Situated on a scenic peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door County, Wisconsin, is known for its pristine natural beauty, coastal landscape and maritime history. Often regarded as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” the area is home to notable attractions like Peninsula State Park and Fish Creek’s White Gull Inn, offering picturesque waterfront views with over 300 miles of shoreline, limestone bluffs, sandy beaches and historic lighthouses.
Where To Stay
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2329 Mill Road, Sister Bay / Website
This Scandinavian-influenced waterfront luxury hotel is open year-round, offering lavish accommodations and one-of-a-kind well-appointed rooms, featuring everything from soft king beds to private balconies that overlook Sister Bay. Take your visit to the next level with European-style breakfast served in the lobby and wine by the fire at the lobby bar.
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7933 WI-42, Egg Harbor / Website
Located steps from Egg Harbor beach and local destinations for shopping, dining and outdoor entertainment, this serene getaway offers stunning views of Green Bay from its sprawling waterview villas. Amenities include a shoreline-adjacent outdoor pool, hydro-thermo massage whirlpools, full breakfasts offered daily and romantic add-ons like sunset dinners, horse-drawn carriage rides, cheese and fruit trays, seasonal bouquets and more.
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2393 S. Bay Shore Drive, Sister Bay / Website
Relax and unwind at this premier travel destination, known for its fabulous daily breakfast, English-inspired charm and luxe amenities—from complimentary tea and coffee service to elegantly decorated guest rooms. The inn is also home to an English pub-themed bar, a retail area, a heated outdoor pool, a cozy sauna, an exercise room and an indoor whirlpool tub.
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4929 Landmark Drive, Egg Harbor / Website
Make Door County your second home at this resort, which features an award-winning restaurant, a premier Egg Harbor location and lavish amenities like special packages, well-endowed suites and resort-style activities. While you’re there, pay a visit to the destination’s multiple swimming pools, whirlpools and saunas, explore nearby nature trails and break a sweat at the pickle, tennis and basketball courts.
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4291 County EE, Egg Harbor / Website
Centrally located between Egg Harbor, Fish Creek and Baileys Harbor, this unstaffed boutique vacation destination merges custom design with cutting-edge technology to provide a serene stay on a century-old farmstead. The property houses six well-endowed guest cottages that can accommodate up to 36 guests, featuring full kitchens and spacious living areas.
Where To Eat
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10698 N. Bay Shore Drive, Sister Bay / Website
Arguably, no visit to Door County is complete without a stop at Al Johnson’s. The family-owned spot’s mouthwatering traditional Swedish dishes certainly make it a standout, and there's one more aspect that makes this hot spot truly iconic: The family of goats grazing on the roof. Snag a seat and dine on Swedish pancakes with lingonberries, pytt i panna roast beef, classic Reuben sandwiches and more.
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3667 WI-42, Fish Creek / Website
This upscale, intimate eatery is the place to go for indulgent specialties like wild escargot, oysters Rockefeller, Australian lobster tail, walleye pike and more, plus top-notch cuts of steak. The restaurant’s chop house selections span filet mignon, bone-in ribeye cowboy steaks and French-cut pork chop au poivre.
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611 Jefferson St., Sturgeon Bay / Website
Situated in a charming repurposed chapel, this Sturgeon Bay gem serves contemporary comfort food favorites crafted with fresh, local ingredients, accompanied by artisan flatbreads, sweet treats, wines and craft brews. Highlights include chef’s choice charcuterie boards, fresh mozzarella pizza and roasted beet salad. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the spot’s calendar of upcoming events for live music performances, karaoke nights and artist spotlights.
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4225 Main St., Fish Creek / Website
Open since 1896, this historic inn and restaurant, situated in the bayside village of Fish Creek, is known for its famed Door County fish boils—a time-honored tradition of boiling whitefish, potatoes, onions and corn in a large pot over an open fire. Additionally, the spot serves favorites like tempting cherry-stuffed French toast, butternut squash ravioli and Maple Leaf Farms duck, served with cherry port wine sauce.
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10947 WI-42, Sister Bay / Website
For an unforgettable dining experience, enjoy seasonal American land and sea menu faves from this Sister Bay eatery, which boasts sunset views of the waterfront and patio seating. Dig into specialties like PEI mussels, pan-seared Alaskan halibut and grilled tenderloin with heirloom carrots, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, peppercorn and compound butter. The restaurant is open seasonally, so be sure to plan your visit between May 1 and Nov. 26.
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9990 Water St. S., Ephraim / Website
Since 1906, this legendary restaurant and ice cream parlor has been dishing out sandwiches, homemade chili and beer-battered fries, along with heaping ice cream sundaes, pies, malts, shakes and more. The spot is open from May 15 through Oct. 19, so be sure to visit during the warmer months to get your ice cream fix.
Where To Shop
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1350 Airport Road, Washington / Website
This local attraction features over 20,000 lavender plants and a marketplace with a range of essential oils, bath and body products, culinary treats, books, home goods, gifts and more. Whether you’re looking to take home a jar of lavender marionberry jam, chocolates, tea balls or shea butter soap, this hot spot is the place to go.
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9197 WI-42, Fish Creek / Website
This Fish Creek outpost is known for its specialty goods like jams, dips, candies and housemade wines. Swing by to browse glassware, gifts, ciders, snacks and charcuterie boards, or choose from 50 award-winning wines and hard ciders made on-site to create your own tasting flight during your visit.
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8112 WI-42, Egg Harbor / Website
Take home a memento from this picturesque orchard and produce market, which features donuts, apple cider, baked goods and other locally sourced specialties. Peruse everything from preserves and butter to dressings, salsa, pickles, gifts and decor while exploring the market’s vast selection of seasonal produce.
What To See & Do
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120 N. Madison Ave., Sturgeon Bay / Website
With a mission of preserving Door County’s storied maritime history, this iconic museum features interactive exhibits that shed light on momentous anglers, ship captains, artisans, inventors and lighthouse keepers throughout the ages. While you’re there, book a tour of the restored tugboat John Purves or the Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower.
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3538 Park Drive, Sturgeon Bay / Website
Get a bird’s-eye view of Door County’s blue waters, pristine beaches and lush conifer forests with an aerial tour from this sightseeing outfit. Tours take off from the Sturgeon Bay Airport and hover above lighthouse beacons, sunken ships and church steeples while exploring shorelines from Cave Point to Rock Island. Guests can also opt for sunset tours on Grizzly’s 60-, 70- and 100-minute excursions.
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9462 Shore Road, Fish Creek / Website
This 3,776-acre Wisconsin state park is home to eight miles of pristine Green Bay storyline, 468 family campsites and destinations for hiking, boating, biking, fishing, golfing and swimming throughout the summer and fall seasons. In the winter, visitors can partake in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and snowmobiling, with camping, nature programming and sightseeing opportunities available year-round.
See also: The Ultimate Chicago Neighborhood Guide
Photography by: James Brey / Getty Images
