How to organize a summer trip to Door County, Wisconsin

As a child, some of the most exciting words my mom could say were, “Go grab your aqua socks.”

Donning my water socks felt like Indiana Jones slipping into his trusty fedora—an unmistakable sign that adventure awaited. It also meant we were heading to the one place that required such serious outdoor gear: Door County, Wisconsin.

Long before anyone coined the term “screen time,” I realized I wasn’t exactly the outdoorsy type—not quite a city dweller, but perhaps more of a mall enthusiast. Family vacations usually revolved around water parks and arcades, but a trip to Door County from the Chicago suburb where I grew up allowed me to explore a different side of myself—one that mingled with baby goats instead of browsing stores and skipped stones instead of playing skee-ball.

My adventures in Door County were thanks to my best friend, Jenna, who came from a genuinely outdoorsy family. Her parents, both educators, owned a quaint lakeside cottage near Sturgeon Bay. There, they spent their summers hiking, biking, kayaking, and generously inviting a certain mall enthusiast to join in on their escapades.

Up north, we spent our days cycling the winding paths of Potawatomi State Park with Jenna’s mom, then drifting lazily on inner tubes in Lake Michigan. At night, we’d ascend the creaky stairs to the peak of the A-frame cottage to play Solar Quest (a galactic twist on Monopoly) before collapsing into bed, challenging each other to name as many moons of Jupiter as possible without peeking at the game board. Door County was where I first experienced the northern lights. After roasting marshmallows by a beach bonfire, Jenna’s dad, a junior high science teacher, pointed out the glowing green arcs in the sky and whispered, “aurora borealis.”

Now, with my own little mall enthusiast, I’ve been reflecting on those summer journeys and their significance. I want to introduce my son to the baby goats, explore the Potawatomi trails, and hopefully show him the northern lights.

If you’re eager to embark on a similar adventure—reconnecting with nature or enjoying what I’d consider a classic Midwestern summer vacation—here are my tips to help you make it happen.

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Step 1: Select your home base

Door County is a peninsula that stretches approximately 70 miles long and 18 miles wide at its broadest point, so your base doesn’t need to dictate your entire itinerary. For instance, if you choose to stay on the eastern side by Lake Michigan, you can still easily drive to the Green Bay coastline for an afternoon of shopping or wine tasting.

Sturgeon Bay

Vibes: Sturgeon Bay offers a relaxed atmosphere (thanks to fewer tourists than in some of the busier towns further north) and makes for a breezy base rich in historic charm, including the Door County Maritime Museum. This is where I enjoyed my perfect summer vacations, and I still recommend it for families with children.

Do: Take your kids to the Farm to meet the furry little ones, where you can bottle-feed baby goats, lambs, and pigs, while getting a genuine taste of rural life. This has always been one of my favorite attractions, and I’m sure even the most Minecraft-obsessed kids will enjoy it too.

Eat: Indulge in locally caught whitefish and savor a classic Wisconsin supper club experience at Nightingale Supper Club, established in 1913, or try a Schnitzel-inspired German dish at Mill Supper Club, which has been serving since 1930.

Stay: Waterfront Glidden Lodge offers a “free Lake Michigan sunrise every morning.” With a private sandy beach, an indoor pool, and spacious condos featuring fully equipped kitchens, it’s perfect for families.

Egg Harbor

Vibes: Egg Harbor is a bit more vibrant than Sturgeon Bay, with plenty of shopping and dining options, making it ideal for food lovers or a girls’ getaway. Of course, you’ll still enjoy breathtaking natural scenery with access to hiking trails and beaches.

Do: Shopping is a major attraction in Egg Harbor, where you can discover locally crafted ceramics and jewelry in a charming early 20th-century barn at Woodwalk Gallery, indulge in a variety of cave-aged cheeses at Door Artisan Cheese Company, and explore a complex of 18 boutiques all in one location at Main Street Shops.

Eat: Enjoy perch sandwiches and parmesan truffle fries with stunning waterfront views at Burton’s on the Bay, a seasonal eatery located at the upscale Alpine Resort.

Stay: Besides the Alpine, which features standalone one- to three-bedroom cottages with private porches and contemporary interiors, the Landmark Resort offers multi-room suites ideal for groups. While the Landmark provides a more condo-style accommodation, it is a more budget-friendly option compared to the Alpine.

Fish Creek

Vibes: Whether it’s your first visit or you only have a weekend to explore, Fish Creek is perfect for experiencing the highlights of Door County. You’ll find excellent biking, hiking, dining, and shopping all within reach. However, be aware that this area is quite touristy and can get crowded—be sure to make restaurant reservations ahead of time.

Do: Get a stunning view of Peninsula State Park, Green Bay, and nearby islands from the 60-foot-high Eagle Tower. You can either climb 100 steps to the top or take a fully accessible ramp surrounded by lush foliage.

Eat: Fish boils are a beloved Door County tradition that dates back to the 1800s, created by Scandinavian settlers who needed a simple way to serve large groups. Experience a modern take at Pelletier's Restaurant & Fish Boil, featuring locally sourced whitefish cooked over an open flame.

Stay: Immerse yourself in Door County's history by staying at the Whistling Swan Inn & Restaurant, the oldest operating inn on the peninsula. It’s conveniently situated in downtown Fish Creek, directly across from Pelletier's.

Bailey’s Harbor

Vibes: Serenity reigns on the peninsula’s Lake Michigan coast, often referred to as “the quiet side.” This makes Bailey’s Harbor an ideal destination for relaxed couples or families who prefer to be away from the hustle of Door County’s shopping and dining hotspots.

Do: Experience maritime history by taking a hay wagon ride to the Cana Island Lighthouse. A walkable causeway links Cana Island to the mainland, but when water levels rise, crossing can get tricky. Luckily, a tractor-drawn hay wagon provides a free ride across.

Eat: Chives Restaurant is a farm-to-table eatery owned by the same proprietor as the steak-focused Barringer’s in Fish Creek. For a more casual experience, Chives also runs two food trucks next to the restaurant during summer—one serves pizza and the other offers sandwiches and fish fry options.

Stay: Spread across 130 acres, Gordon Lodge offers a wealth of amenities, including a private sandy beach, a pool and hot tub, six nature trails, and rentals for bikes, kayaks, and paddle boards. You can choose from various accommodation styles, including standalone houses and cottages or guest rooms in the main lodge.

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Step 2: Secure your lodging

Summer marks the peak season in Door County, attracting visitors from across Wisconsin and the Chicagoland area. To ensure you have the best selection, book your accommodations six months in advance, especially if you plan to visit during holiday weekends. Along with the options mentioned earlier, unique cottages and houses available on Airbnb, VRBO, and local sites like Door County Escapes and Rent Door County offer the added benefit of privacy.

If you're planning to stay just a night or two, you might have better luck finding hotels and resorts, as some local regulations have recently limited short-term rentals to a week or more. However, if you can manage it, having your own slice of the peninsula is invaluable, whether on solid ground or out on the water. Yes, rentals even include houseboats, like the two-bedroom Pier Relax’n, moored by the Sturgeon Bay Bridge.

Step 3: Plan the best activities for your days in Door County

Dine well and then hit the beach in Sister Bay

In Door County, you can not only feed goats but also treat yourself while enjoying their company. Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant & Butik features goats that graze on the grass-covered roof. Situated in Sister Bay, this restaurant is renowned for its Swedish pancakes and is a must-visit. After your meal, make a day of it by splashing around at Sister Bay Beach, famous for its clear waters and family-friendly raft and playground.

Learn culinary skills in Ellison Bay

Visit the quaint northern village of Ellison Bay to master the art of cooking with Wisconsin cheese at the Savory Spoon. The Very Cherry Delight class showcases another cherished Door County ingredient, featuring lamb rib chops with a cherry kirsch pan sauce and cherry apple pie. After savoring your culinary creations, you'll still have time to explore Newport State Park, a fantastic stargazing destination known for being one of Wisconsin's darkest areas and a designated Dark Sky Park—one of just 18 in the US.

Catch the ferry to Washington Island

Your adventure to Washington Island starts the moment you board the ferry for the five-mile crossing over Death’s Door (don’t worry, it’s not dangerous—this name comes from its turbulent history). Once you arrive on the island, you can pick bouquets at Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, admire the stunning architecture of the Stavkirke church, or enjoy an outdoor concert at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center.

Discover underwater caves by kayak

Some of Door County’s most exciting natural wonders can only be accessed by kayakers or scuba divers. These are the sea caves located at Cave Point County Park in Sturgeon Bay. While divers will enjoy a closer look, kayakers can still appreciate the limestone formations beneath the surface as they glide by. Beginners should consider booking a tour with Door County Kayak Tours, as the waters can be unpredictable and challenging. Additionally, plan your kayaking adventure for the start of your trip, in case conditions require rescheduling.

Cycle through bays, forests, cliffs, and sand dunes

Potawatomi State Park—my former cycling playground—features over 6 miles of paved paths that wind past stunning views of the bay, forest, and limestone cliffs. For mountain bikers, there are also 8 miles of off-road trails. Another picturesque option is the Red Trail at nearby Whitefish Dunes State Park in Sturgeon Bay, which is open to both bikers and hikers and leads to Wisconsin’s tallest dune, Old Baldy.

Explore the wine trail

In Wisconsin, cheeseheads don’t just brew beer; they also produce wine. The Door County Wine Trail features eight wineries scattered throughout the region, stretching from Sturgeon Bay in the south to Fish Creek in the north. Concerned about transportation? Consider booking a three-winery tour with Door County Trolley.

Step 4: Curate your dining experiences and find the best places to eat in Door County

If I had to sum up the delicious flavors of Door County, I would highlight fish boils and farm stands. For fish boils, Pelletier's is perhaps the most renowned, hosting a boil every night. Another excellent option is the Old Post Office Restaurant in Ephraim, which offers this fiery feast every evening except Sundays. For fresh produce, visit Wood Orchard Market in Egg Harbor or Lautenbach's Orchard Country in Fish Creek. Both locations feature bakeries alongside their produce offerings, and it’s worth noting that cherries are a local specialty. Check out their selection of cherry salsa, cherry jam, and chocolate-covered cherries. At Lautenbach's, you can even pick your own cherries during July and August.

Step 5: Determine your mode of transportation

From Chicago, our family typically drove, which takes about 4.5 hours. A memorable moment was when we brought a French exchange student along; he was so amazed by the rural scenery crossing into Wisconsin that he exclaimed, “What country is this?!” If you're coming from Madison, expect a roughly 3-hour drive, and it's about 2.5 hours from Milwaukee. For those who prefer flying, the nearest major airport is Austin Straubel International Airport in Green Bay. Don't forget to rent a car to visit Lambeau Field, home of the Packers, before continuing your journey for around 50 minutes.

Step 6: Consider what to bring along

My childhood aqua socks were more than just trendy; they are essential here, as many beaches feature rocky shores. It's wise to pack activewear and layers for comfort while cycling or kayaking. A sweatshirt is also a good idea for chilly evenings, whether you're dining by the water, enjoying a beautiful sunset, or attending a fish boil. Dining is generally casual, so there's no need for fancy attire—save that suitcase space for souvenirs! Speaking of which, you're almost guaranteed to buy a jar of cherry salsa or a local bottle of wine, so consider bringing bubble wrap to protect your treasures on the way home. And be prepared for a mosquito or two; bug spray is a Midwest essential.