipping your coffee you can also view their production area and browse through their expansive gift shop. Just make sure to give yourself some extra time here (especially on weekends) because a line forms quick!

Visit a Farm Market

You really can’t take a trip to Door County without stopping at least one farm market - they are everywhere! You can stock up on all things cherry and apple either frozen or fresh, pie filling, dried, jam, donuts and individual pie slices for the road.

If you’re visiting towards the end of July, expect to see annual cherry festivals all over the county during peak picking season.

Lautenbach Orchards, Fish Creek, WI

Seaquist Orchards, Sister Bay, WI

Wood Orchard Market, Egg Harbor, WI

Lavender is another resource Door County has in abundance, and you may come across a little farm stand as you drive around the peninsula. I found this gem just outside of Lautenbach Orchards!

Say Cheese!

If you’re a cheese lover, Wisconsin is the BEST place to be! There are cheese markets all over Door County. Either at the start of your trip, or on the way home make sure to check out Renard’s in Sturgeon Bay. They offer free tastings of a wide assortment of cheese and wine so you can try before you buy.

They also have a full service bistro on site so you can fill up on a tasty meal before you hit the road again. Check out the menu here.

Need More Ideas?

While I did feel like I got to see and experience so much in Door County, because I was working there were just a few things I didn’t get a chance to do and wish I had!

Kayaking Tours
Being surrounded by water, the boating and kayaking opportunities are endless! There are a wide variety of tours you can choose from if you don’t want to bring (or don’t have) your own equipment.

E-Bike Tours
Door County can be pretty hilly in places so while a regular bicycle might be a bit of a challenge, an E-Bike does the hard part for you! There are tour groups that go to different parts of Door County and it seems like such a great way to see all there is.

Visit Washington Island & Lavender Farms
Washington Island is just a short ferry ride away from the main peninsula and is renowned for their lavender fields. The official Washington Island Ferry website has current rates and schedules for the ferry so you can pop over for a day trip during your trip!

Fish Boil
I truly feel like I really missed out by not experiencing this on my trip. Attending a fish boil is a must-do in Door County! You’ll find plenty of restaurants in nearly every town that offers a nightly boil during peak season. Not only does it sound delicious, they’re also fun to watch! Every fish boil may vary slightly, but it will always come with white fish, potatoes, and some kind of side.

There you have it! Now if that all doesn’t sound like the perfect mid-west getaway, I don’t know what does!

Have any other tips to Door County to share? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time, Happy Adventuring!
Karen