Explore Door!
Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik
Al Johnson's is the most iconic restaurant in Door County. Come for the Swedish Pancakes, Lingonberries, and Swedish Meatballs, and stay for the Goats on the Roof! Do not miss the Butik (store) full of Scandinavian and Door County treasures. They also have the Stabbur Beer Garden next door. Al Johnson's is Matt's #1 recommendation.
Northern Sky Theater Park Amphitheater
Northern Sky puts on original (Midwestern!) musicals. We recommend the outdoor theater in Penninsula State Park but they have an indoor theater as well. Sarah grew up going to a show in the outdoor amphitheater every summer.
Performing Arts
Door County has a vibrant arts and culture scene! Catch a show at Northen Sky Theater (see above), Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) in Sturgeon Bay, Door Shakespeare in Baileys Harbor, or Penninsula Players in Fish Creek. There is also live music throughout the county on a daily basis.
Cave Point County Park
Cave Point is beautiful. Especially on windy days when the water is rough! This was one of the locations for Matt and Sarah's engagement pictures. This is the place to go for iconic Door County photos.
Red Putter Mini Golf
A trip to Door County is not complete without mini golf! Red Putter is a classically themed course and a favorite of Sarah's family. Honorable mention to Pirate's Cove in Sister Bay.
Door County Maritime Museum
Sarah always has a recommendation for a museum! The Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay has wonderful exhibitions on Door County environmental and cultural history through a maritime lens.
Cana Island Lighthouse
Cana Island Lighthouse allows you to climb the tower. The view of Lake Michigan is unrivaled. It is truly an experience! Beware of the journey back downstairs. Matt loves the views from the lighthouse!
Lighthouses
Door County has 11 lighthouses!
Art Galleries, Museums, & Studios
Door County has so many art galleries and studios. We recommend the outdoor sculpture gallery at Edgewood Orchard Galleries in Fish Creek and the Miller Art Museum in Sturgeon Bay.
Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours
Learn about Door County from the water!
Exploring the Outdoors!
Door County is great for exploring the outdoors! You can golf, hike, kayak, or bike! There are bike, kayak, and other equipment rentals throughout the county. There are beaches on the Lake Michigan and the Green Bay side. We recommend exploring the Destination Door County page for ideas.
Washington Island
Washington Island makes for a great day trip! We recommend taking the car ferry. The Cherry Train Tour is a great way to see multiple Washington Island landmarks. If you do not take the Cherry Train, you should still visit Schoolhouse Beach. It is one of only five smooth limestone beaches in the world. For food, we recommend the Albatross Drive-In for classic burgers, shakes, and sides. You often have to wait a while for your food but it is worth it! Due to ferry schedules, we do not recommend visiting Washington Island on Saturday, June 28th.
Door County Souvenirs
We recommend the following spots for a Door County themed souvenir: - Jacksonport Cottage in Jacksonport (art, coasters, gifts, etc.) - Al Johnson's Butik in Sister Bay (lots of goat themed items) - Bill's Dry Goods/On Deck Sister Bay in Sister Bay (apparel) - Tannenbaum Holiday Shop in Sister Bay (Door County themed ornaments if you celebrate or decorate for Christmas) - Mann's Mercantile on Washington Island (apparel)
Seaquist Orchards Farm Market
Door County is known for its cherries. There are so many farm markets but Seaquist is our #1 recommendation. They have samples!!
Renards Cheese
Stop on your drive up and stock up on cheese! They have samples so you can try a fresh squeaky cheese curd (iykyk). At restaurants, you will often see fried Renards cheese curds. That is how you know you are in for a treat!
Dining
Breakfast: -Al Johnson's in Sister Bay (see above) Coffee: -Door County Coffee & Tea in Carlsville -Roost & Banter in Baileys Harbor Lunch: -Chives Food Trucks in Baileys Harbor -Door County Coffee & Tea in Carlsville -Harbor Fish Market & Grille in Baileys Harbor -Albatross Drive-In on Washington Island (any day other than Saturday) Frozen Treats: -Not Licked Yet Frozen Custard in Fish Creek -Door County Ice Cream Factory in Sister Bay -Sara's Artisan Gelato in Fish Creek -Wilson's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor in Ephraim -Culver's in Sturgeon Bay Appetizers: -A Little Bit of Coffee in Jacksonport (only available mid-week) Dinner (casual): -Coyote Roadhouse in Baileys Harbor -Wild Tomato Woodfired Pizza & Grille in Sister Bay Dinner (nice): -Alexander's of Door County in Fish Creek -Burton's on the Bay at the Alpine Resort in Egg Harbor Other: -Culver's. The BEST midwestern fast food. A+ Road Trip Food! -Friday Fish Boil (Various) -Lots of breweries, wineries, etc.
Travel and Leisure Article
Check Out Travel + Leisure's article "This Coastal Destination Is Called the 'Cape Cod of the Midwest' — With Charming Small Towns and Beautiful Views" for more ideas on things to do!
Midwest Living Article
Check out Midwest Living's "The Ultimate Guide to Door County's Charming Towns and Islands" for even more ideas!
Frommer's Article
For those looking for family friendly ideas, check out Frommer's article "Fun Things to Do with Kids in Door County, Wisconsin"
NYT 36 Hours in Door County
The 36 Hours series from the New York Times is one of Sarah's favorite travel related reads. Here they spotlighted things to do during a short trip in Door County!