Door County is a type of place that will make you want to never leave. It’s hard to believe this gem is only 2.5 hours drive from Chicago! From the gorgeous vistas, amazing food and drink, breathtaking sunsets, and more than enough outdoor activities for families, there really is something for everyone in Door County.
Whether you are traveling with your whole family or taking a solo parent/teen trip – it’s going to be a memory you’ll never forget! Here are some ideas on the outdoor things to do in Door County that bring adventure and soothe the soul all at once.
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What to Do in Door County?
The answer is easy for adventurous families like yours – Go Outside! Door County sits on a peninsula in northern Wisconsin. Many of the outdoor activities here are typically on the water or along the shoreline. We made the trek, then explored high and low to compile this list for your next trip to this Wisconsin gem. I have included travel tips to help you plan, plus nearby attractions and restaurants you won’t want to miss. You can’t adventure on an empty stomach after all!
Rock Island Campsite
Explore Rock Island State Park
This 912 acre, largely wooded park is a gem for families seeking outdoor recreation. Accessible only by boat, the island provides a welcome retreat from Door County’s busy summer traffic. Many Rock Island visitors are hikers who come to enjoy the island’s 22 miles of excellent trails. Campers who plan to stay overnight must book one of the 40 sites and bring their own camping gear on the passenger ferry or kayak to the island. The Rock Island Ferry operates between Jackson Harbor and the island’s boat dock.
Travel Tip – Before heading over to the island, stop at Jackson Harbor Soup for deli sandwiches, their soup of the day, and a slice of cherry pie to either eat there or take over with you. They are open from April to the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Hike up to Pottawatomie Lighthouse
While on Rock island be sure to make the popular trek up to Pottawatomie Lighthouse. It’s Wisconsin’s first lighthouse and the oldest federally operated lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Tours are available daily between Memorial Day to Columbus Day. The views of Green Bay and Lake Michigan are stunning.
Go Fishing in Door County’s Waterways
Snag yourself some dinner and go fishing in one of Door County’s many waterways. The Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal is well known for its salmon runs and Sturgeon Bay Harbor is always a great place to fish for trout, perch, or bass even in the off-season. There are plenty of charter boats available that will take you out into open water if salmon is what you’re after.
Travel Tip- Make plans to do a classic Door County Fish Boil when in the area. We did the one at the Old Post Office Restaurant in Ephraim for their take on this old-time favorite. Save room for dessert because you don’t want to pass on their cherry pie.
Visit Schoolhouse Beach
This small beach area is a day-use park that is certainly one of the best beaches in Door County and is something you must see. Visitors should not expect to see a sandy beach, but instead, step out onto stones that feel like polished glass under your feet. It is one of only 5 beaches in the world to have perfectly smooth rocks along its shores. You can go rock skipping, have a picnic, kayak (bring your own), or go swimming. The only thing you can’t do is take a rock home as a souvenior. Note: Recently, there has been a concerted effort to discourage vistors moving or stacking the rocks. Just like when on the trail – Leave No Trace.
Travel Tip – To get to Washington Island, take the Washington Island Ferry from Northport (about a 30-minute ride). The island’s downtown area has a few shops and other eateries to check out while you’re in the area. Visitors can drive around the island or rent a bicycle at the Ferry Dock and cycle on over 100 miles of paved roads throughout the island. Schoolhouse Beach is 5.2 miles from the Ferry Dock.
Stargaze Inside a Dark Sky Park –
Bring a blanket and sit out under the stars. Newport State Park is designated as a Dark Sky Park and it’s an ideal location to stargaze. Park in Lot 3 and walk down to the beach along Newport Bay for a prime viewing spot.
Viewing Tip – Use a red lens or filter on your flashlight as you make your way to the beach and avoid disturbing other visitors.
View of Eagle Harbor from the platform to Horseshoe Island elevated walkway in Peninsula State Park
Visit Peninsula State Park
Outdoor adventure abounds at Peninsula State Park with 30 miles of hiking trails, 8 miles of shoreline, and the 9.6 miles Sunset Bike Trail, you know there’s plenty to explore at Peninsula State Park. With five different campgrounds (468 family sites) available, Peninsula is a great place to stay for the weekend or week to explore it all both on and off the land. If you are short on time or just want a bird’s eye view, walk up the elevated lookout for sweeping views of Eagle Harbor and Horseshoe Island.
Travel Tip- For those who aren’t as familiar with the area, renting a bike is a great way to explore Peninsula State Park and all of its trails.
Lavender plants at Fragrant Isle Cycling is a fun way to see the area
Walk Through a Lavender Farm
Follow your nose to Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm and Shop. This farm located on Washington Island, a short drive from the Northport Pier. I will give you a glimpse into the life and work involved in growing and harvesting lavender. They offer tons of products made with their own fresh lavender.
Travel Tip – For those who want to take some goodies home, Fragrant Isle offers pre-bundled gift sets. I bought a few lavender satchels and a nighttime linen spray which smelled amazing.
Explore Cave Point County Park
Take a walk through Cave Point County Park, one of Door County’s regional parks, known for its underwater caves and limestone cliffs. With its beautiful views and interesting formations, this park is a great place to see. Nearby gravel trails make it easy to explore the area.
Travel Tip – When the winds come in from the east, the waves crashing into the cliffs are awe-inspiring and make for amazing photos like these we took.
Kayak Cave Point
For a more adventurous way to see Lake Michigan up close, kayak through the secluded bays and islands. Kayaking off Cave Point is one of the most popular areas on the peninsula. Several tour companies in the area rent kayaks for you to venture out on your own as well as offer guided tours of both Cave Point and nearby Whitefish Dunes State Park.
Travel Tip – Bring a GoPro or protective case and lanyard for your cell phone. The views of the limestone cliffs are breathtaking and you are going to want to take plenty of photos. Also note, that strong winds out of the east may cancel kayak tours and the waves are deemed too hazardous to paddle. This happened with my trip. Even if the weather cancels your paddle, be sure to visit the park and explore on land.
Watch the Sunset Aboard a Boat
Door County sits on Wisconsin’s northern peninsula. The sunset views over Lake Michigan are second to none. Book a sunset charter in Fish Creek, Baileys Harbor, Sister Bay, and Sturgeon Bay.
Travel Tip- You can either book a private sunset charter with your family, friends, or significant other. Or look into a group cruise from one of the ports listed above. Either way, you choose to see the sunset over Lake Michigan, it’s going to be a memory you will never forget.
Hike the Deathdoor Bluff Trail
Put some effort into this hike for a reward with stunning views of Green Bay. The Bluffs Trail is a 2.2 mile moderate, primitive dirt loop in the Door Bluff Headlands County Park. From the trail you get views of the Niagara Escarpment, a rock formation of towering bluffs created by retreating glaciers and you may even spot remains of a shipwreck.
Vineyard at Lautenbach Cherry Orchard
Visit a Local Apple or Cherry Orchard
The spring and fall are great times to visit Door County and all its orchards. When driving through the area, there are signs leading you to all the different farms and orchards for picking your own apples or cherries. Pictures above are Lautenbach’s Orchard Country in Fish Creek. They offer U-pick apple and cherry-picking, winery tours, country store, and seasonal activities.
Travel Tip – Plan your visit for the end of May to see cherry blossoms. Apple harvest occurs between mid-August to mid-October and cherries between late June through the first 2 weeks of July.
Check Out the Local Cideries, Breweries, or Distilleries
With all those apple and cherry orchards, you can’t forget the cider, fresh fruit wine, spirits, etc. After a local day of exploring or playing outdoors, stop into one of the local wineries, breweries, or distilleries for a tasting of locally crafted wine, beer, cider, or spirits.
Travel Tip- Island Orchard Cider in Ellison Bay and Door County Distillery in Egg Harbor are some of the most popular ones to go to. Island Orchard Cider is known for their Normandy style ciders made from apples grown on Washington Island and has won several awards. For a unique sip, try their Apple Lavendar Cider or their Wild Thing; two of my favorites. The Door County Distillery has a range of spirits and wines all hand crafted in Wisconsin. When here, try their infused spirits like the Java infusion and Cherry Brandy.
Sister Bay beach and playground Summer concert on Sister Bay Community Park
Let The Kids Play
If traveling with younger children, make a stop at the Sister Bay playground and community beach. Before you let the children scale the playground equipment, order a pizza to go at Wild Tomato who has a convenient takeout window just steps from the playground.
Travel Tip – Head across the main street to Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant and Butik to watch the resident goats grazing on the grass roof. For more dinner options, Sister Bay Bowl down the street is a great location with its Fish Bry and Broasted Chicken.
Enjoy Buttered Popcorn at the Drive-In
When was the last time you went to the Drive-In to watch a movie? Many cities don’t have one anymore and most children have never experienced it. But between Fish Creek and Ephraim, you’ll find Skyway Drive-In Theatre, voted Wisconsin’s best drive-in theater. Watch a movie from your car or bring a lawn chair and sit outside.
Drive-In Movie Tip – Bring food and drinks if you want them! You will be able to purchase snacks and drinks from the concession stand inside the theatre. Watching a movie outside can be difficult at night so prepare by bringing something that will help keep you warm when the temperatures drop.
Find Fun in Unexpected Places
When you ask locals about their favorite places, you discover some true gems like PC Junction in outside Bailey’s Harbor. This train-themed restaurant is complete with model trains running along an indoor track delivering food to hungry guests. Note: If you want to sit next to the track, ask to sit along the counter area. This restaurant serves up a great burger and fries.
Outside is a family-friendly play area with giant cheese, playground, pedal cars, petting zoo and more. If parents don’t want to play, they can gather around the fire pit area. There is no admission fee to enjoy this outdoor play area.
See the Baby Piglets at The Farm
Make a stop in Sturgeon Bay and step back in time at a living history museum. The Farm allows children to explore farm life; feed baby piglets, ride go-carts, milk cows, and do other activities with the animals.
Wall of Cheese at Renard’s Artisan Grilled Cheese and Soup
Travel Tip – Renard’s Cheese is the first stop for many Door County visitors. Located in Sturgeon Bay, this cheese shop has 11 artisan cheese varieties made by their master cheesemaker. Stop in and grab fresh cheese curds and road trip snacks, or grab sandwiches from in their Melt bistro. You can’t go wrong with a classic grilled cheese sandwich made with sharp cheddar and cheddar curds on sourdough.
Enjoy Your Hotel
Many Door County hotel/lodging options offer guests plentiful outdoor activities and there are plenty of options for family-friendly lodging. Whether you stay at an inn tucked away in the forest or right next to the bay, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy.
Travel Tip – I stayed at The Dorr Hotel in the heart of Sister Bay. This hotel has gorgeous views of the bay, a wonderful open lawn, and a gear closet with a multitude of family-friendly games and recreational equipment. They don’t have a pool, but there is plenty of other outdoor space to keep the family busy.
If you’re looking for outdoor things to do in Door County, Wisconsin with your family, this article has a wide range of ideas. We’ve included some more active options like hiking and apple or cherry-picking as well as quieter activities such as visiting an animal farm or relaxing at the hotel where you stay. Whether you want something adventurous or quiet, there is plenty to explore on these beautiful shores of Lake Michigan!
I miss traveling so much, used to travel at least 3 times a year so I had to read some traveling posts and put up my own as well