Go for a Ride in Door County This Winter

When the snow falls, many people go inside. But in Door County, it’s the perfect time to head outside. From sleighs to ferries and sleds to ATVs, we’ve got some unusually fun ways to get around town or experience the backroads for a jolly good time. 

Oh, What Fun to Ride a Sleigh

When the snow blankets the ground, the sleighs come out at Mayberry's Carriages for tours of Lautenbach's Orchard Country Winery & Market. The Lautenbach family has been growing, harvesting and producing award-winning fruits, wines and ciders in Door County's Fish Creek since 1955. You'll learn all about the winery and cider mill during the sleigh ride from your guide. Back at the barn, adults can sip and savor wine while the kids try ciders, all made right on-site.

Door County Trolleys Lead the Way

Since 2000, Door County Trolley has been chauffeuring visitors across the county on spacious, red trolly cars. The winter season is no exception, with a variety of experiences available. The Cocktail Tour delivers revelers to three quaint locations and includes lunch, while the Wine, Spirits and Brew Tour, Premier Wine Tour and Wine Lounge Car Experience deliver tasters to wineries around the region. 

Ride the Ferry to Washington Island

Bundle up and board the ferry for a trip across the water to Washington Island. Washington Island Ferry Line offers two round trips per day in the winter (up to 25 round trips daily in the high season). The ferry comes equipped with an ice breaker to make it safely across. Each passage averages 30 minutes and provides views of Plum, Pilot and Detroit Islands. The pathway was used by Native Americans by canoe and French explorers by schooners centuries ago.

Kicksledding Fun for All Ages

Visitors aged three to 90 can try an unusual way to glide and slide across the snow-covered trails in Door County using kick sleds. Popular in Scandinavia, kick-sleds have a low seat on runners that are rider-propelled by holding the back of the seat while standing on a runner with one foot and pushing off with the other foot. Bring your own to ride across the county or rent one at Door County Kicksled in Sturgeon Bay.

Ride a Fat Tire Bike

Cyclists don’t have to wait for warm weather to explore the trails; jump on a fat tire bike. These special bikes are made for snow with at least 3.7 inches thick tires and low tire pressure able to handle snow, rocks and sand. There’s no need to bring your fat tire bike; rent instead from Nor Door Sport & Cyclery in Fish Creek. The cycling specialty shop is located near the main entrance to Peninsula State Park, making it easy to rent bikes and gear to ride right away. Riders can also find the perfect trails in Newport State Park, and all state parks are open to fat biking as long as they are not groomed for cross-country skiing.

Door County Snowmobile Trails

For those with snowmobiles, there are 250 miles of trails to explore in Door County. When the snow blankets the area, those who can ride can access beautiful spots inaccessible any other time of the year. Peninsula State Park and Potawatomi State Park are two of the most popular places, the former for its routes along the rivers and streams. Before you go, check the winter report for snow and trail conditions. 

Explore ATV and UTV Trails

ATV and UTV enthusiasts bring your off-road vehicles to Door County. There are 60 miles of ATV routes in Southern Door County and more than 80 miles of public roads open to ATV and UTV use on Washington Island offering scenic adventures all winter long. Riders will discover secluded trails to enjoy the peace along scenic backroads or routes through the communities to do a little shopping or stop for refreshments.