City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Door County, Wisconsin
Door County, Wisconsin, located north of Milwaukee, boasts a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Located on the state's eastern edge, the peninsula is surrounded by the waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. It offers visitors a beautiful setting for scenic drives, historical exploration and outdoor activities like fishing, swimming, sailing and hiking.
Parks and Recreation
Photo: Wikimedia
One of the most popular attractions in Door County is its 300 miles of shoreline dotted with sandy beaches, rocky bluffs and charming coastal towns. The shoreline is a great place to go swimming, fishing, kayaking and boating or simply relax and take in the stunning views of the water and the surrounding landscape. Some of the best beaches and hiking spots in Door County include Sister Bay Beach, Whitefish Dunes State Park and Cave Point County Park, all of which offer plenty of amenities and activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy from private boat slip rentals.
Lighthouses
Photo: Tom Fisk/Pexels
Another must-see attraction in Door County is its unique collection of lighthouses, which played an important role in the region's maritime history. The peninsula is home to 11 historic lighthouses, including the iconic Cana Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1869 and offers visitors a chance to climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Michigan.
Other notable lighthouses in Door County include the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, which dates to 1868 and is now a museum, and the Sturgeon Bay Canal Lighthouse, which marks the entrance to Sturgeon Bay and still functions as a navigational beacon.
Ephraim Historical Foundation
Photo: Ephraim Historical Foundation (Facebook)
The Ephraim Historical Foundation, located in the charming village of Ephraim, offers visitors a glimpse into the life of a 19th-century pioneer family. Peruse exhibits and take a guided tour of the restored Anderson Barn and Pioneer Schoolhouse on day trips from private boat lift rentals.
Museums
Photo: Door County Historical Museum (Facebook)
Door County has plenty of museums and historical sites for those interested in history. The Door County Historical Museum in Sturgeon Bay features exhibits and artifacts showcasing the area's rich history, including its Native American heritage, early European settlement and maritime industry.
For art enthusiasts looking for something to do from private boat docks for rent, the Peninsula School of Art, located in Fish Creek, offers workshops and classes in painting, drawing, sculpture and other art forms. It hosts a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year. Other notable art venues include the Edgewood Orchard Galleries, which feature works by over 150 artists in a beautifully restored fruit barn, and the Miller Art Museum in Sturgeon Bay, which showcases a diverse collection of contemporary and historical art.
Cuisine
Photo: White Gull Inn (Facebook)
The peninsula is known for its cherry orchards, which produce some of the best cherries in the country. They’re used in a variety of dishes and desserts, including the famous Door County cherry pie. Other local specialties include whitefish, smoked fish and artisanal cheeses, which can be found at the many farmers' markets, specialty shops and restaurants throughout the region.
Some of the best places to sample Door County cuisine include the White Gull Inn, which has been serving traditional Door County fish boils since 1896, and the Wild Tomato Wood-Fired Pizza and Grille, which offers delicious pizzas made with local ingredients.
No visit to Door County would be complete without taking a scenic drive along its winding roads and through its charming towns and villages. Some of the most popular towns in Door County include the Peninsula and Fish Creek, which features a variety of shops, galleries and restaurants.
Hopefully, you’ve found some new ideas for a trip to Door County. Whether staying at a marina, resort hotel or private boat dock rental, the area offers lots of activities for travelers of all ages.
