Best Scenic Views in Door County

If you consider yourself a view-seeker or panorama-chaser, there’s no question you can get your fill in Door County.

Thanks to plenty of bluffs, cliffs, rock formations, and Lake Michigan shoreline, this area is rife with opportunities for experiencing some of the best scenic views in Wisconsin, many of which offer an elevated vantage point you can’t get just anywhere in the famously flat Midwest.

These easy-to-reach scenic overlooks and viewpoints are all perfect stops for nature photography, day trips, road trips, or quick photo opps.

Ellison Bluff County Park

Trek to the often-overlooked Ellison Bluff County Park on the northwest side of the peninsula to find a beautiful wooden staircase that leads to a walkway with unmatched views of the bay of Green Bay and its forested shoreline.

Eagle Harbor

West-facing Eagle Harbor in historic downtown Ephraim is one of the best spots in the county to catch a sunset.

Peninsula State Park

For a quadruple-header, head to iconic Peninsula State Park and drive the scenic Skyline Road for about 4.5 miles, along which you’ll find Sven’s Bluff, the Eagle Bluff Panorama, and Eagle Tower. After that, take a short detour to the northern tip of the park to check out the views from the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse.

Sunset Beach Park

Sunset Beach Park is an easy walk from Fish Creek’s business district and offers the perfect place for a post-dinner respite. Find a spot on the grassy area to score some amazing sunset views.

Cana Island Lighthouse

This historic lighthouse on an island just off Baileys Harbor offers incredible panoramic views from its lookout deck. Plan a day trip to Cana Island and plan to climb the stairs to the top.

Note: The Cana Island lighthouse interior and tower are currently closed for restoration. The island grounds, lighthouse exterior, and outbuildings remain accessible to the public. The full lighthouse is expected to reopen later this year. Get more details and check here for updates.

Door Bluff Headlands

Located in one of the peninsula’s northernmost pockets, Door Bluff Headlands County Park is a remote, no-frills natural area with some of the most stunning water views you can find in these parts.

Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower

Standing on the rooftop observation deck of this tower at the Door County Maritime Museum, visitors can take in a panoramic view of Sturgeon Bay’s historic waterfront, including the Green Bay, shipbuilding yards, and the famous shipping canal.

Old Ski Hill Overlook

Hike to the top of a former downhill-skiing hill on Potawatomi State Park’s north end for a great view of the Green Bay and nearby forests.

Cave Point

One of Door County’s most-photographed views is Cave Point and its lakeside caves and rock formations.

Old Baldy Observation Platform

Old Baldy is a 93-foot sand dune located in Whitefish Dunes State Park and has a staircase for reaching the observation platform, which offers amazing views of Lake Michigan and the inland Clark Lake.

Get outdoors this summer with even more scenic attractions, and don’t forget to review the Door County Leave No Trace 7 Principles before venturing out.