Wisconsin's small eastern peninsula bounded by Lake Michigan and
Green Bay is one of the Midwest's not-so-secret hideaways. Once
visitors experience the quiet beauty of Door County, they will
understand why so many families return year after year, generation
after generation. The peninsula, along with Washington Island, is
graced with hundreds of miles of pristine shoreline, dotted with
bustling harbours, hidden coves, sandy beaches and historic
lighthouses.
A handful of quaint towns are scattered throughout Door County,
each heavy on charm but different enough to cater to visitors'
various tastes. Sturgeon Bay is the largest, with a historic
downtown district and waters that teem with walleye, northern pike
and lake trout. Further north, Egg Harbor is known for its serene
beauty, while Fish Creek is the arts hub of the peninsula. The
village of Ephraim has a rich heritage, with many historical sites.
Next door is Sister Bay, a buzzing spot with a lovely waterfront
and excellent restaurants. Finally, a short ferry ride takes
visitors to Washington Island, the oldest Icelandic community in
the country, with stunning scenery encompassing high bluffs and
rocky shores.
Summer is the most popular season for a visit, when sunbathers
hit the beaches and sailors, cruisers and kayakers take to the
water. In the evening, a traditional Door County fish boil is a
mandatory dining experience. Autumn has its own appeal. The fall
foliage is breathtaking, and roadside stalls and farmers' markets
overflow with harvests from the local orchards and farms. In the
winter, ice fishing shanties spring up across the frozen bay, and
sleigh rides, roaring fires and Christmas celebrations make this
season special as well.