Door county
Door County is the largest county of Wisconsin, according to the area covered by the county. Door County is also only one county, which covered with three sides of Lake Michigan shoreline, so there is only one way to enter the Door County by road. Door County is a lively place with small waterfront villages and island community with a stunning scenic natural landscape. It also provides visitors a variety of activities and festivals to enjoy year around. Door County offers 5 state parks, 11 lighthouses, 19 county parks, 53 Lake Michigan beaches and 300 miles of shoreline offer plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.
How to get there
By Road
From Chicago:
Take I-94 to Milwaukee then I-43 towards Green Bay. Then Choose from two alternate routes to Door County:-
#1: Take I-43 north to Green Bay, then Hwy 57 North to Door County.
#2: Take I-43 north to the Hwy 310 exit near Two rivers and head east to Hwy 42.
From Minnesota & Twin Cities:
Take I-94 to Hwy 29 to Green Bay. Take 41 north and, then I-43 south and follow signs for Hwy 57; take an exit going north to Door County.
By Ferry
From the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, take the shortcut across the lake from Lundington, MI to Manitowoc, head north on I-43 or Hwy 42 towards door county
By Airplane
Cherryland Airport in Sturgeon Bay offers seasonal air charter services through MaxAir Inc. The nearest airport is Austin Straubel International Airport in Green Bay.Door county map with light houses |
Door County is located in the center of the upper Midwest's "inland seas." Surrounded by water, the county's 300 miles of shoreline comprise nearly 20% of Lake Michigan's 1600 miles of shoreline.
Places to visit in Door County
Door County Lighthouse, state parks and beach:-
Door County is a full package of natural recreation center. It has Eleven historic lighthouses, which provides a rich maritime history attracts a lot of curious visitors. With 53 public Lake Michigan beaches in Door county, so you will be sure to find one that's just right for you. It also has 19 county parks, which includes some incredible view, scenic drive and hiking trails. It has around 10 small towns, so those who like to explore small little towns where you can enjoy dining and shopping experience.
Door county map with towns |
Towns in Door County:-
Sturgeon Bay
Sturgeon Bay is the city located on the bay of Green bay which flows directly into Lake Michigan through a large shipping canal. Sturgeon Bay is the very 1st town in the Door County. Sturgeon Bay offers exciting events like Fire & Ice - Ice and snow sculptures citywide, Grooving sisterhood weekend, Fine art Fair, Harvest Fest & Harvest Moon Celebration. I personally like Sunset Park to sit and relax by lakeside.
Carlsville
Carlsville is a small community between Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor on highway 42. In Carlsville, you can explore the county's oldest winery and only coffee roaster offering over 100 coffees. This is also a great town for visiting farms, where the corn maze attracts thousands of visitors. Carlsville Day festival is one of the best day to visit, you can find parades, town tours, live music, pie eating contest, etc.
Carlsville fall colors
Egg Harbor:-
Egg Harbor is a quite, unspoiled and happening small town. Egg Harbor has beautiful marina bay where you can sit and enjoy cold breeze and hot coffee. Egg Harbor offers the ultimate package of shopping, dining, art galleries, wine tasting and accommodation, so It is famous among tourists for overnight stay. You can enjoy different events throughout the year like Independence Day celebration, Car show, Pumpkin patch festival, Egg Harbor Ale Fest etc.
Egg Harbor
Egg Harbor
Fall colors in Door County |
Fish Creek
Fish creek is located in the heart of the northern Door County Peninsula. Fish Creek is a great place to explore flowers in Spring, Fireworks and Camping in Summer and Fall Colors in Fall season. Some of the best events to enjoy in Fish creek are winter festival, Door county half marathon & Bay 5k, concerts in the park, summer festival and fall sale. Peninsula State Park near Fish Creek is very famous for hiking and fall colors.
Fish creek
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Ephraim
Ephraim has most accessible shoreline compare to other Door County communities, So it is a best place to explore shoreline. Best way to explore is renting Jest Ski, Kayak, Paddle board or boat. You can get rentals at Eagle Harbor.
Besides water activities Ephraim is also good place for exploring vintage homes, Country old barns and rustic old log cabins. In Ephraim you can find suitable accommodation within walking distance of shops and galleries.
Ephraim has most accessible shoreline compare to other Door County communities, So it is a best place to explore shoreline. Best way to explore is renting Jest Ski, Kayak, Paddle board or boat. You can get rentals at Eagle Harbor.
Sister Bay
Sister Bay is the year- round community of Door county and best place for beach lovers. It offers Sandy beach, Docks, Park area, village hall for indoor events and gazebo, which full fill your moments with love and music. This town is famous for Sister Bay Beach. The Sister Bay beach is good for swimming at the beach, Sunbath, Picnic area and barbecue as well.
Sister Bay is the year- round community of Door county and best place for beach lovers. It offers Sandy beach, Docks, Park area, village hall for indoor events and gazebo, which full fill your moments with love and music. This town is famous for Sister Bay Beach. The Sister Bay beach is good for swimming at the beach, Sunbath, Picnic area and barbecue as well.
Ellison Bay
Ellison Bay is very Silent and peaceful place to explore natures creature and best place to be for nature lovers. It leads to small town life and waterfront dining experience, where you can enjoy seeing the water view of Lake Michigan and enjoy delicious food. You can also enjoy different festivals such as 4th of July fireworks, Christmas tree lighting, Juried Art & Craft show, etc. For nature lovers Ellison Bluff State Natural Area is scenic place with stunning view.
Washington Island
Washington Island is located six miles away from the tip of the Door County Peninsula, so you have to take ferry to reach Washington Island. Your journey to Washington Island begins from the North Port, as you drive to North Port and get aboard onto the ferry and enjoy a scenic five mile route over crystal blue waters with views of island, shores and forests.
Washington island door county
Baileys Harbor
Those who loves to be at the lakeside, Bailey Harbor is a great place to have lakeside fun. Charter fishing is a major activity in this area. The downtown of Bailey Harbor includes shops, restaurants and galleries. There are many events organized year around like Autumn Fest, Winter Carnival, Beer Fest, etc.
Baileys Harbor
Baileys Harbor
fall festival in door county |
Jackson port
Jackson port is situated along the Lake of Michigan shoreline.Sandy beaches, quaint shops, cozy cottages and some shoreline parks. You can do hiking on silent trails and biking on quiet back roads. Enjoy your celebration and different festivals organized by county.
Door County looks beautiful! I love lighthouses, and the thought of visiting 11 of them would be wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOnce in a while I write a "blogs I think you should read" entry. I'm going to include yours in tomorrow's blog. I love traveling with you here to places I'd never otherwise see.
ReplyDeleteSome great spots! Hope to get out that way at some point! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks so beautiful and peaceful. Thanks so much for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteThose all sounds lovely! I have never been to any of them, but would like to someday.
ReplyDeleteThis looks and sounds heavenly! What state is Door Country in? What is prime season, and is it accessible non-prime season? Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteIt is very lovely! Wonderful pictures
ReplyDeleteItalia Caruso
This is certainly a place i'd love to check out, its really beautiful looking and peaceful.
ReplyDeleteLooks so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI've never been to that part of the States, but it looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI love being by the water so that is where I would be if I were able to visit!
ReplyDeleteWe love Door County. I haven't been there for a while, but we used to go all the time. Next summer for sure!
ReplyDeleteGosh every place has majestic views. I love the fact that each one is preserved and barely have any buildings.
ReplyDeleteThe views are amazing! I haven't been to Door County, but it's in my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived in Michigan, I always talked about going over there but never did. Man, it's beautiful, and in fall especially!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a very nice place to travel to. Love all the pictures.
ReplyDelete53 beaches and beautiful scenery?! Totally on my bucket list!
ReplyDeleteOk so I will add to my gotta see list. Awesome.
ReplyDelete