My First Road Trip to Door County, Wisconsin: Five Must-Do Activities
I recently had the opportunity to road trip to Door County, Wisconsin, for the first time. This peninsula, nestled between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, quaint towns, and unique attractions. Here are five must-do activities I’d recommend to anyone planning their first trip!
Where IS Door County?
Door County is a peninsula located in northeastern Wisconsin, nestled between the waters of Green Bay to the west and Lake Michigan to the east. The region extends about 70 miles into Lake Michigan, offering over 300 miles of scenic shoreline. Known for its quaint small towns, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful natural landscapes, Door County is easily accessible by car from major cities like Milwaukee, Chicago and Minneapolis, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure.
The Best Time to Visit Door County?
Door County Cherry Blossoms May 2024
The best time to visit Door County is during the spring and summer months, from late May through September. In spring, the region bursts into bloom with stunning cherry and apple blossoms, creating a landscape that’s perfect for outdoor activities. Summer offers warm, pleasant weather ideal for exploring the peninsula’s towns, beautiful beaches, and numerous outdoor attractions like hiking trails, water sports and seasonal favorites like fish boils. This period also coincides with various festivals and farmers' markets.
Fun Fact: In the summer Door County towns host farmers markets six days a week, so no matter when you visit between June and August-October you’re likley to overlap with a local market!
Here’s a link with all the info and locations.
1. Explore the Local Towns
Start your adventure by exploring the local towns from Sturgeon Bay all the way to Sister Bay and beyond. One of the highlights of this journey is driving the iconic curvy road on Highway 42, just north of Gills Rock. This scenic route offers breathtaking views and a thrilling experience as you wind through the countryside.
We spent four days exploring, and Door County can really be done in short snippets exploring the whole peninsula but you could also easily spend two to three days just in one town. Personally, I loved being able to take four days and try out each town. I had a feeling before even arriving that Door County was going to be a new vacation spot for our family it was nice to to get a look at each community and dream about fun adventures in each area- for example visiting the lavender fields on Washington Island in the summer, enjoying the cherry blossoms in May or seeing the fall colors from Peninsula State Park!
2. Take the Ferry to Washington Island
A trip to Door County wouldn't be complete without taking the ferry over to Washington Island. This island is perfect for a day of exploration. From pristine beaches to the medieval-style Stavkirke church and the fragrant lavender farm, Washington Island is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Welcome to Washington Island Sign- Washington Island, WI
Taking the Washington Island Ferry from Gills Rock is a Door County experience that offers both convenience and scenic beauty. The ferry departs from the northern tip of the Door Peninsula and journey across the waters to Washington Island. The ferry ride itself takes about 30 minutes and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including the rocky shoreline and open waters of Lake Michigan.
Upon arrival at Washington Island, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, such as the unique Schoolhouse Beach, the historic Stavkirke church, and the fragrant lavender farms. The island also features shops, eateries, and beautiful natural scenery, making it perfect for a day trip or an extended stay. The ferry service operates year-round, although schedules may vary seasonally, so it's a good idea to check the latest timetable before planning your trip. This ferry ride is more than just transportation; it's the start of an adventure, offering a memorable and scenic introduction to the many delights of Washington Island.
3. Visit Schoolhouse Beach
While on Washington Island, don’t miss Schoolhouse Beach. This beach is famous for its smooth, round limestone rocks and crystal-clear waters. Just remember—don't take the rocks!
Schoolhouse Beach Wisconsin
Schoolhouse Beach, located on Washington Island in Door County, Wisconsin, is one of the region's most unique and beautiful natural attractions. What sets this beach apart is its shoreline, which is covered with smooth, round limestone rocks instead of sand. These distinctive stones, polished by centuries of wave action, create the landscape. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan add to the beach's allure, making it a perfect spot for swimming, picnics, and spending time with your family. Due to the beach's unique geological features, visitors are strictly prohibited from removing any rocks to preserve its natural beauty. It's a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Washington Island and Door County.
4. Stop by a Cherry Orchard
Door County is renowned for its cherries, and visiting an orchard is a must. We visited Seaquist Orchards and Lautenbach’s Orchard, and both were fantastic experiences. At Seaquist Orchards, we walked the cherry blooms and enjoyed a variety of cherry products, from pies to jarred cherries that we brought home. Lautenbach’s Orchard also offered delightful cherry goodies, along with wine tasting at their taproom. It was really nice because they also had a playground for the littles to enjoy and play.
CHERRY BLOSSOMS in Door County typically bloom from mid-May to early June. This short season depends on weather conditions, so the exact timing can vary each year. During this period, the orchards and roadsides are filled with white and pink flowers, creating a breathtaking landscape that's perfect for photography or just a stroll. To catch the blossoms at their peak, it's best to stay updated with local bloom reports from Door County orchards and tourism websites.
CHERRY PICKING season in Door County typically runs from mid-July to mid-August. During this time, the orchards are filled with cherries ready for harvesting. Like the blossoms, the exact timing can vary slightly each year depending on weather conditions, so it's always a good idea to check with local orchards for the most accurate picking dates. Visiting during cherry season not only allows you to enjoy the fresh fruit straight from the tree but also to indulge in a variety of cherry-based products, from pies and jams to wines and ciders.
5. Go on a Local Coffee Shop Tour
To cap off your Door County adventure, embark on a local coffee shop tour. The region has a variety of cozy coffee shops, each with its own unique charm and delicious brews. Some of my favorites include SIP, Cupola Café, Door County Coffee, and Lawlss. It’s the perfect way to relax, soak in the local atmosphere, and recharge for more exploration.
What Would You Recommend?
These are just a few highlights from my first trip to Door County, but there’s so much more to see and do. If you’ve visited before, what would you recommend for a first-timer visiting Door County? Share your tips and favorite spots in the comments below!
Want to see the full reel/video footage from this trip? Check out my Instagram for all the Door County highlights!
Looking for more Door County and Wisconsin travel recommendations? See more here.
Washington Island Ferry
