Fall In Love With Door County
Fall in love with Door County, Wisconsin, on your first visit. I have explored Door County, Wisconsin, many times over the years. On my last visit, the cherry season had been in full swing, and spring was bursting across the peninsula.
I was delighted to explore Door County and experience new things. This was my first visit to this area of Wisconsin when a lighthouse tour was not part of my visit. There are many things to do in Door County that do not include lighthouses – I know, a surprise to many of you!
*Thank you to Destination Door County for hosting me on a Spring Media Tour.
Door County is a great road-tripping destination from many places across the Midwest. Each community has something different to offer with unique food experiences, history, culture, and the beauty of Lake Michigan. It will take you five minutes to see how easy it is to fall in love with Door County.
Flying into Door County is another option, as the Milwaukee airport is easy to fly into from all areas of the country.
I suggest renting a car and driving to Door County for a full Wisconsin experience.
Experience Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Table of Contents
Lodging In Door County
The Dörr Hotel in Sister Bay is an excellent spot in the heart of the Door County Peninsula. I loved the cozy gathering area in the lobby, as it was easy to relax and enjoy the ambiance.
This property strives to provide a modern, Nordic experience.
As a Norwegian, I can say that this contemporary property did deliver.
The design and charm are everywhere you turn as you enjoy the atmosphere.
Lodging At Country House Resort
Experience Al Johnson’s
Many people think of Al Johnson’s iconic Swedish Restaurant when they hear, “Door County.” Al Johnson’s is known for the “goats on the roof.”
Ironically, I have been to Door County several times over the years and the goats have never been out on the roof. I learned that the weather conditions will determine if the goats are on the roof. If you are curious about what the goats on the roof are all about- view the “goat cam.“
Indulge in Swedish pancakes soaked in lingonberries, cherries, or strawberries, accompanied by a side of Swedish meatballs, ham, Candian bacon, sausage, or bacon.
Photo Tour: Door County In Spring
Breakfast is served all day, and burgers, sandwiches, and similar items are available for later. You can also swing into the on-site gift shop and take home some of your favorite Swedish finds.
Eight Great Midwest Towns To Visit
Visit Cherry Orchards
Mid to late May brings a flurry of color to Door County, thanks to cherry orchards. The fragrance and color make this an incredible time of year to visit. Accompanied by the agri-tourism scene, the orchards and farm markets come to life after a long Wisconsin winter. Fun fact- cherry trees can be found in many places within the peninsula.
Springtime offers an incredible sight that will forever be embedded with you. Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market and Sorens Valhalla Orchards are great places to view acres of blossoming orchards and lush vineyards.
Experience Belgian Heritage
The Belgian Heritage Center showcases the history of the Belgian settlement in Wisconsin, preserving the foods, beverages, architecture, and the Walloon language. I had the opportunity to meet several people who keep their Belgian heritage alive through their passion for sharing their stories.
Our hosts served a delicious bowl of “booyah” (a chicken stew), accompanied by Belgian stories. This site is known as the birthplace of the Norbertine Fathers in North America.
The campus of the Belgian Heritage Center is on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Landmark by the US Department of the Interior. These accomplishments show the importance of keeping sites like this alive in our country, as it’s a daunting task to be added to these lists. I had never heard of this site and was thrilled to experience what it offers on this visit to Door County. Their hours are seasonal and non-traditional. They are open Friday-Sunday from May through October. If you want to visit in the off-season, call 920-825-7319 to set up a private visit. History buffs will instantly fall in love with Door County.
Climb The Tower At Peninsual State Park
It had been a few years since I had visited Peninsula State Park and I was thrilled to see the recent improvements.
You can climb the 95 stairs or ascend the 850-foot ramp, making this structure Wisconsin’s first accessible observation tower. The views are incredible, making this one of many reasons to visit Peninsula State Park.
2024- The Year I Did The Unimaginable
Experience A Fish Boil
I could not believe I had never experienced a Door County Fish Boil until this visit. Fish boils are often a reason that people visit Door County. This tradition began as an economical way to feed large, hungry groups of people, including loggers and fishermen. Churches and restaurants saw fish boils as a way to raise money and showcase tradition.
The Old Post Office in Ephraim, a Door County tradition, offers a fish boil experience. Arrive 20-30 minutes before the scheduled fish boil for optimum viewing and an opportunity to view the preparations. A fish boil is when local fishermen cook their freshly caught fish over an open fire. After participating in one of Door County’s most popular attractions, you enter the Old Post Office and dine on freshly caught Lake Michigan whitefish. A Door County fish boil offers a solution, if you want a “unique” farm-to-table experience
Dine In A Cafe
Hill Street Cafe, in downtown Fish Creek offers a fantastic experience.
Of course, it’s located on a hill. A delicious grilled cheese can be found here, alongside the Charlie Brown Sandwich- charred broccoli, peanut sauce, pickled smoked onion, green onions, and peanuts can be enjoyed on a hoagie.
It should be noted that I had the best grilled cheese sandwich that I have ever eaten at the Hill Street Cafe. If you know me, you know I love Diet Coke. I asked for a Diet Coke, and my server said, “We have Diet Rite. We are old-school up here.” The casual, laid-back setting at Hill Street Cafe will quickly win you over. Top-notch service and delicious food, make this a fun gathering area in Door County.
Lunch At Wilson’s
Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor is in Ephraim, a classic Door County landmark since 1906. IIf you enjoy an old-fashioned soda fountain, you will appreciate all this eatery offers. Home-brewed draft rootbeer, old-fashioned sodas, ice cream specialties, broiled burgers, all in a setting you will fall in love with.
The best tip I can give you is to combine two meals and dine during the middle of the afternoon. Wilson’s has been one of my go-to restaurants on all my visits to Door County over the years. Ice cream and smiles, make it easy to fall in love with Door County.
No matter how you spend your time in Door County, I assure you that you will have an amazing time. A spring visit offers a time of newness as winter comes to a close. The daylight hours bring new life to all Door County Peninsula’s corners. I’m still surprised that I spent four days in Door County and never visited a lighthouse. Plan a visit now. Take in “new to you” experiences and learn why Door County is a special place.
SaraB
Latest posts by SaraB (see all)
- Fall In Love With Door County - January 13, 2025
- Spring Photo Tour of Door County, Wisconsin - January 2, 2025
- 2024 – The Year I Did Many Impossible Things - December 29, 2024
