Green Bay may be the most visited city in Wisconsin, but Door County, less than an hour's drive north, should definitely be on your travel radar. Located on the eastern side of Wisconsin and surrounded by water on three sides, Door County is 70 miles long, 18 miles wide at its widest point, and 2 miles across at its tip. It is effortless to navigate between the small towns that span the length of the county.
A playground for Texans looking to escape stifling summer heat or are in search of the vibrant colors of the fall season; the region boasts beautiful scenery, panoramic views, and plenty of midwestern charm. Door County is filled with activities for every traveler, from outdoor enthusiasts, wine aficionados, art collectors, or those looking to unplug.
For the Art Collector
Door County is home to a vibrant artist community with over 100 galleries spread across the peninsula showcasing various local art. No matter your preference, you are sure to find something to take home.
Years of tradition have made Anderson Dock the "Most Instagrammable" spot in Door County. The graffiti-covered dockside warehouse, which draws nearly 20,000 visitors per year, is also home to the Francis Hardy Gallery, which showcases art from local artists. Edgewood Orchard Galleries has been an icon in the midwest since 1969. Located in a turn of the 20th-century fruit barn on 80 acres of cherry orchard, the gallery includes an outdoor sculpture garden and a wide range of paintings, pottery, and jewelry. Plum Bottom Gallery is also a highlight showcasing handmade pottery from artist Chad Luberger. In addition to pottery, prints, and sculpture, the gallery also spotlights the work for local sterling silver artist Amanda DeWitt.
Still, for those looking for a more immersive artistic experience, The Clearing Folk School offers classes in everything from painting and writing to poetry and rustic furniture making. The school is located on over 100 acres of Door County forest and provides a fantastic overlook of the Green Bay shoreline.
For the Food and Wine Aficionado
Would you care for some cherry pie, cherry jam, or even cherry wine? Between 8 to 15 million pounds of cherries are harvested annually in the region, making it one of the largest cherry-producing areas in the United States and has plentiful cherry-tasting opportunities.
Sweet fruit wines are a local favorite, and Orchard Country Winery and Market has been producing award-winning varieties since 1955. Pull up a stool and have a tasting of five of their sweet wines or ciders. Plan a visit to Door Peninsula Winery, the oldest and largest winery in the region, as well. They specialize in sweet wines but are also the first to produce vodka, gin, and fruit-infused vodka. In addition to your tasting, plan to spend some time touring their facility, a former two-room schoolhouse.
Delicious food is plentiful in Door County, and besides having a great meal, you can check out the famous goats on the roof at Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant & Butik. The goats can usually be found on the roof daily during the peak tourist season from May to October, but if you can't get enough, log onto the restaurant's "goat cam" to catch all the hoofed action. Don't miss out on the award-winning ½-pound pecan and cinnamon rolls from Rowley's Bay Resort and stop in for delectable artisanal cheese and a flavorful meal at Glacier Edge Restaurant.
For the Outdoor Enthusiast
Surrounded by water on three sides, hiking in Door County almost always ends with a splendid view of coastlines, a scenic outlook, or a wetland. There is no shortage of hiking trails with several state and county parks, and many preserved natural areas to choose from. Biking and kayaking are also popular pastimes with several scenic routes available throughout the county.
Although Door County spans less than 500 miles, it has 11 different golf courses and the highest concentration of lighthouses in the United States. Many of the lighthouses were built in the 1800s, and four are open to the public for tours. Each lighthouse is unique, and spending a day viewing the relics from water or land is a great way to catch a glimpse of the entire area.