Lake Life In Door County, Wisconsin

Towns and municipalities cluster along the shorelines of the peninsula that is Door County. Each of these towns have their own flavor and style, so you can refer to this short list and description of a few of the top spots. Just know that Door County is small and it is easy to hop from one charming spot to the next. You don’t have to feel like you’re stuck in one place, but instead can see so many different things from cultural to historical, hiking and camping to fishing and boating. The area is small but they do summers well and have a little something for everyone. Go in with an open mind and know that much of the area has not changed through the years. They are dedicated to tradition in the very best way. You’ll feel like you’re going back in time, but I’ll also share a few modern and updated spots to stay for more luxurious comforts.

-Sister Bay-

Sister Bay has gained a reputation for being the food, dining, and beverage hub of the county. Options include supper clubs, pubs and taverns, waterfront dining, seafood, bakeries, pizza, craft beer, breakfast spots, and way, way more.

Visitors also flock here for the beaches, where sunbathing, swimming, paddling, boating, and other water sports are all on the menu. Reserve a room at The Dörr for a fantastic stay in a modern scandinavian style hotel.

-Ephraim-

Ephraim is known as Door County’s quiet, historic town nestled on the shores of Green Bay. Stay at the Water Street Inn for a quiet stay with great views.

The idyllic setting offers the famously graffitied Anderson Dock, access to the county’s largest state park, and tons of water sports and activities in addition to a slate of restaurants (Trixie’s is a must! They are committed to working with local farmers for the most fresh ingredients), and old-timey treats (Like Wilson’s Ice cream Parlor. They’ve been serving cold treats to the community for over 100 years). The best coffee is roasted here too, so you’ll want to check out Isely Coffee.

-Fish Creek-

In many ways, Fish Creek is the hub of Door County. A good portion of the region’s top restaurants, fish boils (White Gull Inn has the best one in Door County. Thanks for the recommendation Lauren!!), shops, and outdoor attractions are in or near this quaint-yet-bustling town.

Come here if you seek social and family life, arts and culture (definitely check out Peninsula Players Theatre for a show), historic sites, world-class dining, and shoreline sunsets.

-Baileys Harbor-

A near-perfect confluence of art and nature, Baileys Harbor is home to thousands of acres of beautiful, protected lands.

Here, you’ll also find plenty of space for hiking, biking, motorcycling, and paddling as well as a fair share of independent restaurants, a brewery, a coffee shop, waterfront lodging (Gordon Lodge will make you feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of Dirty Dancing. It is iconic in the best sort of way), and three historic lighthouses (all three are worth a visit but the Cana Island Light is surrounded by beauty). Keep the Dirty Dancing feeling going and grabs dinner at Florian II Supper Club. 

-Sturgeon Bay-

Maritime and nautical themes reign supreme here, with iconic stops like the Pierhead Light, two additional lighthouses, a maritime museum (I always love to visit local museums and this one is on the list), waterfront parks, a shipbuilding yard, the famous steel bridge, and plenty of fishing and paddling opportunities. Hundreds of shops, restaurants, Supper clubs (Donny’s Glidden Lodge has spectacular views and a great menu) , and the arts and theater scene are also here. The Inn at Cedar Crossing Is definitely the spot to stay here. Their restaurant is one of the top fine dining spots in the area.

-Ellison Bay-

This tiny town is a fascinating combination of art, history, oddity, and the very best pies on the peninsula (get them at Bea’s Ho-Made). Between The Clearing Folk School, artist studios and galleries, and indie shops, there’s no shortage of unusual experiences to be had here.

Outdoorspeople will enjoy exquisite lake views, dramatic bluffs and cliffs, boating and paddling opportunities, and access to the extraordinary Newport State Park.