A Weekend of Summer Fun in Door County Wisconsin

May 29, 2024

For us, summer is all about enjoying fresh air, soaking in the rays, excitement on the water, and delicious barbecue and fish boils! Today, we’re sharing our favorite places to go and things to do in the Door County region of Wisconsin. We’ve covered this territory before in previous seasons, but it really comes alive in the warmer months. Even if you’re short on time, a weekend getaway to Door County will still offer plenty of activities and entertainment. There are more than 50 public beaches, plenty of gorgeous historic lighthouses, lots of art galleries and shopping, charming wineries, state parks and hiking trails… we could go on and on, but this is just the introduction. So, if that all sounds your style, read on to learn more about the fun experiences to be had in Door County in the Summer.

Must-Trek Trails in Door County Wisconsin

Whether you’re a novice hiker or an experienced enthusiast, the area is prime real estate for hiking. From paved trails to rustic wooded paths, there’s plenty of options for walking, trail running, and even cycling.

Horseshoe Island can be reached by kayaks or boats from the Nicolet Bay Beach, offering a “two-for-one” outdoor experience. The 1 mile trail is set two miles in from the mainland and encircles the entire 38 acre island.

Whitefish Dunes State Park has nearly 15 miles of hiking trails to enjoy including: 1.5 miles of sandy beach shoreline; the second longest trail, the Black Trail loop through the hardwood forest; Brachiopod Trail which offers a fun fact-filled trail through multiple environments; Green Trail which treads along a lowland area of the forest and along the dune; Red Trail which brings visitors past “Old Baldy”, the park’s tallest dune at 93 feet above lake level; the Yellow Trail which is the area’s longest trail that leads through a red pine plantation and back through the dunes.

Peninsula Park has 20 miles of trails to enjoy which offer various views of the park’s terrain, environments, and wildlife. The park also offers the opinion for an outdoor track wheelchair on certain days depending on availability, which you can do through the Friends of Peninsula Website. Eagle Trail is a local favorite, and one of the more challenging options, but it’s worth it for the 2 mile trek along the water and over stunning rocks and past the caves to a scenic overlook. Nicolet Bay Trail is a good moderate choice for intermediate skilled hikers and a wonderful choice for nature enthusiasts and birders. The easiest trails in the area include Minnehaha Trail, Sentinel Trail, and the White Cedar Nature Trail which also offers a self-guided nature lesson!

Ahnapee State Trail is 48 miles long and offers an 8-10 foot wide hard-pack gravel surfaces perfect for biking, hiking, trail running, and even horseback riding. This scenic trail spans from Sturgeon Bay to the Door/Kewaunee County lines, and features forest landscapes and gorgeous views of the water.

Ridges Road is perfect for running enthusiasts as it offers a 6-mile round trip loop through Ridges County Park and back.

Waters End Road is for runners seeking a challenge with its 4-mile road including a short but impressively steep hill. It leads along Sister Bay and across to the shores of Lake Michigan

Visit the Lighthouses of Sturgeon Bay

Door County is home to 11 incredible historic lighthouses, most of which were built in the 1800s and have guided ships to safety! They make a wonderful historical education moment, as well as a beautiful backdrop for family photos, and a chance to really explore local landscapes and architecture.

Sherwood Point Lighthouse is only open to the public in the second weekend of June, as the rest of the year it is an active rental for members of the US Military.

Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal North Pierhead Light is located at a fully operational US Coast Guard Station, and visitors can explore the lower-level walkway. Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Light is accessed in the same area, and the grounds are open to the public during Lighthouse Walk weekend, the 2nd weekend in June.

Old Baileys Harbor Lighthouse is known for its unique bird-cage lantern room, and is now privately owned.

Baileys Harbor Range Lights grounds are open to the public, but the structures are closed.

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is located in Peninsula Park.

Cana Island Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in all of Door County. It’s now operated as a museum by the Door County Maritime Museum and Lighthouse Preservation Society.

Chambers Island Lighthouse is accessible only by boat, and located on Chambers Island.

Pilot Island Lighthouse is only visible by water as its owned and operated by the Coast Guard.

Plum Island Lighthouse can be seen from the Washington Island Ferry.

Pottawatomie Lighthouse is located in Rock Island State Park, and is the first established lighthouse in Door County. It’ll be open daily during the summer season.

Fun in the Sun and On the Water in Door County

Explore the area with a unique perspective of the Peninsula and islands with Door County Kayak Tours. Enjoy an afternoon of paddle boarding, parasailing, kayaking, or jetskiing for some extra excitement on the waves. Rent a boat and go tubing or waterskiing, or even just a quiet afternoon of fishing. Get the family together and put on your best hiking shoes and go on a geocaching treasure hunt. Take a tour on the Washington Island Ferry Line from Ellison Bay. Book a private campsite and sleep under the stars for some extra fresh air and nature in one of the state parks or local campgrounds. Gain a new perspective of the area with a unique Shipwreck Diving Tour, and take a scuba or snorkeling excursion of the more than 275 shipwrecks hidden in local waters. Explore the local lakes and rivers by motor boat, row boat, canoe, or kayak

Enjoy Shopping for Artisanal Goods at Art Galleries, Markets, Boutiques, and Smple the Fine Dining and Drink in Door County

The local area is known for its incredible galleries and local boutique shops with unique and artisan goods and fine gifts! Get up close and personal with local artists, learn more about the creative process, and support local farms and businesses all at the same time! Some of the top recommendations in the area include Edgewood Orchard Galleries, Popelka Trenchard Glass, Plum Bottom Gallery, Francis Hardy Gallery, Off the Wheel Pottery, Vintique Resale Shop, Woodwalk Gallery, Fine Line Designs Gallery and Old Orchard Antique Mall. Local farmers markets and shops include Wood Orchard Market, Seaquist Orchards Farm Market, Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop, Schartner’s Farm Market, Door Artisan Cheese, Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market all offer wonderful snacks, locally made baked goods and jams, fine cheeses, and other delicious tasty morsels.

When it comes to delicious eateries and local wineries, the area has plenty to offer, but locals do have some top recommendations to get you started:

Alexander’s of Door County in Fish Creek
Chives Door County in Bailey’s Harbor
Pelletier’s Restaurant & Fish Boil in Fish Creek
Wickman House in Ellison Bay
Nightingale Supper Club in Sturgeon Bay
The Fireside Restaurant in Egg Harbor
The Old Post Office Restaurant in Ephraim
CHOP in Sister Bay
Boathouse on the Bay in Sister Bay
Barringer’s Restaurant in Fish Creek
Hugel Haus in Ellison Bay
Door Peninsula Winery in Sturgeon Bay
Door 44 Winery in Sturgeon Bay
Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery in Fish Creek
Harbor Ridge Winery in Egg Harbor
Anchored Roots Vineyard & Winery in Egg Harbor
Mixed Meadia in Egg Harbor
Twelve Eleven Wine Bar + Provisions in Sister Bay
Door County Distillery in Sturgeon Bay

Do you have a favorite spot in Door County you like to explore? We’d really love to hear about it! Let us know in the comments on our social media which places you loved most and we may even feature it in a future blog update!