With so many things to do in Door County and limited time on a weekend stay, we’ve put together an itinerary to optimize your getaway. Take it from us, we’ve been going to Door County for over 10 years and still haven’t crossed off many things on the list.
The following do’s are to minimize driving all over the peninsula and keeps you more in Northern Door County and the Gills Rock, Ellison Bay, Sister Bay, Fish Creek, Ephraim and Bailey’s Harbor area.
Must Do’s
- Either on your way in or out of Door County, stop at The Farm in Sturgeon Bay.
- If you go there, Cave Point is an iconic spot to visit and you’ll be super close. Many people jump from the rocks, but before joining in – make sure you have checked the water levels. Some years it’s low, making it more dangerous!
- Take in the speculator views on top of the Cana Island Lighthouse.
- Enjoy some live music at Husby’s Garage.
- Catch a Sunset on the water. We love Sister Bay or at the Harbor in Gill’s Rock (1 mile down the road from the cottage). Check out the Live Cam here.
- Stop at Anderson’s Dock in Ephraim and paint your names on the barn. *Tip: take along permanent markers or your own paint supplies.
- Get Wilson’s Ice Cream before/after.
- Try anything with cherries! Some of the best homemade cherry pies can be found within walking distance from the cottage at Bea’s Ho-Made Products. They offer them ready-to-bake, frozen to go or you can even call ahead and they’ll bake it for you!
- Stop at Uncle Tom’s Candy Store right down road from the cottage for candy.
- Drive down the famous Curvy Road (Hwy 42) from our place to Northport where the Washington Ferry departs/arrives.
- Spend an afternoon at Sister Bay Beach. It may be busier, but there are bathrooms, places to eat, kayaks and stand ups to rent, and places to get a cocktail.
- Sangria’s at Stabbur Beer Garden are the best and it’s open container so you can carry them across the street. The beer garden has an outdoor area to for the kids to run around, play some bean bags and live music. The food is quick and good.
- If you want something less crowded, Europe Bay Beach (Liberty Grove Town Park) is super close and on the Lake Michigan side. It’s only a few miles from the cottage and it’s one of our favorite beaches. There are bathrooms at the park. We also go here to stargaze on a clear night!
- Drive through Peninsula State Park and make a stop at the Eagle Tower lookout. The 850-foot wheelchair-accessible ramp, allows hikers to seamlessly traverse through the treetops to the overlook – a view you can’t leave Door County without seeing. If you want to do a beach day there, Nicolet Bay Beach is great! There are bathrooms, a snack shop and water sports to rent. They usually have a food truck as well. It does get busier and parking fills up fast, so you might want to go earlier in the day.
- Make a pit stop (no pun intended) at Seaquist Orchards and fill up a bucket of cherries. The have a fun pedal car track that the kids (and big kids) will love.
- Check out Pebble Beach in Sister Bay. The entire beach is soft smooth rocks and no sand.
- Have a beer at Peach Barn Farmhouse and Brewery in Sister Bay. Super chill vibe, good beers and Seltzers and a great outdoor space for the kids to play.
- Enjoy a Friday Night Fish Fry! We highly recommend Sister Bay Bowl, in fact we think it is one of the best fish fries in all of Wisconsin. Also, on a rainy day this is a great spot to kill a little time at the old school bowling alley.
- Cuesta Coffee is a new coffee shop in Gills Rock. Previously operating as Gills Rock Coffee, this spot is super close to the cottage. Unlike most coffee shops around, you won’t have to wait in line for a cup.
- Spend and afternoon shopping and enjoying all of the great little shops in Fish Creek. If you want to check out a Fish Boil, but not have to wait for supper to do so, make a reservation at Pelletier’s Restaurant & Fish Boil and you can check one out behind the restaurant. We also love the Lobster Roll at Barringer’s, which is open year round!
- Make a random stop at any place you see alongside the road. I promise you it is worth it and will get you to do or try something you’ve never done before.
- Chase the northern lights at Newport State Park. One of the only designated Dark Sky Park’s in the midwest, it’s a great place to see the Milky Way and if you’re lucky the Northern Lights dancing on a clear night.
- If ciders are your thing, Island Orchard Cider has an amazing tap room and outside space to sample all of their wonderful flavors.
- Have brunch and a cocktail at Blue Bear Ellison Bay. They are an all scratch, locally sourced restaurant serving brunch and cocktails.
- Take the car ferry to Washington Island – The biggest draw is the lavender fields and pebble beach. Plan to spend the entire day on the island to see everything it has to offer, it’s truly a unique place. If your time is limited, you may want to save this for a longer stay.
