In case you were wondering, Door County is full of vibrant nature, activities and sights. From taking a guided fishing tour to sampling the local specialties, a trip to Door County is sure not to disappoint. Here are all of the reasons why you and your family should visit Door County this summer.
Eat Montmorency Cherries
They say it is impossible to go a day in Wisconsin without seeing a cow. Well, try going to a restaurant in Door County without seeing a cherry. Montmorency cherries are the right mix of sour and sweet and are what give Door County its ‘Cherryland’ sobriquet. Not only are they delicious, but they also have healthy properties as well.
As you can imagine, cherries appear in several foods and drinks. At Door County Distillery in Sturgeon Bay, you’ll find them in everything from wine to cherry-infused vodka. The White Gull Inn in Fish Creek has delectable cherry stuffed french toast, which has been recognized with several awards. Perhaps the best way to enjoy Montmorency cherries in Door County is in a pie. Many restaurants, cafes and coffee shops claim to have the best so try as many as you can!
Get Your Fill Of State Parks
Door County is home to several gorgeous and expansive state parks. If you’re into lighthouses, Peninsula State Park has the tall and proud Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. Nearly 80 feet in height overlooking Green Bay, this historic site once alerted ships to the presence of land from 1868 to 1926. You can rent bicycles and ride along the 10-mile Sunset trail, visit Lautenbach’s Orchard, Winery & Market, hike around Horseshoe Island and rest on the beach of Nicolet Bay.
Another park that shouldn’t be missed is Potawatomi State Park. The dramatic, cascading cliffs are best seen from the water. There are beaches for swimming and bike paths too. Bring along a pair of comfortable shoes and hike the Tower Trail. This scenic walkway runs nearly four miles to an observation tower offering stunning views of Sawyer Harbor.
Go On A Guided Fishing Tour On Green Bay
Interested in catching your food instead of letting someone else have all of the fun? Book a guided fishing tour in Door County for an exciting time in the great outdoors. Sturgeon Bay is chock-full of delicious walleye, smallmouth bass that fights well above its weight and gigantic monsters like northern and muskies.
Green Bay Trophy Fishing has been guiding clients around Sturgeon Bay for 25 years. Not only do they know all of the best places to catch a lot of fish–even some that no one else knows–but they are flexible when it comes to scheduling. After all, they know you have a lot on your agenda. Green Bay fishing is known throughout the angling world as world-class so why not take advantage while you’re there?
Stroll The Quaint Downtown Areas
What are some of the places to visit in Door County? If you are a sucker for small, walkable downtown areas bursting with life and local charm, Door County has you covered there too. Fish Creek has a bustling downtown with shops, cafes and more. The town is a great place to spend a romantic weekend and it is right at Peninsula State Park’s doorstep.
Sturgeon Bay is by far the most popular town to set up camp in. With sights abound, such as a lighthouse in the town, a tranquil canal and cultural gems like the Maritime Museum too, Sturgeon Bay is quaint yet there’s always something to do.
Last but not least is Egg Harbor. This is where you go if the tourist path just isn’t for you. This village has only a little over 200 residents, all the charm you can handle and wonderfully located near gorgeous bays and forests. Just minutes from more popular spots of Fish Creek and Sturgeon Bay, Egg Harbor doesn’t cater to the tourist as much meaning more affordable room and dining options.
Festival Hop Until You Drop
If all of that hasn’t piqued your interest, how about festival after festival? In June there is the Door County Lighthouse Festival with boat tours and guide land tours of over ten historic lighthouses. Then in July, Door County does Independence Day right with fireworks over the bay. Get the best seat in the house for fireworks by booking a boat tour into Sturgeon Bay.
Later on, in July there is the Door County Plein Art Festival put on by the Peninsula School of Art. This festival has a mix of free and ticketed events for all to enjoy. The Door County Fair is the biggest get together that is not to be missed. Running from the end of July into the beginning of August, this fair has everything with the beautiful surroundings of Door County close by.
No matter what you and your family are into, spending a part of your summer in Door County will surely not disappoint. With so many places to visit in Door County, there is enough to keep you coming back for next summer as well.