Door County, Wisconsin, is often called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest” for good reason. With its charming harbor towns, historic lighthouses, and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, it’s a Midwestern vacation tradition for a reason.
While most people think about visiting in the summer, Door County has plenty to do year-round, though some activities have limited hours or are closed in winter. I can name very few friends who have never been there, but I only had my first visit recently as the furthest north I’d been before is Oshkosh.
I will be going back.
My visit was part of a hosted press trip where we made the most of our time. Door County is often a weekend getaway, and there’s a lot you can pack into 48 hours there.
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What to Know About Door County
Door County sits on a narrow peninsula in northeastern Wisconsin, stretching between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. While you may think of it as a town, the county has 19 different municipalities and covers nearly 500 square miles.
It includes more than 300 miles of shoreline and is home to a mix of nature preserves, boutique shops, historic landmarks, and farm-to-table dining. Originally settled by immigrants from Scandinavia, the region still leans into those roots, especially in its food and architecture.
You need to have a car to get around. The area is spread out with limited public transportation and no nearby airport where you can just Uber where you want to go.
From Chicago, it’s about a four and a half hour drive and only around two and a half hours from Milwaukee. Because the county stretches along the narrow peninsula, exact drive times will vary based on what town you head to first.
Understanding Door County’s Layout and Towns
The peninsula is made up of several small towns and villages, each with its own personality. Part of the fun is getting to see all the differences in such a small area.
Fish Creek is a hub for dining and shopping with easy access to Peninsula State Park. Ephraim offers historic charm and a quieter vibe, and this is where we stayed.
Sister Bay focuses on the waterfront and the famous goats on the roof at Al Johnson’s, though sadly it was too early in the season for them when we visited. Baileys Harbor faces Lake Michigan and leans into outdoor activities, while Sturgeon Bay, the largest town, is a gateway to the county and home to a strong shipbuilding legacy.
Each area has something distinct to offer, making it worth exploring several over a weekend. Be sure to figure out what you want to do each day, as the drive from one end of Door County to the other is not insignificant.
Where to Stay in Door County
Door County’s lodging ranges from cozy inns to boutique resorts. We stayed at the Edgewater Resort in Ephraim that had gorgeous views and massive suites far larger than we had expected.
Depending on your budget and where you want to stay, you can find a fit. Be sure to book early, as Door County tends to sell out in peak season.
On the more budget-friendly side, look at the Baileys Grove Campground that offers both tent and RV sites or motels like Lull-Abi Inn in Egg Harbor. For upscale stays, book The Ashbrooke in Egg Harbor, an adults-only option with modern amenities where all guests are at least 16 or older, or Hillside Waterfront Hotel in Ephraim for a luxury B&B experience that also includes two newly renovated private cottages.
Day 1: Pancakes, Preserves, and Sunset Dining
The key to enjoying your vacation is to have a good plan that still allows time to relax. For day one, we stayed primarily in the central part of Door County and also recommend hitting the northern end for part of it.
Breakfast at Al Johnson’s in Sister Bay
Kick off the day with a breakfast that doubles as an experience. Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik is famous for its goats grazing on the grass-covered roof when it’s warm enough and safe for them to do so.
Order the Swedish pancakes, thin and buttery, served with lingonberries, and opt for the side of Swedish meatballs to really feel at home. There’s usually a wait during the high season, but the patio is scenic and the goats are always entertaining.
They also have great coffee, and I opted for a hot chocolate. When they asked me if I wanted whipped cream, of course I said I did, but I think they were trolling me with the amount of whipped cream – though I had no complaints!
Hike and Beach at The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor
Next, head to The Ridges Sanctuary, Wisconsin’s first land trust, which was established in 1937. The well-maintained boardwalks and forest trails lead you through diverse habitats and past rare wildflowers, and a good portion of it is completely ADA-accessible.
You can do both self-guided and naturalist-guided hikes along the trails, and I highly recommend the naturalist-guided hike like we took. The cost is just $10 per person and is free for those 16 and younger for the 90-minute hike.
The naturalist explains everything from what swales are to the flora you see and the fauna you (mostly) hear. There is so much history to learn about, including the lighthouses and their keepers who served there.
If you prefer to hike on your own, there is no cost to do so, and the trails are open from dawn to dusk. Many of the trails convert to snow-shoe trails in the winter, and they have snowshoe rentals available.
After the hike, head over to Baileys Harbor Ridges County Park, which you can access from your hike by following the trail where the lighthouses align. This beach is a great spot to rest your legs and enjoy the lakeside view.
In warmer weather, you may want to move your car and park near the beach off Ridges Road to make it easier to carry your beach gear. You have access to relatively shallow water swimming, as well as picnic tables and restrooms.
Lunch at Inland in Baileys Harbor
Nearby, Inland is a relatively new restaurant that offers wood-fired sourdough pizzas with inventive toppings and a casual setting. You order at the front desk, then they bring your food to you, and they also offer a carryout option.
Their pizza is amazing and comes in just one (large) size that’s enough for at least two to share. The crust is blistered and chewy, and the seasonal menu is worth exploring.
We tried a burrata pizza that was pure heaven, as well as a kale salad that was the perfect accompaniment. Their menu changes seasonally, and note that they are closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Drive the Windy Road Near Northport
Make time for the iconic winding road between Gills Rock and Northpoint. This stretch of Highway 42 is about a mile and a half long and includes 15 serpentine curves.
The curving stretch through a tunnel of trees is part of a National Scenic Byway. Not surprisingly, this is one of the most photographed scenes in Door County.
As you drive it, watch out both for cyclists who love to bike the road and other photographers who don’t always watch for traffic as they aim to nab that perfect picture. You can stop alongside the road to take photos, and many visitors take advantage of this opportunity.whi
Wine and Cherries at Lautenbach’s Orchard Country
Stop in Fish Creek at Lautenbach’s Orchard Country for a mix of local flavor and fun. You may not think of Wisconsin as a wine destination, but the folks at Lautenbach’s produce over 50 award-winning wines and ciders from fruit they grow on-site.
You can purchase or sample everything from more traditional white and red wines to port styles, spiced wines, and hard cider. The tasting room allows you to build your own flight so you can find your favorite and couple them with charcuterie or snacks from the market, too.
No matter what, be sure to try your hand at cherry pit spitting. In season, you get a small container of cherries to clean yourself and then head to the regulation green that allows you to measure exactly how far your pit went. In the off season, you can pick up pits inside to use that came from cherries they use for products in their market.
There’s also a playground for kids to enjoy, and you are welcome to stroll through their orchards and vineyard to explore them. They also offer the ability to pick your own cherries in season (usually mid-July to early-August) and apples (usually mid-September to early-October), which is always a fun family activity.
Note that Lautenbach’s has limited hours, so be sure to arrive before they close. They are open Sundays 9am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, and Friday and Saturday 9am to 6pm.
Dinner at Barringer’s in Fish Creek
Cap off your first day with dinner at Barringer’s, known for fresh seafood and steaks which was an absolutely fabulous meal. The menu includes Wisconsin favorites alongside coastal classics.
I highly recommend reservations, especially in the high season. This is a popular restaurant and well worth its reputation.
I had an absolutely fantastic steak that I paired with grilled asparagus in bernaise sauce for the table. Their cocktails are also unique and creative whether you want a sweet salted caramel martini or a mezcal smoke and spice, which is what I chose and adored.
Day 2: Coffee Flights, Shipbuilding, and a Door County Tradition
Because Door County covers such a large area, you need to focus your days. Day two we spend most of our time further south in Door County.
Breakfast and Coffee at Door County Coffee & Tea
You don’t find many chains in Door County, partly because of the seasonal variations in tourism. But given the amazing brew at Door County Coffee and Tea, I don’t know that the coffee chains would survive anyway.
This is hands down my favorite coffeehouse ever. No exaggeration.
When you go to the cafe, don’t worry about trying to decide amongst the fantastic coffees they roast in house. Nope, go for the coffee flight where you get four different flavors of caffeine perfection.
Their lattes are not overly sugary, which I appreciate, and the monthly featured flavors change regularly. When we visited, the focus was on Girl Scout cookie flavors, but each month, this changes up and there’s not a bad one in the bunch.
The cafe also offers sit down breakfast, which was just as delicious. The baked oatmeal with Door County cherries and apples is something I still need to replicate at home, but you can enjoy everything from quiche to a breakfast burrito and so much more.
This coffee roaster also includes a gift shop where they sell bags of their beans and ground coffee, so make sure to stock up. If you miss out, they do have online orders, including a seasonal Advent calendar where I’m just waiting for the drop date.
How good was this coffee shop in Carlsville near Sturgeon Bay? We insisted that we stop there again on our way out of town to enjoy their coffee one last time.
Visit the Door County Maritime Museum
Since you’re already pretty close to Sturgeon Bay, head over to explore the Maritime Museum. This museum is right on the water and ten stories tall, and each floor has a different them to the exhibits.
The exhibits cover shipbuilding, navigation, and local history. They are interactive and digestible with unique themes that include how people interacted with the waters around Door County from Native Americans to the tourists today, life underwater, and shipwrecks.
Be sure to spend time on the 10th floor observatory where you can see in all four directions. It’s open from April to November and is the second stop after the maritime theater on the first floor.
For families or those with sensory needs, the museum offers sensory-friendly backpacks for both kids and adults who need them that are equipped with fidgets, noise-reducing headphones, and social stories. They are available free of charge, just ask!
The maritime museum’s main site is in Sturgeon Bay, but there are two satellite locations, Cana Island Lighthouse in Baileys Harbor and Death’s Door Maritime Museum in Gills Rock. If you have time when you are near them on Day One, they are well worth a stop, and you can purchase discounted admission to multiple sites.
While visiting the Maritime Museum, upgrade your ticket to include a tour of the John Purves, which is a restored 1919 tugboat docked just outside the museum. You get a 40-minute guided tour by a volunteer docent, though be aware that the tug is not ADA-accessible.
Lunch at Cedar Crossing in Sturgeon Bay
Recharge just a few blocks away at Cedar Crossing, which gives off vintage vibes and is part of an inn with the same name. This is where you’ll have a chance to get the cheese curds you can’t leave Wisconsin without having eaten, in addition to hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, and old-fashioned cocktails.
I enjoyed a curry chicken salad with sweet potato fries in addition to the cheese curds we all shared. Everyone raved about their meals, and we had a great view of the street traffic from the huge windows next to our corner table.
It’s located downtown, so you’re in the perfect spot to explore Sturgeon Bay’s shops and galleries after eating. There are so many different stores to explore from used bookstores to unique clothing stores to antiques and more, including candy shops that have amazingly delicious Door County cherry fudge.
Yes, I picked some up from two places while there. The version from Door County Candy Company right on 3rd Street was my favorite, and they give fudge samples so you can find your favorite before you buy.
Visit Cave Point Park
If you’re visiting in warm weather months, don’t leave without seeing Cave Point County Park. The wave-worn cliffs and underwater caves are a natural spectacle, and the short hiking trails provide dramatic views.
The hiking trail connects with Whitefish Dunes State Park if you want to keep going, as it has many more miles of trail. You can do a kayak tour, and the caves are far more impressive from the water, which is why I recommend a summer visit.
That said, I’ve been told that it’s gorgeous (though slippery) in the winter, as the waves create icicles that cling to the rocks that form the caves. No matter the season, plan to take plenty of photos.
Dinner and a Fish Boil at White Gull Inn
You cannot leave Door County without attending a fish boil. I think it might be a law (kidding – mostly). They are a Door County staple, and though I had never heard of them before this past winter, I couldn’t wait to attend one.
You’ll see fish boils advertised all over Door County, but we enjoyed the one put on by the White Gull Inn in Fish Creek. Held Wednesday through Sunday in the summer and just on Fridays in the winter, this meal has three seatings a night with fewer in the offseason.
If you’ve never attended one, everyone watches the meal get cooked and chats up the boil master as he cooks whitefish, potatoes, and onions in a large kettle over an open flame. The meal finishes with a “boil-over” and is served with drawn butter, coleslaw, fresh bread, and a slice of cherry pie.
At least at the White Gull Inn, guests can have multiple servings of dinner, and several tables around us had seconds and at least one had a third helping of fish and potatoes. I was in it for the show, but I left just as happy with the taste of the dinner as I was with the overall experience.
Use This to Plan Your 48 Hours in Door County
With just two days in Door County, it’s impossible to see it all, but that’s part of the fun. You just have to go back and see more (and so do I).
It’s an absolutely gorgeous area with so much to see and do, and the people are incredibly friendly. It doesn’t matter if you come for the pancakes, the cherry pit-spitting, or the peaceful shoreline, Door County is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
