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Wisconsin's thumb, as locals call it, is a narrow finger of land pointing northeast into Lake Michigan, with sheltered Green Bay on its western shore and open lake water to the east. Limestone bluffs, cherry orchards and small harbor villages define it, and it has long been a summer retreat for families from Chicago, Milwaukee and beyond. The bay side tends to be busier, while the lake side feels wilder and more rugged.
Sturgeon Bay, at the southern end, is home to a working shipbuilding industry and the Door County Maritime Museum. On the bay side, Peninsula State Park offers bluffs, trails, a beach and the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, sitting between the villages of Fish Creek and Ephraim. Sister Bay, a little farther north, has shops and a busy waterfront. On the lake side, Cave Point County Park is known for wave-carved sea caves, adjoining the beaches of Whitefish Dunes State Park. The Cana Island Lighthouse is reached by a short causeway, and The Ridges Sanctuary protects rare plants and orchids along a series of ancient beach ridges.
Families, cyclists, kayakers and anyone who likes small-town summers will feel at home. Traditional fish boils are a local custom. Newport State Park suits quiet hiking and dark-sky viewing, and ferries carry visitors to Washington Island and on to Rock Island State Park. Fall color and cherry season are highlights.
WiserMap travel guideDoor County Wisconsin Fish Boils Cherries and LighthousesPlan a Door County trip: Peninsula State Park, Cave Point, Cana Island Lighthouse, Washington Island, fish boils, cherry orchards and harbor villages.Read the guide
Sturgeon Bay is the gateway city to Door County with shipyards and lift bridges. The Door County Maritime Museum on the waterfront covers shipbuilding, lighthouses and Great Lakes shipping, and its ten-story Jim Kress Lighthouse Tower has views over the bay. Visit when ships are in for winter repair.
Large state park between Fish Creek and Ephraim with miles of Green Bay shoreline, bluffs, beaches and bike trails, plus a golf course and the Northern Sky Theater outdoor stage. The Sunset Bike Route follows the shore. A Wisconsin state park pass is required, and campsites fill fast in summer.
Car-free island state park reached by passenger ferry from Washington Island, with hiking trails, beaches, rustic campsites and the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, the oldest in Wisconsin. The stone boathouse built by inventor Chester Thordarson greets visitors. Check the ferry schedule, which runs only in season.
State park on the shore of Sturgeon Bay with wooded trails, rocky shoreline, campsites and part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which starts here. In winter it offers cross-country skiing and a sledding hill. It is close to the city, making it an easy first stop. A state park pass is required to enter.
Cream city brick lighthouse from 1868 inside Peninsula State Park, overlooking Green Bay and the Strawberry Islands. Guided tours show the keeper's family home with period furnishings. It is run by the local historical society. Combine a tour with a drive along the park's Shore Road and a picnic.
Brick lighthouse from 1869 on a small island near Baileys Harbor, reached by walking across a rocky causeway or riding a tractor-pulled wagon when the water is high. Visitors can climb the 97 steps of the tower for views over Lake Michigan. Wear shoes that can get wet if the causeway is flooded.
Pretty villages on the Green Bay shore. Fish Creek has inns, shops and a harbor, Ephraim is a white-painted Moravian village with famous sunsets, and Sister Bay has a waterfront park and marina. Try a traditional Door County fish boil, where the boil-over flares up at dusk.
Island across Death's Door strait reached by car ferry from Northport, known for its Icelandic heritage, lavender farm, Schoolhouse Beach of smooth white stones and a stave church. Rent bikes or take a tram tour. Do not take stones from Schoolhouse Beach, as it is banned and carries a fine.
Cave Point County Park has limestone ledges and sea caves where Lake Michigan waves crash into the rock, a favorite spot for kayaking and photos. Next door, Whitefish Dunes State Park has the state's tallest sand dunes, trails and a long beach. Kayak only on calm days, as the water can be rough.
Wilderness state park near the northern tip of the peninsula with miles of quiet Lake Michigan shoreline, beaches, forest trails and hike-in campsites. It is Wisconsin's first International Dark Sky Park, ideal for stargazing. A state park pass is required. Bring bug spray, and stay after dark for the stars.
Nature preserve at Baileys Harbor protecting a series of sand ridges and swales with boreal forest, rare wildflowers and many native orchids. Boardwalk trails lead through the swales, and two historic range lights guide ships to the harbor. Visit in late spring and early summer for orchids and birds.
Swedish restaurant and shop in Sister Bay famous for the goats that graze on its sod roof in the warmer months. The menu features Swedish pancakes with lingonberries, meatballs and limpa bread. Expect a wait on summer mornings, so come early or browse the Swedish butik next door.
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