Cana Island Lighthouse
The walk across the causeway is half of it — a rocky spit of land with the lake on both sides of you, and then an island barely big enough for a…
- Dogs, with caveats
- Seasonal
- Kid Approved
get out there
Do
Bluff hikes, jump-off piers, drive-in double features.
Parks & Hikes
Cave Point County Park
Limestone ledges the lake has been hollowing out for ten thousand years, and you can stand right on top of them. Come early — this is the one place…
- Dogs welcome
- Free
Door Bluff Headlands County Park
One of our favorite hikes anywhere, and the best bluff-top water views on the peninsula. The first stretch is steep and rooty, then it settles into…
- Dogs welcome
- Free
- Sunset Spot
Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm
In late July, something magical happens in northern Door County and on Washington Island: the lavender fields burst into bloom. Every year, it seems…
- No dogs
Mountain Park Lookout Tower
If you find yourself on Washington Island and love climbing Eagle Tower in Peninsula State Park, add the Mountain Park Lookout Tower to your list.…
- No dogs
Newport State Park
Where we go to lose the crowds. Quiet forest trails, miles of empty shoreline, and skies dark enough that the park is certified for stargazing. Fern…
- Dogs welcome
Peninsula State Park
The classic for a reason. Bike paths through the trees, a busy-but-fun beach, and the Eagle Trail — our favorite hike in the park, down along the…
- Dogs, with caveats
- Kid Approved
The Ridges Sanctuary
A string of unusual habitats between old beach ridges, holding some of the rarest wildflowers in the Midwest. Go slow — this one rewards looking…
- No dogs
The Secret Garden of Door County
The Secret Garden of Door County is a peaceful, beautiful escape in Ephraim—an inviting place to slow down, enjoy the garden, and spend time…
- No dogs
Three Springs Nature Preserve
If you are looking for a little off-the-beaten-path hike near Sister Bay, Harold C. Wilson Three Springs Nature Preserve is a beautiful choice.…
- Dogs welcome
Beaches
Ellison Bay Community Park & Beach
Still popular, but calmer than the marquee beaches — the one we pick when we want room to spread out. Playground and courts keep restless kids busy…
- Dogs, with caveats
- Free
- Kid Approved
Newport State Beach
Rustic, off the beaten path, and gorgeous. The beach we choose for a slow picnic afternoon — and the dog gets to come.
- Dogs welcome
Nicolet Beach
Busy but fun — the beach you make a whole day of. Swim, rent a paddleboard, get something from the concession stand, then ride bikes through the…
- Dogs, with caveats
- Kid Approved
Sand Bay Town Park
The quiet one. Beautiful, more private, and so shallow that kids can walk out forever. Pack a picnic and your own floaties; there are no rentals and…
- Dogs, with caveats
- Free
- Kid Approved
Sister Bay Beach
Our home beach. A pier built for jumping off, rentals when you want to paddle, and one of the best sunsets on the peninsula — some nights with a…
- No dogs
- Sunset Spot
- Live Music
- Kid Approved
Adventures
Fourth of July Parade
Egg Harbor’s Fourth of July parade is one of our favorite family traditions. We’ve been coming for more than 10 years, and it always feels like a…
- Dogs, with caveats
- Free
- Kid Approved
- Seasonal
The Cherry Drop
The New Year’s Eve Cherry Drop in Sister Bay has been such a treasured family tradition for us. We have loved bundling up, gathering with the…
- No dogs
Washington Island Ferry
The Washington Island Ferry is more than transportation—it is the beginning of the adventure. The beautiful 30-minute ride across Death’s Door…
- Dogs welcome
Kid Stuff
Hands On Art Studio
Art activities the whole family actually enjoys — pottery, metal, glass, spin art. When the forecast turns, this is the plan.
- No dogs
- Kid Approved
- Rainy Day
Johnson’s Park
The mom-and-pop go-kart track: single and double karts, mini golf, batting cages, and an arcade. Zero polish, maximum grins.
- No dogs
- Kid Approved
Lautenbach’s Orchard Country (Shop & Cherry Picking)
Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market has always been one of our family’s favorite Door County stops—especially during cherry-picking season.…
- Dogs welcome
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
The big theatrical mini-golf — caves, waterfalls, the works. The one the kids beg for from the back seat.
- No dogs
- Kid Approved
Skyway Drive-In Theatre
Super old-school fun: a double feature under the stars with a playground beneath the screen. The kids burn off energy before sundown and fall asleep…
- Dogs welcome
- Kid Approved
The Red Putter
Classic old-school mini golf, perfect for a family tournament — loser buys Wilson’s afterward. Cheaper than the pirate place and, we’d argue, more fun.
- No dogs
- Kid Approved
Learning & Classes
Björklunden
Lawrence University’s lakeside campus — seminars, lectures, and a chapel hand-painted by its original owners. A quietly remarkable place.
Ephraim Yacht Club
The Ephraim Yacht Club is a wonderful place to experience sailing on beautiful Eagle Harbor. This family-oriented community sailing center offers…
- No dogs
Kress Pavilion
The Donald and Carol Kress Pavilion is a beautiful Egg Harbor community hub—home to the Egg Harbor Library as well as wellness classes, yoga, local…
- No dogs
Peninsula School of Art
Workshops and classes across every medium, for every level. The place to finally take that class you keep talking about on the drive up.
- No dogs
The Clearing Folk School
A folk school in the woods above Green Bay, teaching writing, woodworking, painting, and more the slow way. Even a walk through the grounds resets…
- No dogs
Write On, Door County
A writing center with workshops, readings, and quiet trails — proof that the peninsula takes its off-season seriously.
- No dogs
Wellness
Ironwood Yoga & Pilates
Ironwood Yoga & Pilates in Sister Bay is one of my favorite ways to start a Door County day—especially with a Reformer Pilates class. With only…
- No dogs
The Well Nest
The Well Nest in Egg Harbor is a wonderful place to focus on feeling your best, whether that means moving your body, building strength, or simply…
- No dogs