Framed by 300 miles of scenic shoreline, Door County offers seaside experiences in the heart of the Midwest. A sliver of land that juts into Lake Michigan, Door County’s quaint waterfront villages and island community combine with an incredible natural landscape to provide visitors with activities and amenities you’d expect to find in this world-class vacation destination. Five state parks, 11 lighthouses, 19 county parks and a total of 53 Lake Michigan beaches offer plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities while acclaimed performing and visual arts, renowned galleries and shops, delectable local cuisine and pampering accommodations take care of the rest.
Don’t leave without tasting…
- A Door County Fish Boil. What is it about the Door County Fish Boil that makes food writers, travel columnists, visitors, and locals sing its praises? Maybe it’s the main ingredients – steaks of mild whitefish, fresh from the local waters. Perhaps it’s the fiery spectacle of the “boil over” that signals it’s time to eat. One fact everyone can agree on – the end result is delicious.
- Locally grown and produced foods and beverages. From locally produced wine and cheese to locally grown cherries and apples, Door County offers something for every appetite. Tour and taste in our wineries, breweries and distilleries. Stop by one of the many orchards and farm markets to take some of the county’s finest produce home with you.
- Ice cream. For aficionados, ice cream is one of the four food groups. They know Door County holds some of the finest ice cream stops, stands and windows in the world. Whether you take it in a cone, dish or on a stick, there are dozens of places to indulge.
Explore your adventurous side
- Door County is a premier kayaking destination in the Midwest. Bring your own kayak, or opt to rent one from a local outfitter. You can even take advantage of organized kayak tours.
- Want to see the county from above? Try zip lining or take a tandem sky dive!
- Enjoy the county’s scenic beauty as you Segway along rustic roads, in the state parks or even go off road!
- With more than 300 miles of picturesque shoreline to admire — and hundreds more miles of rustic, open highways and byways to explore — Door County is the motorcycle enthusiast’s dream destination come true.
- Whether you’re looking for walleye, bass, brown trout, northern pike, lake trout, perch, salmon or other Great Lake favorites, fishing season is every season in Door County.
When the seasons change you may be surprised to find…
If you love blossoms, you’ll love spring in Door County. Explore the spectacular colors and sweet fragrances of the over 2 million daffodils and tulips that grace our roads, farms and pastures. Our Festival of Blossoms celebrates the season with fairs, art shows and culinary delights. Whether you are adventuring or relaxing, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do during summer in Door County. With 300 miles of shoreline, 5 inland lakes and 5 state parks, beaches, marinas, campgrounds, golf courses and 11 iconic lighthouses, the outdoor fun never ends.
In fall, Door County evolves from the lush greens of summertime to a mélange of earth tones, to a crescendo peak of rich reds, bright yellows and warm browns, accented of course in evergreen. Fall weekends are filled with music, arts and crafts and food as we celebrate at various fall festivals throughout the county. Winter is a beautiful, romantic, fun, magical, and relaxing season in Door County.
There is no shortage of places to eat, shop, visit or stay. More than 125 shops and 75 restaurants remain open in winter and all of our incredible wineries, breweries and distilleries too! Add the numerous galleries, museums, theaters and you come up with plenty of winter fun before you even consider what the outdoors has to offer. Snow or no snow – there are so many things to do outdoors in winter: sledding, hiking, zip lining, camping, horseback riding, snowshoeing, ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
Explore your creative side
- Create your own artwork in a variety of mediums: painting, mosaics, sculpture, metal work and more.
- Dip your own candles or take a scrapbooking class.
- Have fun in the kitchen with a cooking class or demonstration.
- Be inspired by our incredible local potters, painters, glass blowers, photographers, illustrators and sculptors whose galleries and studios await you across the county.
Want to be entertained?
Whether you’re up for a regional spin on a Broadway hit, or a simple strings concert under the stars, the Door County performing arts scene is one of the very best (and most unique) in the United States. Several performances are in majestically renovated, year-round locations, while other venues are only open for a season or two (or three), nestled among pine trees or along the shoreline in a secluded cove. From live bluegrass to jazz, eclectic to classic rock, and symphony, we have something for everyone.
