Things to Do in Door County, Wisconsin: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Door County, the thumb of Wisconsin between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, is called the Cape Cod of the Midwest. Its charming villages, more than 300 miles of shoreline, Peninsula State Park, traditional fish boils, cherry orchards, lighthouses and the famous goats grazing on a restaurant roof make it a beloved summer and fall escape.
This guide covers the best things to do in Door County, Wisconsin, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Door County, Wisconsin
Peninsula State Park
Bluffs, beaches and Eagle Tower.
Fish Creek
Village and theater.
Ephraim
White Scandinavian village.
Cave Point County Park
Sea caves on Lake Michigan.
Washington Island
Ferry to an island.
Al Johnson's
Goats on the roof in Sister Bay.
Cana Island Lighthouse
Climbable lighthouse.
Cherry orchards
Picking in July.
Door County, Wisconsin in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Peninsula State Park
Bike or drive through Peninsula State Park, climb Eagle Tower for views over Green Bay, and visit the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. Lunch in Fish Creek. In the afternoon, swim at Nicolet Beach, then enjoy a traditional Door County fish boil with the dramatic 'boil-over' in the evening.
2Day 2 · Ephraim and Sister Bay
Walk around the white-painted village of Ephraim, founded by Moravians, then head to Sister Bay to see the goats grazing on the sod roof of Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant. Lunch with Swedish pancakes and lingonberries. Afternoon kayaking along the shore and sunset at Ephraim's waterfront.
3Day 3 · Lake Michigan side
Explore the quieter 'quiet side' with Cave Point County Park, where waves crash into sea caves, and Whitefish Dunes State Park. Lunch in Jacksonport. Climb the Cana Island Lighthouse near Baileys Harbor and visit The Ridges Sanctuary.
Door County, Wisconsin in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Washington Island
Take the ferry across Death's Door strait to Washington Island to visit Schoolhouse Beach with its smooth white stones and the lavender fields. Lunch on the island. Continue by ferry to Rock Island State Park if time allows.
5Day 5 · Cherries and wineries
Pick cherries in July or apples in fall at local orchards, then visit wineries like Door Peninsula Winery. Lunch at an orchard. Evening show at Northern Sky Theater in Peninsula State Park.
Door County, Wisconsin in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Sturgeon Bay
Explore Sturgeon Bay, the gateway to the peninsula, with the Door County Maritime Museum and its lighthouse tower, the historic shipyards and the Steel Bridge. Lunch downtown. In the afternoon, climb the observation tower at Potawatomi State Park and walk its shoreline trails.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Morning coffee and cherry pastries, a last stop at a farm market for cherry jam and pie, and a farewell fish boil or supper club dinner. Stop at a roadside stand for cherry salsa and fudge on the way out of the peninsula.
What to do in Door County, Wisconsin on a weekend
Things to do in Door County on a weekend? Saturday: Peninsula State Park and a fish boil. Sunday: Ephraim, Sister Bay and Cave Point.
Cherry season in July and fall colors in October.
What to do in Door County, Wisconsin in the evening
In the evening, fish boils and outdoor theater.
Sunsets over Green Bay.
Door County, Wisconsin for couples
For couples, sunsets in Ephraim, wine tasting and a lighthouse.
Door County, Wisconsin with kids
With kids, beaches, bike trails, goats on the roof and cherry picking.
What to eat in Door County, Wisconsin
Fish boil
Whitefish and potatoes.
Cherry pie
Local cherries.
Swedish pancakes
Al Johnson's.
Cheese curds
Wisconsin.
Wine
Local wineries.
Where to stay in Door County, Wisconsin: best areas
Fish Creek
Central.
Ephraim
Charming.
Sister Bay
Lively.
Baileys Harbor
Quiet side.
What to do in Door County, Wisconsin when it rains
Things to do in Door County when it rains? Maritime Museum, wineries, galleries and supper clubs.
How much does a trip to Door County, Wisconsin cost?
Expect $180–350 per night in summer.
Practical tips for Door County, Wisconsin
Best time to visit
June–October.
Getting around
Car or bike.
Our practical tips
- Book fish boils.
- Ferry early.
- Bike the park.
- Cherry season.
- Reserve in summer.
- Visit both sides.
Mistakes to avoid
- July weekends without booking.
- Swimming in rough water.
- Winter when many close.
- Rushing the drive.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Door County?
Peninsula State Park, fish boils and Cave Point.
When is cherry season?
Mid-July.
Is Washington Island worth it?
Yes.
Best time?
Summer and fall.