Open the door to adventure, world-class dining, and rich maritime history in this dreamy destination that’s brimming with year-round attractions.
The ancestral homeland of the Menominee Nation, Door County showcases a legacy of cultural influences — from centuries-old First Nations settlements to medieval Scandinavian architecture. Today, this Midwest gem is famous for its charming coastal scenery, romantic orchards, and spectacular state parks. Best of all, Door County offers four seasons of fun, so no matter when you choose to visit, you are certain to enjoy a unique Great Lakes getaway full of amazing seasonal activities.
Before you start planning, check out this seasonal guide for some of the top must-do Door County activities.
Spring: Mid-March Through May
Spring is the region’s best-kept secret. Enjoy fewer crowds and chilly weather — sans the snow — with high temps ranging from the 30s to the 50s. This is the perfect season for light sightseeing and ducking into cozy cafés and shops for a warm-up. In mid-May, Door County’s 2,500 acres of cherry orchards blossom into a fairyland of white and pink. You can experience this magical sight and scent-sation with a drive down cherry tree-lined highways or see the delicate flowers up close with a trip to one of the local orchards like Lautenbach's Orchard Country or Seaquist Orchards. Spring is also a lovely time to visit one of Door County’s many vineyards, which are some of the top attractions in Door County.
Enjoy a wine tasting featuring locally grown grapes and other fruits at Door Peninsula Winery, the oldest winery in Door County. Or build your own charcuterie board to pair with your wine flight at Door 44 Winery. Hop aboard the Washington Island Ferry for a scenic ride to Washington Island, Door County’s only year-round island community. Two of the island’s most popular attractions include Schoolhouse Beach, a unique shoreline made up of smooth limestone rocks instead of sand (just make sure to leave the stones on the beach), and Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, where you can take a magical stroll through lavender fields bursting with color.
Summer: June Through August
Nestled between glittering Green Bay and breathtaking Lake Michigan, the Door Peninsula is a paradise for freshwater aquatic adventures. Summer in Door County is peak season, but with over 300 miles of shoreline to explore, you’ll find there’s plenty of room to escape the crowds. Dive into a bevy of water-based recreation including paddleboarding, kayaking, parasailing, and fishing. For one of the coolest Door County activities, book a shipwreck diving excursion and discover the lost fleets of Death’s Door. Or spend the day at one of Door County’s glorious beaches. A few local favorites include Nicolet Bay Beach, Sister Bay Beach, and Otumba Park Beach, which features a walker- and wheelchair-accessible waterfront entrance. Summertime is also the peak season for cherry picking, with local orchards offering a wide variety of pick-your-own-cherries experiences.
Between mid-July and mid-August, the whole family can have a bushel of fun filling buckets with ruby-red tart or sweet cherries at Lautenbach’s Orchard Country or Soren’s Valhalla Orchards. Door County’s striking landscape also serves as an ideal setting for a rousing afternoon of golf. Play a round at The Orchards at Egg Harbor, a thrilling 18-hole championship course featuring bentgrass fairways and a selection of tees for players of all skill levels. Farmers Markets are another popular summer pastime and the towns of Door County host several farmers markets and orchard markets throughout the season — including the Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market, the largest in the county. Peruse fresh produce, meet local farmers, and bring home some Door County specialties. It’s one of the coolest things to do in Sturgeon Bay this time of year.
Fall: September Through November
When the breeze turns crisp and the leaves fade to gold, Door County transforms into one of the best destinations in the Midwest for fall festivities. Set out on a bracing hike amid the dazzling backdrop of crimson and amber foliage at one of Door County’s gorgeous state parks. Family fun awaits at Red Barn Corn Maze, home to friendly farm animals and fall-themed activities. Traverse five miles of trails in the farm’s signature corn maze, pick pumpkins, hop on a hayride, and much more. Apples are a Door County seasonal staple and from mid-September to mid-October you can stock up on fresh-pressed apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, apple butter, and other treats at Seaquist Orchards and Wood Orchard Market.
Beginning mid-September you can pick your own apples right from the tree at Lautenbach’s Orchard Country or Choice Orchards. At the White Gull Inn, experience a traditional Door County fish boil on select days. Watch a Master Boiler at work, cooking fresh-caught Lake Michigan whitefish over an open bonfire, the same way early Scandinavian settlers did when they arrived in the area. Then enjoy your freshly cooked fish and potatoes served with lemon and melted butter, plus a homemade cherry pie for dessert.
Winter: December Through Early March
By December, temperatures drop to an average low of 20 degrees Fahrenheit and Door County’s 250 miles of trails become a winter wonderland. When it comes to good old-fashioned winter fun, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing are some of the top things to do in Door County. You can visit the Door County Parks Department for the most up-to-date trail conditions and find the spots with the best snow. Since wintertime is considered Door County’s off-season, some peak-season establishments may be closed for the winter months, so it’s a good idea to double check the operating hours for local shops and restaurants. But many venues will be dressed in their merry best to welcome you to a jolly holiday season.
For three select weekends in late-November and December, you can experience the Door County Christkindlmarkt, a European-style Christmas market featuring traditional Nordic foods, artisanal goods, and live music. Sip hot mugs of mulled wine, apple cider, or hot chocolate as you browse colorful stalls and historic shops selling handmade arts and crafts, clothing, home goods, Christmas ornaments, and more. Door County also hosts an array of winter celebrations including tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday parades, and an ice sculpture festival in Sturgeon Bay.
No matter when you visit, you’re sure to love the amazing things to do in Door County. For more great Door County sights, check out this handy article on the most charming Door County activities. And if you’re just passing through Door County on a Lake Michigan road trip, get tips on other wonderful places to stop along the way in this informative article.
Where To Stay With RCI In Door County
When you’re ready to plan your Door County getaway, check out these amazing resorts available through RCI.
- The Rushes — Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin
- Landmark Resort — Egg Harbor, Wisconsin
- High Point Inn — Ephraim, Wisconsin
- Waterbury Inn — Ephraim, Wisconsin
- Club Wyndham Little Sweden — Fish Creek, Wisconsin
- Birchwood Lodge — Sister Bay, Wisconsin
- Pheasant Park — Sister Bay, Wisconsin
- Scandinavian Lodge — Sister Bay, Wisconsin
- Bridgeport Resort — Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
- Glidden Lodge Beach Resort — Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
