EAT, EXPLORE AND EXPERIENCE
Only our favorites make the list!
WHAT TO DO
Arts & Culture and Sports & Recreation
WHAT TO SEE
Door County is beautiful year round!
WHERE TO EAT
So many great places to eat!
TAKE A HIKE...
...OR A RUN. Door county is filled with wonderful trails for leisurely strolls to challenging hikes. With 5 State parks, 10 county parks and many nature preserves you are sure enjoy the beauty of Door County. Peninsula State Park offers a varieties trail from easy to challenging. Also, make sure to Visit Three Springs nature Preserve located 2 miles from The Refuge.
RIDE A BIKE...
ON THE TRAILS OR THE ROADS. Didn't bring you bikes? Peninsula State Park has them for rent as does other businesses throughout the area. Looking for a day-long adventure. Hop the ferry to Washington Island, rent a bike and spend the day exploring the forest, enjoying the lake views and other historic sights.
FORE!
Door County is home to many scenic courses. Peninsula State Park is home to an 18-hole course with views of the water and woods. It also has a 6-hole short course for beginners. Disc Golf more your style? There are several courses in Northern Door County. Our grandkids favorite? Mini golfing at the Red Putter Mini Golf in Ephriam.
PICK YOUR OWN CHERRIES
Door County is home to over 2000 acres of cherry trees! The trees start to bloom in mid-May in southern Door county and work their way north over a week or two. Cherries are ready for picking in mid-July to early August. Have fun picking your own cherries or visit on of the many markets or orchids for ones ready to eat. Also check out the many cherry products - pies, wine, jam, salsa, and BBQ sauce, just to name a few.
EXPERIENCE DOOR COUNTY WINE
Door county’s vineyards are successful due to the peninsula being unique in climate and geographic features from surrounding areas. It is also located on the 45th parallel, which is famous for superb conditions for growing grapes. This line run though other prominent wine-producing regions including Washington, Oregon, Michigan, and France. Door county wineries not only produce traditional wines, but they also use the abundant fruit grown in Door County to create fruity wines ranging from tart to Sweet. Looking for something different? Try the hard fruit ciders produced by Island Orchard Cider from fruit grown on Washington Island.
ENJOY A GUIDED TOUR
How to you like to Tour? Take a boat, kayak, ferry and enjoy views of bluffs, caves islands, shipwrecks and lighthouses. Hop a trolley for food and drink or scenic views and historical stories. Walk or bike though through communities and learn about their histories. And for something different take in the scenery on a Segway. We recommend getting on the water to view the many bluffs, caves, shorelines, shipwrecks, and lighthouses that are best viewed from a boat.
SUN, SAND AND WATER - HIT THE BEACH
Door County is home to many beautiful beaches, located on both the lake and bay sides of the peninsula. Paddle board and kayak rentals and bathrooms are available at many beaches. Sand Bay beach is one of our favorites. It’s a short drive from The Refuge and is less crowded since it is farther from the villages. Whitefish Dunes State Park is a must visit. It offers a mile of sand beach and the highest sand dunes in Wisconsin.
WILD BEAUTY - NATURE PRESERVES
Nature preserves are open for many activities including hiking, birding, wildlife observation and more. Many offer guided tours and educational programming. Be sure to hike Three Springs nature Preserve, just 2 miles from The Refuge. Also, checkout the guided tours and educational programs at The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor.
SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO - PARKS
Five state parks covering more than 9000 acres offer so much fun! Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, camping and golf are just some of the activities offered. But don't overlook Door County's 19 county parks that offer shoreline hikes, great picnic spots, beaches and water views from the bluffs.
LOOKOUT! ... TOWERS
Walk to the top of Eagle Tower in Peninsula State Park. The views are spectacular! Eagle Tower is newly constructed and ADA compliant. The other two towers in Door County, Mountain Park Lookout on Washington Island and the Potawatomi State Tower are currently closed for repairs. Chick on More Info for the current status.
LIGHTHOUSES
Door County Lighthouses were essential in guiding ships safely around the rocky shorelines. Door County is home to 11 lighthouses; the oldest being Pottawatomie Lighthouse in Rock Island State park, which was built in 1836. We would recommend visiting Cana Island Lighthouse by Baileys Harbor. You can walk to the lighthouse when the lake level is low. Otherwise, it's a wagon ride pulled by a tractor to get to the Island. Guided tours are given at Eagle Buff Lighthouse in Peninsula State Park. Learn about what life was like as a lighthouse keeper in the 1800s
Al Johnson's...
...THE PLACE WITH GOATS ON THE ROOF! Located in Sister Bay, Al Johnson's menu features Swedish items such as Swedish pancakes, meatballs, Panna and Picked Herring. Breakfast is served all day with Lunch starting at 11am.
Bayside Tavern
A long time fixture in Fish Creek serving good tavern food. I ordered the steak sandwich and my wife had the Cincinnati-style Chili (meat sauce with beans over noodles) at our last visit. Also give the pizza and burgers a try (double cheeseburger - 2 1/3lb patties!) a try.
Cornerstone Pub
is located in beautiful Baileys Harbor with a view of the harbor marina. make sure you try the lake Michigan Whitefish, which is caught by Baileys Harbor Fish Co. Good food and beer! Give it a try.
Coyote Roadhouse
Coyote Roadhouse is located on the west side of Kangaroo Lake in Baileys Harbor. Indoor and outdoor seating is available and many how a lovely view of the lake. Our favorites include the Jambalya (spicey!) , chicken and, of course, their burgers. Great selection of beers and other drinks. A favorite of locals and tourists!
Door County Coffee & Tea
Come for the coffee; stay for the breakfast! Located south of Egg harbor on the bay-side of Door County makes it a great place to stop on you way to or from The refuge. Door County Coffee is family owned and roasts their coffee in small batches. Breakfast is served all day and lunch starting at 11am. Staff is friendly and welcoming!
Door County Creamery
The Creamery features Cheese, Gelato and Soap made with goats milk. Why goat's milk? It;s richer in minerals easier to digest and has less cholesterol and saturated fatty acids than cows milk. But most importantly, goats milk cheese and gelato taste really good! The cheese and Gelato is made on site and the goats are milked on the owner's farm just a mile from the creamery. So you know it's frsh! The Creamery also offers Sandwiches, Soups, Salads and Wraps.
Door County Ice Cream Factory & Sandwich Shoppe
Not only ice Cream, but also sandwiches, soups and salads. The Ice Cream factory opened in 1912, The ice cream is made by-hand on site since 1992. We made our last visit a meal; salad, pizza and of course ice cream.
FIKA Bakery and Cafe
Fika Bakery offers a range of freshly baked treats from artisanal bread and pastries to cakes and cookies. They also offer breakfast and lunch items, including quiche, soup, salad and Swedish meatballs.The bakery's inviting ambiance provides a perfect setting for enjoying a cup of coffee or tea alongside their delectable offerings.
Grasses Grill
Grasses Grill is a chef-owned resturant located in Sister Bay. They focus on high quality local ingredients. The menu features burgers, salads, sandwiches and vegetraian items. Pictured is a cajan whitefish bowl. Dine in, eat on the outdoor patio or get it to go. Friendly and welcoming staff.
Hugel House
Located in Ellison Bay, the Hugel House serves the best German food and beers in Door County. Portions are generous so you won't go home hungry. Although, we recommend that you go home with dessert.
Kick Ash Coffee
Locally owned and super friendly staff! It is located in a beautiful sanctuary of a former church in nearby Ellison Bay. Kick Ash features coffee, tea and rally good granola all of which are made in house. Browse the artisan gift shop while enjoying your coffee.
LOFT
LOFT is located in a unique setting in Fish Creek. The upper and lower dinning areas are open to the outside with heaters and roll down windows to protect you from the elements when needed/ We enjoyed the chicken milanese and Salmon (pictured) on our visit in May.
Sister Bay Bowl
Yes, Sister Bay Bowl is a bowling alley and supper club. The restaurant serves savor dishes ranging from burgers and sandwiches to fish fry and other Wisconsin specialties. The rustic and welcoming atmosphere adds to the charm of the overall experience. It has been locally owned and operated since 1964.
Thyme
Thyme Restaurant, located in Sister Bay, features locally sourced ingrediants. The menu offers a variety of items including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes. Pictured is the Pecan Crusted Salmon with lingonberry dijon sauce. The friendly staff will make your night enjoyable.
White Gull Inn
The White Gull Inn is known for its delicious breakfast offerings, including the famous cherry-stuffed French toast. The inn is also known for their Fish Boil, which is one of Door County’s oldest, having started in 1959. The inn's commitment to using local and seasonal ingredients enhances the dining experience, and its charming dining rooms create a cozy backdrop for enjoying meals.
Wild Tomato
Pizza! We think it's the best pizza in Door County! It is cooked in a wood-fired oven resulting in a slightly smoky crust, fresh toppings and bubbly cheese. Make sure to try the Cherry Walnut salad also. You will love it! Family owned casual dining and friendly staff.
Wilson's Restaurant
Wilson's Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor has been serving delicious food and ice cream for over 100 years. The menu features burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads. But make sure you save room for the ice Cream. Wilson's features over 20 different flavors served in a dish or cone, as a sundae and more.
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