When you think of Wisconsin, you probably think of major cities like Madison or Milwaukee. Perhaps you even think of more touristy spots like the Wisconsin Dells, but what about the peninsula of Wisconsin? The Door Peninsula, most commonly known as Door County, is the 70-mile-long peninsula punctuating Lake Michigan and Green Bay.
If you look at a map of the United States and glance at Wisconsin, you will see that it is in the shape of a mitten. That long “thumb”? That is the Door Peninsula!
Where Cozy Coastal Charm Meets Peak Leaf-Peeping Season
Door County Wisconsin is an all-year-round destination for couples, families, and solo travelers alike, but it is most popular in the summer due to its cherry harvest and water activities. However, the fall season is a close second because of the peninsula’s beautiful and vibrant autumn colors that dot the entire coastline. Once even famously referred to as the Cape Cod of the Midwest in a 1969 National Geographic article. I would say Cape Cod is actually the Door County of the East Coast.
During the fall season, the summer crowds that once sprinkled the beaches pack up their beach umbrellas and coolers and head back home, revealing a calmer and quieter atmosphere for residents and leaf peepers alike. Speaking of leaf peeping, this time of the year also reveals the splendors of the season. From fall foliage to fresh apples, the Door Peninsula is abounding with spectacular and stunning hues of color all along scenic highways and charming coastal villages. Fiery reds and brilliant blazing golds highlight the region’s local sugar maples and white birch trees.
Though the colors usually hit their peak in the second to third week of October, there is plenty to do, eat, and see the entire month. If you are ready to step into a real-life Great American Family movie where cute and quaint fall coastal vibes reign supreme, plan your fall getaway to Door Peninsula. Here is everything you need to know for a 72-hour stay.
Hotels, Lodging, and Resorts in Door County, Wisconsin
When planning a fall getaway, you will want to book some cozy accommodations. If you plan on visiting during the fall season, you may want to book your accommodations early in the year. During my fall foliage getaway, fellow leaf peepers booked their stays as early as April for their fall stay in October, specifically the third week of October. This is usually the peak week for the local leaves to reach the apex of their fall colors, which means it is a prime time to visit. If you are unsure of the fall foliage calendar, you can always double-check Travel Wisconsin’s official fall foliage report.
As for accommodations, there are a ton of options to choose from, including AirBnBs, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, condos, cottages, hotels, houses, inns, log cabins, motels, and resorts, but a few options to explore include: Spruce and Shore, Fresh Coast, Landmark, and The Landing.
When we visited, we stayed at the charming Fresh Coast motel. Considered the premier boutique in northern Door County Wisconsin, the Fresh Creek motel is located in the quaint town of Fish Creek and has been a town staple since the 1940s. Nestled on the main street of downtown Fish Creek and merely a few steps away from coffee shops, local restaurants, and stores, this picturesque place includes breathtaking water views right across the street from Fish Creek as well as Peninsula State Park.
Recently renovated with fresh interiors, the Fish Creek Motel also offers guests self-check-in and check-out for a seamless, easy stay. With waterfront views, guests also have access to the public beach, conveniently located right across the street. If you are visiting in summer, do not worry about beach towels. The owners stock each room full of beach towels, so guests don’t have to worry about one less thing to pack. Be sure to book early, as this property only has 15 rooms available, but if you are traveling with a larger party, consider the Deckhouse. This short-term vacation rental houses five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and can host up to ten guests.
Dining and Drinking in the Door Peninsula
Now that you know where you may stay, let’s talk about the good stuff – dining and drinking.
The Inn at Cedar Crossing
If you are driving to the Door Peninsula, you will first hit the first and only city called Sturgeon Bay; all of the other communities are considered a town or village. (In all, there are 19 communities). Also known as Door County’s gateway, Sturgeon Bay is the first stop you will hit when you officially make your way up the peninsula.
If you need some libations and food before venturing on to the rest of the peninsula, stop for a meal at the Inn at Cedar Crossing. Doubling up as an inn and restaurant, this historic spot was built in 1884 and has seen a century of the town’s activity and growth. This cozy restaurant offers diners an upscale dining experience and excellent service.
Keep in mind that the area is famous for its summer cherry harvest, so if you really want a taste of the local cuisine, order anything cherry. You will not be disappointed. I recommend starting with a glass of hard cherry apple cider, followed by the crab cakes, and the bacon jam burger made with two organic beef patties and savory yet sweet bacon and onion jam. Yum!
Coffee Shops and Stops
As you drive north onto the Door Peninsula, you will come across the charming town of Egg Harbor. If you need a little afternoon pick-me-up, stop in at Buttercup’s for a hot cup of coffee. Walk the quaint downtown main street to stretch your legs or pop into some of the boutique shops before continuing your drive.
If you miss Buttercup’s, then make a stop at Door County Coffee. Celebrating over 30 years as a family-owned business, this local favorite specializes in offering an exquisite collection of specialty coffee (100 varieties to be exact) alongside a diverse array of teas.
The White Gull Inn
After you hit Egg Harbor, you will find yourself in Fish Creek, and if you are looking for a breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner spot, go to the White Gull Inn. Established in 1896, the White Gull Inn is a Door Peninsula original, providing accommodations with character. The White Gull Inn is one of those special spots that serves breakfast all day, and with their famous Door County Wisconsin cherry-stuffed French toast, you will be glad that they do! The White Gull Inn is also famous for its fish boils, which are a big thing on the Peninsula, especially during summer, but be warned: This spot is incredibly popular, so go early to ensure you snag a table.
Island Orchard Cider
If you are all about that apple cider, then you will want to grab a mug of hard apple cider at Island Orchard Cider. Crafted in the Normandy style of cider making, this is one of the best ways to taste the flavors of Wisconsin and the Door Peninsula. Island Orchard’s apples can be found growing in the last town of the county, Washington Island, which provides the perfect rocky limestone soil and climate for their French and American cider. While visiting the tasting room, I highly recommend a taste of their ice cider.
Wild Tomato Pizza
Wisconsin may not be known for its pizza, but if you are craving a wood-fired-style pizza, head to Wild Tomato in Fish Creek or Sister Bay. These pizzas are pretty big, so be sure to be conservative in your ordering. Also, try the chocolate cake!
Prince of Pierogi
If you enjoy Polish food, then pop over to the Prince of Pierogi. Offering legit Polish foods, including cabbage rolls, homemade pierogies, and Kielbasa sandwiches, this is a stop for those looking for an international bite. Not only does this dine-in and drive-thru offer savory pierogies, but sweet dessert pierogies as well.
Sway Brewing + Blending
Whether you prefer a beer or coffee, Sway Brewing + Blending has both on tap. Located in Baileys Harbor, Sway’s serves up simple, easy-to-drink beer served straight from their fermentation cellar. Enjoy a swig inside or at their outdoor beer garden in the warmer months.
Loft Restaurant
If you are looking for an elevated dining experience, head over to the Loft Restaurant in Fish Creek. Casual, yet refined, Loft blends modern flair with small-town coastal charm. Located on Main Street, the restaurant features two levels of primarily outdoor seating. Choose from the upper covered patio or the lower atrium. During the cooler fall months, guests stay warm under heaters and blankets, making for a cozy dining experience.
Wisconsin Door County Things to Do
Now you know where to stay in the peninsula and where to eat, but that begs the ultimate question: “What’s there to do around here?” From the Door Peninsula State Park to lighthouses and more, get ready to take some notes.
Attend a Show at the Northern Sky Theater
If you love the theater, head to Northern Sky Theater for a performance or show. With two unique locations, this theater offers both indoor and outdoor options. The 248-seat Gould Theater is located a few minutes from Northern Sky’s original stage, located in Peninsula State Park. That’s right, it is an outdoor theater! The theater is set on 40 wooded acres and uses the outdoor theater during the warmer summer months, while the indoor theater features all of the shows airing in the cooler months.
Climb the Cana Island Lighthouse
Door Peninsula is sprinkled with 11 historic lighthouses. One, in particular, the Cana Island Lighthouse, has been standing watch over the shores of Lake Michigan for more than 150 years. Climb the 89-foot-tall tower using the 97 steps of the tower’s spiral staircase to reach the outdoor deck, which offers jaw-dropping views of Lake Michigan and parts of the peninsula.
If you prefer to avoid any heights, that’s okay! You can stay on the solid ground and take a leisurely stroll around the 8.7-acre island, which includes the original home of the lighthouse keeper and his family and the oil house where fuel for the light was stored, not to mention the gift shop.
Explore Peninsula State Park
If you enjoy the great outdoors, then head to Peninsula State Park. Established in 1909, this 3,776-acre state park overlooks Green Bay and is considered Wisconsin’s most complete park. Walk the two-mile Sentinel Trail loop, then climb Eagle Tower. Climbers can choose their own adventure by taking the 95 stairs or using the 850-foot ramp to see the stunning and sweeping views. Fun fact: This is Wisconsin’s first accessible observation tower!
Go for a Wine Tasting at Lautenbach’s Orchard Country
If you are a wine connoisseur, stop at Lautenbach’s Orchard Country. Owned and operated by three siblings, this 100-acre family orchard has been growing, harvesting, and producing award-winning fruit products since 1955. Blossoming orchards and lush vineyards produce estate-grown wines and hard-ciders, which are all produced on-site from fruits grown on the property.
Stop in the tasting room and order up a tasting flight. From dry to sweet wines or sparkling and spiced ciders, there is something for everybody. I highly recommend the Audrey Grace and the Pebble Beach Pear Cider. Head outside, and have your hand at the famous cherry pit spit, then trek back inside to shop the market and its 40+ products.
Fun Fact: Most of the wines are named after the founder’s grandchildren! How cute is that?
Shop at Wood Orchard Market
The Door Peninsula offers a variety of shops to stock up on lots of local goodies, but my favorite spot to stop was the Wood Orchard Market. This was the perfect place to pick up all of your fall favorites, including apple cider donuts, cherry pie, and cherry salsa. You can also gather all of the ingredients you may need for fall baking, including apple pie filling, apple sauce, and freshly picked apples. Samples are bountiful, but only if you come in the early morning. As the late morning and afternoon crowds gather, the food samples are usually snatched up pretty quickly, so come hungry, but go early.
Take a Drive with Door County Trolley Tour
If you are interested in exploring more of the county, sign up for one of the 17 themed tours offered. During our stay, we were treated to the narrated scenic tour. This tour provided breathtaking vistas from the awe-inspiring bluffs, which was perfect for seeing the peninsula’s fall foliage. We also learned about local legends along the way with commentary provided by our lovely driver, Ed.
This was an excellent way to explore more of Peninsula State Park and everything it has to offer visitors. If traveling in the fall, be sure to wear layers or pack a warm jacket. Some overlook spots were very windy and chilly. Also, do not expect to stop at every scenic spot along the way, as state law will not allow the trolley to make official stops, so soak it in or always have your camera at the ready while on board.
Tour the Maritime Museum
Located in Sturgeon Bay, making this the perfect stop to start or end your visit, lies the Door County Maritime Museum. Nestled along the working waterfront of Sturgeon Bay, the maritime museum exhibits span the nautical history of the county, starting with early American Indian canoes to post World War II bulk carriers. If the weather permits, climb to the top of the museum and explore the Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower, offering panoramic views spanning from the waters of Green Bay to the Sturgeon Bay shipping canal.
Visit Founder’s Square
This should honestly be the very first thing you do in Door Peninsula if you are planning a fall foliage weekend. Head to Fish Creek, park your vehicle, and walk Main Street all the way to Founder’s Square. Every boutique and business is dressed in its fall finest. Dried corn stalks, hay bales, and scarecrows adorn the front of every home, all leading you to Founder’s Square.
Enjoy the brightly colored mums and fall scenes, all culminating in a brilliant display of autumnal delight in the very center of the square. Surrounded by the changing leaves of sugar maples, visitors can grab a park bench and watch the leaves literally change colors right before their very eyes.
Head into the old-fashioned candy shop for a homemade candy or take a bite of candy from yesteryear and enjoy the taste of nostalgia. You can also stop in and grab a cone from the local ice cream parlor. Enjoy the white washed homes and the American flags proudly waving in the crisp autumn breeze. Are you living in a Hallmark movie? Nope. It’s just Door County Wisconsin!
Walk at Crossroads at Big Creek
If you need more outdoor time, take a walk at Crossroads at Big Creek. Located in the heart of the Door Peninsula, the 200-acre preserve includes several specific educational resource centers and an extensive all-season trail system that connects to evergreen and hardwood forests, streams, seasonal ponds, wetlands, and upland meadows. This center is all about lifelong learning and is focused on the environment, history, and science, making it perfect for both adults and children alike.
Discover Door County
If you have always wanted to see the autumn grandeur that the East Coast has to offer, think again, because there is another spot that is just as good, if not better, the Door Peninsula of Wisconsin. With plenty of lodging, dining, and activities for couples, families, and solo travelers, Door County Wisconsin has something for everyone, no matter what the season.
