Door County Guide
 

Discover Door County Communities

Our Towns and Villages

Picturesque Door County Communities dot the 75-mile long Door County Peninsula. Each town and village offers it’s own unique flavor and charm. Discover them all.

In and around the municipalities you will find pristine scenery, lively performing arts, fine dining, and world class accommodations.

Outdoors recreational activities are plentiful. Hiking, biking, and ski trails are measured in the hundreds of miles.
Swimming, boating, camping, and trophy fishing opportunities run the length and width of the Door Peninsula.



Sturgeon Bay

Sturgeon Bay is located on both the east and west sides of Sturgeon Bay. This thriving Door County community of nearly ten thousand is the Door County Seat. Largest of all Door County Communities historic Sturgeon Bay offers Door County visitors plenty of activities and attractions year round.

The downtown shopping district is lined with shops, galleries and great places to eat. Accommodations include resort hotels, bed and breakfast inns, and motels. Parks and beaches span the city. Sturgeon Bay is surrounded by breathtaking forests, parks, and water vistas.

Two Sturgeon Bay top picks are...

#1) Walk through down town checking out the shops and people. In summer a shake or malt at Perry’s Cherry Dinner is a refreshing treat. In winter a steaming bowl of homemade soup and fresh bread at The Inn at Cedar Crossing.

#2) White Lace Inn The décor, fresh cookies, and hearty breakfasts win over EVERYONE. If you like bed and breakfasts or always wanted to try one the White Lace is tough to beat.




Carlsville


Carlsville Wisconsin  is halfway between Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor on Hwy42. Carlsville is one of the smallest Door County Communities but well worth a stop. There are several interesting specialty shops, don’t miss the giant cow at the Dairy View County Store.

When visiting Carlsville don't miss...


Door Peninsula Winery is located on Highway 42. Stop in for FREE wine tasting; but please don’t try to sample all 50 varieties and drive! Take the time for a tour of the winery and then browse the fully stocked wine shop. Ask about discounts for by the case purchases.






Jacksonport

Jacksonport Wisconsin is set on the Lake Michigan side of Door County on Hwy 57. Jacksonport is one of the Door County Communities considered by many to be a Door County best kept secret. Shops, restaurants and parks are all here.

Two of Wisconsin’s best parks are within a few minute drive. Don’t miss the rugged beauty of Cave Point or the mile of sandy beaches at Whitefish Dunes State Park.

The best Jacksonport attractions are...

#1) Both parks, this type of scenery must be seen to be appreciated.

#2) Glidden Lodge Beach Resort. Great waters edge beach condominiums lie adjacent to the park. Year round activities and great resort amenities.






Egg Harbor

Egg Harbor Wisconsin  offers a large number of Shops, galleries, resorts, golf, and a wide variety of dining choices can be found here. A small picturesque village that offers a surprising array of entertainment and activities. Many visitors consider Egg Harbor the gateway to the Northern Door County Communities.

Favorite Egg Harbor attractions...

#1) The festivals. Particularly the Pumpkin Patch Festival in October and Holly Days Festival on Thanksgiving weekend. Old fashion country fun and activities.


#2) Alpine Inn Resort- A Classic Resort that offers a ton of fun and activities for everyone. One of our Door County Resort top picks.





Baileys Harbor

Baileys Harbor is one of the Door County Communities on the Lake Michigan side of Door County. The town features one of the best public marinas in Door County. So its no surprise fishing and water sports play a big part in community activity.

Downtown has some interesting shopping. With well over dozen lodging options are available in the Baileys Harbor area.

Best in Baileys harbor...

#1) The Marina!! If you fish or boat Lake Michigan you will appreciate this new state of the art facility.



Fish Creek

Decending the steep hill into Fish Creek Wisconsin you will see why Fish Creek is one of the most popular Door County Communities. Plenty of great shops and restaurants are close at hand. Endless outdoor activities are always under way at Peninsula State Park. Every conceivable type of accommodations are available.

Home to dance companies, live theatre, art schools, and music festivals. Its no wonder Fish Creek is considered the hub of the counties artistic life.

Fish Creek Top Picks...

#1) Peninsula State Park. Encompassing 3,700 acres this park is recognized as one of the best state parks in the Midwest. Swim, golf, hike, bike, sled, camp, canoe, or just take in the magnificent beauty.


#2) The White Gull Inn. With a 100-year history this Inn had plenty of time to get it right. And they did! Nationally recognized as a top bed and breakfast. Do not miss the best fish boil in the county which is served up at the White Gull.






Ephraim

Ephraim Wisconsin over looks Eagle Harbor is reminiscent of an old fashion Cape Cod village, plunked down in Middle America! Ephraim is one of the most interesting Door County communities.
With a history dating back to the mid-19th century several of the villages buildings are listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Of course shops, galleries, lodging, and fine dining are all available in Ephraim.

Ephraim Favorites...

#1) A shoreline walk. Scenery just doesn’t get much better than this. For an added treat make it a sunset walk.

#2) Wilson’s Ice Cream Parlor. Nothing better than a Wilson’s ice cream break on a summer walk. Try the homemade draft root beer, nice and cold.






Sister Bay

Sister Bay is another of the Door County Communities with a Cape Cod feel to it. The downtown waterfront area is the jewel of Sister Bay. Waterfront parks host a variety of activities. The downtown beach is a great place to feel the sand between you toes.
Plenty of interesting shops and galleries will satisfy the most demanding shopper. Some of the best Door County Accommodations are in Sister Bay.

While in Sister Bay Don’t miss...

#1) Sister Bay Bowl and Grill. Did we say bowling alley? Yes we did! It’s open year round and has very good food at reasonable rates. Oh yeah, don’t forget the bowling.
 #2) Pheasant Park resort - Victorian charm, immaculate grounds, and plenty of amenities. This is one place we steer are friends to for summer and winter stays. Great for couples and families.






Ellison Bay

 Ellison Bay stands out among the Door County Communities as home to some of best scenery in Door County. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the 2,400-acre Newport State Park. Ellison Bay is home to The Clearing, which offers workshops in natural sciences.

While in Ellison Bay don’t miss...

#1) Ellison Bluff County Park, long considered one of the most scenic locations in the Door Peninsula. Bring a camera.

#2) The Viking Grill. Casual, affordable, and family friendly. A great stop for lunch. Features one of Door Counties best fish boils.






Rowleys Bay

Rowleys Bay is another of the "quiet" Door County Communities. Rowleys Bay favorites...

The Wagon Trail Resort - A traditional resort that is great for family vacations.






Gills Rock

Gills Rock  is often considered the most scenic of the Door County Communities. Scenery reigns supreme in the area, especially in the fall when green leafs turn gold, red, and orange. Gills Rock has the look of a traditional fishing town. Commercial fishing was and still is a way of life for many here.

Gills Rock favorites...

The Door County Maritime Museum.






Washington Island

Located six miles from the tip of Door County Washington Island can be reached by ferry. The trip is about 30 minutes.

The island has a relaxing atmosphere and offers many year activities. Here you will find fishing, hiking, golfing, and sightseeing to name a few. Winter visitors like to cross country ski and snowshoe. Washington Island is truely unique among the Door County Communities.

Our Washington Island Best...

The whole island is an adventure. From the ferry crossing to exploring the island it’s hard to pick just a couple favorite things to do.

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