Trip Ideas

Begin by stopping at the Miller Art Museum in Sturgeon Bay. The Museum’s four beautiful galleries feature seven new exhibits of local and national artists each year, a permanent collection of exceptional Wisconsin artists, and a wing devoted to Gerhard C.F. Miller, Museum founder. Miller Art Museum

Make your way up Hwy 57 to Cave Point County Park. Part of Whitefish Dunes State Park, it features picturesque limestone sea caves, the result of Lake Michigan’s relentless pounding against the limestone bluffs. The 19-acre park also features a tranquil half-mile hiking trail and is a haven for a wide variety of birds.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park.

After lunch, discover your artistic side at Hands On Art Studio in Fish Creek. Paint your own ceramics, metal, glassware, tee shirts and birdhouses. Experiment with fused glass. Throw a pot. Make a project in the metal studio. A great place for kids and adults alike. www.handsonartstudio.com 

Check into your hotel or campground for some R & R.

Enjoy dinner at one of Door County’s many fine restaurants. Dining Guide (pdf)

Enjoy the night’s stars—both in the sky and on the stage! Door County boasts some of the best performing arts venues in the country. Sit outside under the stars at the American Folklore Theatre, or sit inside the concert barn at the Birch Creek Music Performance Center. Go to the “Arts & Humanities” section of the events calendar for a full list of venues and show times. Events Calendar

Board the Washington Island Ferry for half-hour trip across Death’s Door straits en route to Washington Island. 

Visit the Washington Island Art and Nature Center. Occupying an old schoolhouse, the art gallery features works of local artists including watercolors, prints, jewelry and photography. The nature room has many displays, including an observation beehive and a 180-gallon freshwater fish exhibit. A naturalist is available to answer any questions and lead hikes. http://www.wianc.org/ 

Challenge yourself by climbing the 184 steps to the top of the tower in Mountain Park. On a clear day, you’ll have a full 360-degree view, including beautiful Washington Island vistas, Escanaba, MI and nearby Rock and St. Martin Islands.

Next, stop at one of the last five beaches in the world that is made entirely of white limestone rocks. Schoolhouse Beach is a sheltered harbor covered with smooth, white stones. The beach is named after the nearby log schoolhouse, built in 1850. (Warning: there is a hefty fine for removing any of the stones)

Enjoy one last stop on the island and have lunch at The Danish Mill.

Take the Ferry back to the mainland.

Gallery hop & shop all the way back to the center of the Peninsula. Be sure to stop in at the Francis Hardy Center for the Arts in Ephraim. The Hardy Center promotes awareness of the arts through education and outreach programs, events and exhibits. Another great stop is the Guenzel Gallery in Fish Creek, a true Door County landmark.

Get back to nature at the Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor. This pristine, 1,200-acre natural area features native wildflowers along its five miles of rustic trails and bridges. www.ridgessanctuary.org 

Return to your hotel for some R&R before dinner.

Enjoy dinner at one of Door County’s many fine restaurants. Dining Guide (pdf)

Peninsula Players Theatre in a Garden – Arrive an hour before the show to see the sun setting over the waters of Green Bay; stroll the cedar lined shore and enjoy the colorful gardens as well. The season’s play schedule is published in early March. www.peninsulaplayers.com 

Take your final nature tour on a Segway or bike in Peninsula State Park, one of the state’s most popular parks. This 3,762-acre area features miles of hiking and biking trails, great camping, an 18-hole golf course, groomed ski touring, snowmobiling, sledding, swimming, boat rentals, observation tower and tours through Eagle Bluff Lighthouse.

Gallery hop & shop on your way out of town. There are tons of unique galleries and gift shops that offer something for everyone. Go to the “Shopping” menu under “Things To Do” for a full list of shops and galleries.