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A Midwest Respite

Head (way) north to find another world in Door County, Wisconsin

The Door County peninsula juts out into Lake Michigan and offers a weary traveler respite in any season. There’s one main road in and it ends with a view of the region’s namesake: Porte des Mortes (Death’s Door), the place where Lake Michigan and Green Bay converge. Over a long weekend, it’s easy and enjoyable to traverse the whole area from Sturgeon Bay in the south, all the way up to Gill’s Rock at the very northern tip. Each village has its own charm and unique offerings.

With 300 miles of shoreline and 23,000 acres of public and preserved land, hiking and water activities are at the top of the to-do list.

The Plum Island Cruise with Shoreline Charters was one of the highlights of the trip. Door County has 34 outlying islands. There is a lot of fascinating history woven into a three-hour cruise - from the 1867 shipwreck of the Grape Shot, off the coast of Plum Island, which is visible in just six feet of water, to the legend of the battle between the Potawatomis and Chippewas over hunting rights on the peninsula.

Whitefish Dunes State Park and Peninsula State Park offer miles of lush hiking trails that weave through dense green forests and cliffs overlooking the lake. If you want to balance your workout with a tasty reward, kayaking or zip lining at Rowley’s Bay Resort could culminate with a treat from Grandma’s Swedish Bakery.

Lake Michigan whitefish is a Door County delicacy and the best way to eat it is by way of a traditional fish boil. Ephraim’s Old Post Office Restaurant has been preparing locally caught fish in a massive cauldron over an open fire for more than 40 years. The restaurant’s boil master shared the history and mechanics of the boil, which ended in a fiery, kerosene induced “boil over” signaling that the catch was ready to serve.

It has been a tough year, but there are some bright spots. Consider a trip to this magical area this summer to find yours. 

Baileys Harbor Yacht Club - Bhycr.com

Old Post Office - OldPostOffice-DoorCounty.com

Grandma’s Swedish Bakery at Rowleys Bay Resort and Restaurant - RowleysBayResort.com

Fred & Fuzzy’s Waterfront Grill - FredAndFuzzys.com 

Harbor Fishmarket & Grille - HarborFishmarket-Grille.com

Shoreline Charters - ShorelineCharters.net         

Door County Adventure Center - DCAdventureCenter.com

State Park Information - DNR.WI.GOV/Topic/Parks/

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