Door County Guide
 

Fish Creek Wisconsin

 

We recommend Fish Creek Wisconsin time and time again to our friends. While it is impossible to pick one place in Door County that “has it all” Fish Creek sure comes close. A great mix of outstanding dining, lodging, activities and sights await every visitor.

Keep in mind there are many great places to shop, stay, and eat in this village. The establishments we recommend are tried and true “proven performers.” Through first hand experience as well as the impressions of seasoned travelers we confidently share with you this short list of places that over-deliver.


 

Where to Stay

With so many places to stay here are the ones we consider the best.

The White Gull Inn
4225 Main Street, PO Box 160
Fish Creek, WI 54212
Phone 920-868-3517 / 888-364-9542

The White Gull Inn does it all right. We have stayed in the main house and the cottages and thoroughly enjoyed each stay. Everyone we steer to the White Gull gives it rave reviews.

The Inn balances its historic background with modern amenities well. You cannot help but relax and enjoy the White Gull. Stroll the grounds and take the short walk to the Bay of Green Bay. Browse the reading room for a good after dinner book and some reading in front of your fireplace.

The full service dining room offers three meals daily and has a good menu. When it comes to the traditional Door County Fish Boil we think no one does it better than the White Gull. Best of all, if you are a guest you are guaranteed a seat at this often sold out fish boil.

Keep in mind that the White Gull does not serve up a big breakfast as part of your lodging fee. For those wanting a great breakfast the dining room serves up truly special breakfasts.

The Whistling Swan
4192 Main St
PO Box 193
Fish Creek, WI 54212
920-868-3442 / 888-277-4289

The Whistling Swan Another Classic Door County Bed and Breakfast with a lot of history and a reputation for excellence. For many it’s a real toss up between the White Gull and the Whistling Swan. We feel you can’t go wrong at the Whistling Swan, which has a slightly elegant Victorian feel.

The Whistling Swan offers seven guestrooms, two of which are suites. Each room is very nice. The suites are well appointed with a nice mix of antique furniture and decorations. The restaurant is excellent and we highly recommend it.



Shopping


Try starting at ...

Settlement Shops 91106 State Rd 42
Fish Creek, Wisconsin
920-868-2743

Settlement features over 20 shops and galleries. There is something for everyone here. Be sure to stop at the Hide Side store. They offer the coolest leather clothing and accessories we have ever seen.

O'Meara's Irish House. Another must visit!
3970 State Highway 42
(920) 868-3528

O'Meara's is located on the left side of the hill as you head north out of the village. Here everyone is Irish! O’Meara’s has great Irish clothing, gifts, art, and just a ton of neat things Irish.

Fish Creek Kite Company. Brings out the kid in anyone.
3903 Hwy 42 * PO Box 331 *
920-868-3769

Specializing in the finest kites from around the world, as well as kite accessories. You can’t help wanting to literally “go fly a kite” when you stop in. They also carry wind-socks and banners.



What to do in Fish Creek

When it comes to Fish Creek Wisconsin there is no shortage of things to do. The area is loaded with great Inns, shops, galleries, theaters, and recreational activities.

For the outdoors recreational enthusiast this is a virtual paradise. The entrance to the 3,700-acre Peninsula State Park Door is located in the village. Within the park visitors enjoy hiking, camping, biking, cross-country skiing, beaches and magnificent vistas. One of Door County’s best golf courses is located within the park.

Fish Creek is the hub of the peninsula’s artistic life. Make sure to catch a performance by the Peninsula Players Summer Theater. The village is also home to the; Peninsula Art School; Peninsula Arts Theater, and the Door Community Auditorium; American Folklore Theatre and the Peninsula Music Festival.

Do pay a visit to Hands on Art Studio. Located in a classic two-story barn Hands on is billed as “A place to play for kids and adults.” Paint pre-made ceramics, metal pieces, glassware, birdhouses, T-shirts, and more. Throw a pot or create your own work of art. We guarantee you will enjoy a relaxing project at Hands On. 1 3/4 miles East of Hwy 42 on Peninsula Players Rd.

The SkyWay Drive-In Movie Theater is about the neatest way to spend a Door County summer evening. Featuring first run double features nightly the drive in is great nostalgic entertainment. A full snack bar serves up all the drive in favorites, foot long dogs, pizza and more. So turn back the clock, watch the stars come out, and take in a show. On Hwy 42 between Fish Creek and Ephraim. Call for schedule and hours, 920-854-9938.



Ready to Eat?

Here are a few recommendations for local eateries.

White Gull Inn.
Everyone is impressed with Door County’s most historic inn. The While Gull, also our favorite Door County Bed and Breakfast, does everything right. Great breakfasts and meals. It’s hard to beat a quiet dinner next to the fireplace in the rustic diningroom.

Attention to detail and pride in every meal served are par for the course at the White Gull. Combine this with the atmosphere and ambiance of the inn and you get a one of Door County’s best eateries. Don’t miss their excellent fish boil.

Restaurant at the Whistling Swan.
Fast becoming a Door County favorite. The excellent menu is self-described as “contemporary American cuisine”. We are impressed with the locally grown produce used whenever possible.

Specialties include wild game and seafood. The seafood is FRESH. The wine list is big enough to find a bottle right for any meal. The dining room is tastefully appointed and relaxing.

Diggers Grill and Pizza
4023 State Highway 42
Fish Creek, Wisconsin
(920) 868-3095

Diggers serves up some of the best casual cuisine in Fish Creek. Well known for their burgers and thin crust pizza Diggers is a favorite spot for a bite to eat.

Not Licked yet Custard
4054 State Highway 42,Main St. Fish Creek, Wisconsin
920-868-2617

Home of the best custard in the county. Another good spot for casual food. But don’t screw up and fill up on the food only. Save room for their famous custard! Make no mistake the custard is the star here. A large area with swing sets keeps the kids well occupied.



Village History

Fish Creek Wisconsin is Door County’s second oldest community. Increase Clafin was probably the first European to make a home in Fish Creek. Clafin moved to the area nine years after settling Sturgeon Bay in 1835. The move was prompted by a confrontation between his son-in-law and local Native American’s.

Asa Thorp is considered the true founder of Fish Creek. By 1853 he was the major property holder in the Fish Creek area. A forward thinker Thorp saw the potential of the area when fishermen and loggers set up operations into the area. Thorp built a dock in Fish Creek that served as a ship fueling station.

Soon families followed the loggers and fishermen. The service industries that support fledgling communities sprang up and a community was born. As early as 1900 tourists discovered the cool summer beauty and natural bounty of the Fish Creek area. To this day visitors come to Fish Creek for the same reasons. Relaxation, and beautiful scenery.

 

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