Historic charm and the natural beauty of a strategic shipping corridor meet a blue-collar ethic in Sturgeon Bay, Door County’s world-renowned shipbuilding hub. From thousand-foot lakers to small bass-fishing boats, this community’s heritage is all about boats and water.
A tranquil respite between Egg Harbor and Fish Creek, the tiny community of Juddville has charm worth a stop. One of the county’s original roadside farm stands welcomes you to the south, and in the center you’ll find a tasty Italian restaurant, a writer’s retreat, and one of the area’s most-respected art galleries.
Located between Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor, the small community of Carlsville is home to a remarkable number of hallmark Door County products. From coffee to wine and spirits, you’ll find some of Door County’s most famous exports at the same intersection.
Sister Bay has been a dining destination ever since a local character put a goat on a roof 50 years ago, but an influx of new chefs and restaurants has made Northern Door’s largest village the place for food and drink.
Located in Southern Door County, Forestville doesn’t burst with the attractions of its counterparts to the north, but there’s still much to do and see in this large farming community. Cyclists and runners will love the Ahnapee State Trail, a railway turned into a 30-mile crushed-stone path connecting Sturgeon Bay, Forestville, Algoma, and Casco.
Washington Island is your destination for adventure in Door County. It starts with a five-mile ferry ride across the once-treacherous waters of Death’s Door, where Green Bay and Lake Michigan meet. Once ashore, embark on a tour of one-of-a-kind shopping and eating hosted by the 600 one-of-a-kind residents who call the island home.
No community embodies and values its heritage like Ephraim. Embedded in the harbor with a panoramic view of Peninsula State Park’s Eagle Bluff and Horseshoe Island, Ephraim has preserved its Norwegian and Moravian roots by making them a part of its modern life.
History comes alive in Gills Rock, where commercial fishermen still head out to the waters of Lake Michigan all year, and the Door County Maritime Museum tells Door County’s origin story. It’s all done with a view here because the village cradles Hedgehog Harbor, with its pristine bluffs and sunset views.
Egg Harbor has been named one of the best small towns in America and for good reason. A sparkling new marina and beach stand out on the waterfront while specialty shopping dots a main street lined with blooms. Here you’ll find local artisan produce, breads, and cheeses around every corner and parks and golf courses that frame the harbor’s natural beauty.
Situated along the Lake Michigan shoreline, this quaint community offers a variety of fun and exciting activities and is a quick drive to some of the county’s most iconic natural treasures. Relax on sandy beaches or get photos of rocky shoreline cliffs. Hike peaceful trails and bike quiet back roads.
Fish Creek, WI is a hub for shopping and recreation in Northern Door County. With amazing galleries, clothiers, and gift shops, Fish Creek is the county’s most walkable shopping center and is also a short walk away from the entrance of beautiful Peninsula State Park.
For decades the tiny village of Ellison Bay has attracted artists, writers, and dreamers whose influence you’ll witness strolling Main Street today. Quirky public art, galleries where the artist answers the door, and eclectic shops showcasing foreign culture all call Ellison Bay home.
Rowleys Bay sits on the edge of the Mink River Estuary, one of Wisconsin’s most diverse and important wildlife habitats. This makes Rowleys Bay a phenomenal location for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and birding, which may be why Fodor’s named it one of the “500 places to see before they disappear” in 2009.
With thousands of acres of preserved wilderness at The Ridges Sanctuary, Toft Point, and Kangaroo Lake Preserve, Baileys Harbor puts you at the door of a natural wonderland. Enjoy spectacular fishing, beautiful quiet beaches, and three iconic lighthouses.
Brussels and its surrounding communities are full of history and rich Belgian heritage, which is visible in historic chapels, one-room schoolhouses, and unique red brick homes.
Relax and refresh after the long winter. Breathe in the spring air and enjoy spectacular sunsets all along the peninsula’s western coast. During your stay, take in the beauty of the spring blossoms, enjoy luxurious accommodations and indulge in locally sourced dishes.
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