Why Door County?
300 miles of shoreline, 10 waterfront towns, 5 state parks including one designated Dark Sky park, 11 lighthouses attracting over 2 million visitors per year. The Cape Cod of the Midwest is a must-visit destination for any MidWesterner in any season – Spring, Summer and especially Fall!
Glimpse of the Fall spectacle at Door County, courtesy: Doorcounty.com
How to Plan your visit?
• Timing – If you are one of those *peak* fall color enthusiasts, you can check the official foliage status here and plan accordingly. Even if you don’t hit the peak, don’t worry – Door County has so many festive events during Fall season, you will still end up enjoying your trip to the hilt.
Misty Door County Road During Fall 2023, Courtesy Cameron
• Activities – There are plentiful! Here’s an idea of what’s in store:
Fall Festivals: Egg Harbor Pumpkin Patch Festival and iconic Sister Bay Festival.
Scenic Trails, Drives and Overlooks – Eagle Trail, Eagle Tower and biking at Peninsula State Park, Northport scenic drive, Cave Point.
Aerial view of Peninsula State Park, Courtesy Eiden
Lighthouses – Cana Island Lighthouse, North Pier Head Light lighthouse.
State Parks – Newport State Park (designated Dark Sky park with amazing view of the night sky) and Peninsula State Park.
Stunning night sky at Newport State Park, Courtesy Darksky.org
Washington Island – Cherry Train Tours (huge hit for young kids), Midwest’s largest lavender farm (spring and summer season) and a whole lot more. You need to take a ferry from the northern tip of DC to get to it though.
Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, Courtesy Fragrant Isle
Misc – Seaquist Orchards Farmers Market.
Washington Island Ferry, Courtesy DoorCounty.com
• Accommodation – In general, Door County being one of the most prominent tourist destinations, you should find plenty of dwelling options including resorts or vacation rentals (Airbnb, VRBO etc).
Our cottage at the Egg Harbor
Tip: Egg Harbor or Sturgeon Bay could be great options to stay vs Sister Bay, both in terms of cost efficiency and availability.
Photolog
Don’t miss the coveted Northport twisty road at the northern tip of Door County, just before the Washington Island Ferry.
Iconic Northport ‘Curvy’ Road, Courtesy TravelWisconsin
Eagle Tower at Peninsula State Park
Eagle Tower hike is an absolute must, be in fall or any season.
Eagle Tower Boardwalk, Courtesy Cameron
Ample panoramic rewards on offer, once you reach the overlook.
Fall View from Eagle Tower Overlook, Courtesy Cameron
Another view of the overlook, Courtesy Cameron
Tip: But make sure you pack loads of patience – DC is brimming with people during peak of Fall Colors.
Washing Island Ferry
You gotta drive on Highway 42 to the edge of the Door Peninsula to catch the ferry.
The ferry ride is abundant of scenic views.
Mountain Park Lookout Tower at Washington Island
Although Mountain Park Tower is closed currently for repairs (as of Oct 2024), this scenic tower is a must-visit once it re-opens. Check here for latest info.
The views from up to were mesmerizing, you can even see the Rock Island State Park in the distance.
These snaps hardly capture the seeing-it-live experience.
Cherry Train Tours
Would highly recommend Cherry Train Tours, especially for young kids. Great way to move around Washington Island and you get to visit Schoolhouse beach, a church and a farm museum as part of the tour.
Schoolhouse Beach at Washington Island
The rocky Schoolhouse Beach is a great local spot for swimming, picnic and the usual summer fun!
Beach shoreline, courtesy DoorCounty.com
If you pocket any of these *protected* beach stones, you would be fined!
An old Church – Stavkirke
That’s it, hope this helps you plan your next utterly exciting & memorable Door County trip.
The featured image was posted with the permission and courtesy of Cameron.
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