Travel to Door County, Wisconsin – Episode 917

categories: USA Travel

Travel to Door County, Wisconsin - Door County, Wisconsin, offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventures, scenic views, arts, local food, and small-town charm. (Podcast)

Hear about travel to Door County in Wisconsin as the Amateur Traveler talks with Bailey Freeman from atravelingbee.com about our recent press trip to the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.”

Here are the key things to do in Door County, Wisconsin, based on our experiences:

Outdoor and Adventure Activities

  1. Hiking and Nature Exploration
    • Peninsula State Park: Features a watchtower atop limestone cliffs with panoramic views of the bay and beyond.
    • Whitefish Dunes State Park: Home to the tallest sand dunes in Wisconsin, covered with trees and foliage.
    • Ridges Sanctuary: Offers boardwalks, rare plants, and historic range lights; it also features the southernmost boreal forest in the U.S.
  2. Kayaking
    • Kayak along the limestone cliffs on the lakeside, with opportunities to explore half-submerged caves and fossils.
  3. Adventure Rafting
    • Take high-speed Zodiac boats to explore shipwrecks near Plum and Pilot Islands. Pilot Island stands out with eerie, tree skeletons caused by cormorants.
  4. Dark Sky Viewing
    • Newport State Park: Wisconsin’s only wilderness state park, known for incredible stargazing opportunities.

Water Activities and Cruises

  • A relaxing boat cruise along the bay side, from Sister Bay to Fish Creek, offers scenic views and local history.
  • Washington Island: A potential destination for future exploration, accessible via ferry.

Art and Cultural Attractions

  1. Artist Studios and Galleries
    • Popelka Trenchard Gallery & Glass Studio: Glassblowing demonstrations.
    • Edgewood Orchard Gallery: Features an outdoor sculpture garden.
    • Capper’s Contemporary Gallery: Abstract landscapes using layered oils and wax.
  2. Performing Arts
    • Peninsula Players Theatre: High-quality plays in a scenic open-sided theater.
    • Northern Sky Theater: Community-driven musical performances in an outdoor amphitheater.
    • Midsummer’s Music: Chamber music performances in charming venues like the Egg Harbor library.

Food and Drink

  1. Iconic Local Eats
    • Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant: Famous for goats grazing on the roof, Swedish pancakes, and lingonberries.
    • Wild Tomato Pizza: Known for pizza and deep-fried cheese curds.
  2. Wineries, Meadery, and Distillery
    • Hatch Distillery: Offers locally-made mead, brandy, and cocktails like “Vikings Blood.”
    • Island Orchard Cidery: Normandy-style dry ciders with a champagne-like quality.
    • Anchored Roots Winery: Mixes Washington State grapes with locally grown cold-weather varieties.
  3. Cheese and Ice Cream
    • Renard’s Artisan Cheese: A local stop for cheese lovers and squeaky cheese curds.
    • Wilson’s Ice Cream Parlor: Old-school diner known for sundaes and malts.

Local Charm and History

  • Learn about the area’s maritime history, including 240+ registered shipwrecks.
  • Visit the Cana Island Lighthouse and explore historic range lights at Ridges Sanctuary.
  • Sister Bay: Known for Swedish heritage, goats on roofs, and scenic waterfront dining.

Relaxation and Scenic Views

  • Enjoy sunset views from Eagle Tower in Peninsula State Park or relax at waterfront spots like the fire pit area at the Dörr Hotel.
  • Explore flower fields at OneEighty Petals for a peaceful experience.

Summary

Door County offers a blend of outdoor adventure, art, history, and food. From kayaking on Lake Michigan to enjoying world-class performances, visitors can immerse themselves in scenic beauty and local culture while savoring everything from cherries to artisan cheese. 

Sponsors

ButcherBox

Sign up at butcherbox.com/traveler and get our special deal! Butcherbox is offering our listeners a Free for a Year offer plus an additional $20 off. Choose Chicken breast, salmon or ground beef FREE in every order for a year.

Traveling Soon? These useful links will help you prepare for your trip.
Quince
Quince brings luxury clothing products without the middleman. Go to Quince.com/traveler for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns!

 

Saily.com

Go to saily.com/amateurtraveler and use code amateurtraveler to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase.

subscribe: rss feed | Apple podcasts


right click here to download (mp3)



Show Notes

A Traveling Bee
Things to do in Door County, Wisconsin: A Guide to Art, Adventure, and Attractions – Amateur Traveler
Peninsula State Park
Whitefish Dunes State Park
Ridges Sanctuary
Door County Adventure Rafting
Death’s Door
Pilot Island
Plum Island
Newport State Park
Door County Kayak Tours
Cave Point State Park
Fish Stock
Island Orchard Cider
Cana Lighthouse
Bailey on Instagram

Community

Please take our listener survey

Amateur Traveler Trips

Travel to Door County, Wisconsin - Door County, Wisconsin, offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventures, scenic views, arts, local food, and small-town charm. (Podcast) #wisconsin #art #music #adventure #itinerary #travel #vacation #trip #holiday

Share this:
Chris Christensen

by Chris Christensen

Chris Christensen is the creator of the Amateur Traveler blog and podcast. He has been a travel creator since 2005 and has won awards including being named the "Best Independent Travel Journalist" by Travel+Leisure Magazine.

3 Responses to “Travel to Door County, Wisconsin – Episode 917”

David Adam

Says:

As a Cheesehead from Wisconsin whose visited more than 100 countries, I still find my state’s sights, festivals and people among my favorites. My compliments on your Door County episode. Your highlights were spot on. As an avid hiker, I’d also throw in Potawatami State Park which has the eastern terminus of the National Scenic Trail know as the Ice Age Trail within.
I often tap into your archives for episodes pertinent to places I’m pondering visiting and am usually grateful I invested the time.
Cheers!

Chris Christensen

Says:

Thanks David, good to know 🙂

Joanne

Says:

I was delighted to listen to the episode about a local favorite of mine – Door County, Wisconsin. I will add a plug for Cave Point County Park, with dramatic cliffs and caves along the Lake Michigan shore.

You and your guest briefly mentioned Washington Island, and I will add that you can take your car or bike on the ferry to the island, but you can also ride the ferry just as a passenger and then take the “cherry train” tram for a scenic ride around the island, which has a replica Norwegian stave church, a lavender farm, an ostrich farm, and a beach with rare, smooth limestone pebbles and amazingly clear water.

One unique feature of the county is that after you leave Sturgeon Bay, you won’t find chain restaurants, chain fast food outlets, or chain hotels. But you’ll find a great variety of places to dine, including to try a traditional fish boil dinner, and a great variety of accommodations.

Leave a Reply

Tags: , , ,