Things To Do In Door County

NYT Article 36 Hours in Door County

Peninsula State Park

Peninsula State Park, established in 1909, is a 3,776-acre state treasure on Wisconsin's Door County peninsula. Recreational opportunities are boundless. Visitors can hike, bike, boat, fish, golf and swim during spring, summer and fall. Peninsula State Park Golf course is a stunning course and generations of our family have played golf here!

Newport State Park

Newport's wilderness experience offers over 2,300 acres of forest on 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 30 miles of hiking trails, and backpack camping as a quiet alternative to bustling Door County. At the far end of the Door Peninsula, Newport is also designated as a Dark Sky Park, a perfect destination for stargazing. Reach out to us if your curious which trails we love!

Skyway Drive-In Theatre

Originally owned by brothers Orville and Elton Voeks (they were also the first owners of the Lake Cinema indoor theatre in Baileys Harbor), the Skyway first opened its front gate on July 26th, 1950. Movies have lit up the screen every summer since then, making it the longest continuously running drive-in in Wisconsin.

Johnson's Park

Johnson’s Park Mini Golf and Go Karts in Sister Bay offers fun and games for the whole family. Full arcade and batting cages.

Waseda Farms & Country Market

If you love the farmers market as much as we do, you will love Waseda Farms. They operate two farms: 1,000 acres in Door County, WI for beef, pork, and laying hens, and 2,600 acres in Norwood, MO for beef. They farm organically and regeneratively, avoiding synthetic chemicals and promoting healthy soil. Their 3,600 acres are divided into over 100 pastures for rotational grazing, mimicking natural bison patterns. This method supports a thriving ecosystem, from soil microbes to wildlife, and their diverse pastures result in healthier cows and better beef.

Gills Rock Stoneware

Our favorite pottery studio and gallery owned by Thor and Judy Thoreson. Their art is a wonderful glimpse into the rich artist community in Door County.

The Clearing

The Clearing is a folk school founded in 1935 by landscape architect Jens Jensen (1860-1951). This “school of the soil” is nestled within 128 acres of Door County forests and meadows and overlooks the dramatic Green Bay shoreline. It was built as a place where ordinary people could, as the name implies, “clear one’s mind” by reconnecting with nature and with one another. We love to take afternoon walks through the clearing. See if you can find the small house nestled on the cliff!

Peach Barn Farmhouse and Brewery

Peach Barn Brewery is a fun outdoor brewery often with live music! Walking distance for downtown Sister Bay.

Twelve Eleven Wine Bar + Provisions

Twelve Eleven was founded in 2015 by Garret Torgerson and Tim Raduenz. They are both originally from Wisconsin, but met in San Francisco in 2007 and their mutual love for wine became the foundation for creating Twelve Eleven. Twelve Eleven is the address of the apartment they both resided at in the Haight Ashbury neighborhood in San Francisco.

Island Orchard Cider

We are a hard cider company located in Ellison Bay, Door County, WI. Our name references our cider fruit orchard on Washington Island, where we grow apples, pears, and hazelnuts. Every fall, we handpick and then ferry our fruit across Lake Michigan’s Death’s Door to our production facility in Ellison Bay. We then ferment the fruit juices into award-winning hard cider. These ciders are available for your enjoyment in our taproom, Wisconsin stores, restaurants, and online. Cheers!

The Fashionable

From the owners of one of our favorite restaurant, Wickman House, which I still can't believe has closed. Owner Mike Holmes decided it was time for the next chapter. He wanted to condense those good things he learned at Wickman and Trixie’s into something new, The Fashionable. Here you can find a Mediterranean-influenced menu, sourcing local ingredients, offering unique wines from organic and woman-owned vintners, and above all, creating a space where the staff and guests are treated with respect and kindness.

Waterfront Restaurant

Gorgeous and warmly elegant, Waterfront sits up against the shores of Sister Bay. The open atmosphere of the dining room offers a sophisticated yet relaxed style, as walls of windows provide 180 degree views of a sparkling Lake Michigan and unobstructed nightly sunsets.

AC TAP

Our favorite dive bar with remarkably good wimpies (mini cheeseburgers) and cheese curds. Open late!

Thyme Restaurant & Catering

Thyme Restaurant, established 2017, was born out of a love for the restaurant biz and the camaraderie that comes with it. After almost two decades of managing a beloved Door County restaurant, we decided to head out on our own and start a local, full-service catering company - Thyme Catering. Thyme Restaurant is rooted in our desire to serve classic fare in combination with inspired, new dishes made from the freshest ingredients, sourced locally when available.

Sister Bay Bowl

Our favorite supper club with bowling! On the same block as The Dorr hotel!

BaySide Tavern

Another Door County classic. We've been boating or driving here since I was little. “Smilen” Bob’s Barroom Chili is the bomb!

Door County Creamery

Owned by Jesse and Rachael, The Creamery has the best sandwiches, goat cheese, and charcuterie goodies! Jesse makes the freshest Chevre you have ever had along with a special cave-aged hard cheese called Falltum. Other hand-made cheeses produced are Farmhouse Bricks, French Fetas, Marinated Feta, Goat Cheddars, Fresh Cheese Curds and other seasonal cheeses.

Good Eggs

A Door County classic. The best breakfast burrito and smoothies! Highly recommend but expect a line.

Cultured

Newer bakery to Door County, their sourdough bread and bagels are insane! They are open Thursday-Sunday 9-2. There will most likely be a line!

Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik

Sister Bay dining at its best, Al’s famous Swedish Pancakes are one of our most popular breakfast items…all day long. Served with your choice of lingonberries, strawberries, or maple syrup. Be like a Swede and ask for powdered sugar, too. Don't forget to stop by Stabbur, the outdoor beer garden next door. Great vantage point to view the goats on the roof. There is also often live music at night.

Door County Ice Cream Factory & Sandwich Shoppe

One of the best ice cream spots. Expect a line and try the Door County Chocolate Cherry!

Not Licked Yet Frozen Custard

Hard to say which is better, Not Licked Yet or the Ice Cream Factory so maybe try both! If you love custard, this is the place for you!