There are a small percentage of the people in the world who have found the quaint little peninsula that juts off of Wisconsin called Door County. To those who have found it, it is a nice quiet destination filled with one-of-a-kind restaurants, numerous boating and swimming opportunities, and cozy little shops filled with all sorts of artsy curios. The Scandinavian heritage of the peninsula adds to the allure, as do the abundant cherries and cherry flavored foods and scents that add to the atmosphere and decor. Door County, Wisconsin is a great tourist destination for a quiet summer holiday. Here are ten things that I recommend for a great start to a great vacation.
Pirate's Cove Golf
This mini-golf facility is by far the best one I have ever been to. There are easy and challenging holes filled with fun and surprises.
Al Johnson’s Restaurant
No, your eyes are not deceiving you. Those are goats on the roof of the restaurant! This quaint Scandinavian restaurant serves the most delicious food. Try some Swedish Pancakes with Lingonberry Jam. And be sure to browse the store filled with all sorts of authentic Nordic surprises.
Ephraim Kayaking
This was the first time I had ever been kayaking, and this place had cheap kayak rental prices and a great staff. You get to kayak out in Ephraim Harbor and Green Bay and around the point of Peninsula State Park. It truly is a beautiful experience.
Edge of Park Bike Rentals
Want to bike around the gorgeous Peninsula State Park, stop at a Lighthouse, and see some wildlife (like maybe a wild turkey!)? Then rent a bike from Edge of Park Bike Rentals. They have affordable prices, their staff is very nice, and their bikes are amazing. It will get you all set for biking a beautiful 10 mile trail through the park.
Rock Island
Rock Island is off of the coast of Washington Island on the northern tip of Door County. You can even see Michigan from the northern side of the island. This island is uninhabited but protected as a park. There is a light house with a lot of history, as well as an old Scandinavian Lodge. There are several miles long hiking trails, a very nice swimming beach, and campsites for a very rugged and fun experience. Plus, you have to get to it from a ferry.
Door County Fish Boil
No trip to Door County is complete without this tradition. The Old Post Office in Ephraim has one of the best Fish Boil around. It is a very pleasant atmosphere and they tell you all about the history of the Fish Boil in Wisconsin. Plus, the food is delicious.
Theater
There are three big theater attractions in Door County in the summer: Northern Sky Theater, Peninsula Players, and Door Shakespeare. I have only been to Northern Sky and Door Shakespeare and both do excellent jobs. The plays are done outside in the evenings (bring lots of bug spray!), and the ambience adds to the wonderful stories. Door Shakespeare is even performed like the original Shakespeare plays: very little technology and minimal sets.
Wilson’s Ice Cream
Door County is home to numerous ice cream shops from the “Door County Creamery” to “Not Licked Yet” in Fish Creek (both of which I highly recommend!). But perhaps none of them are as iconic as Wilson’s, which has been around for decades. Their single scoops of ice cream are more like two, or even three, and their root beer floats are to die for (they make their own root beer!). And no Wilson’s ice cream cone or bowl is complete without a jelly bean.
Skyway Drive-In
There are not many of these left in the United States, but Door County’s drive-in doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Each night they show 2 movies, usually ones that are either recently released or on the end of their run. The first one is a kid’s movie (we saw Jungle Book!) and the second one is more action (they were showing Captain America Civil War). It’s a cheap movie price, they have snacks, and a playground for the kids. And the best part? You can pay for one movie, and stay for both!
White Gull Inn
Yes, I seem to be talking about food a lot, but seriously, it’s quite good there. This place is an old quaint Inn that has been turned into a restaurant. The food is absolutely delicious. Their signature item is the Door County Cherry Stuffed French Toast which is the Winner of the Best Breakfast in America Challenge on Good Morning America. And let me tell you, it is a winner!
