Protruding into vast Lake Michigan, Door Peninsula is fertile for a new kind of tourism in Wisconsin. For years the Door Peninsula has offered remarkable maritime heritage, stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities. In recent years a boom in food tourism has brought a new crowd to the region.
Visit the wineries and hobby farms of the peninsula to sample local produce or pull up a seat at a restaurant in one of the cozy lakeside towns to try home-style cooking. Cycling, kayaking and hiking remain major draws to the area that boasts some of the best views across the Great Lakes.
While renting a car is a great way to see the whole peninsula, many choose to rent a bicycle instead. Move throughout the Door Peninsula using its quiet back streets to see the area at a different pace. Stop in at the numerous wineries for a tasting or to pick up a bottle or two for dinner. Try the area’s unique cherry wine or pick your own tart cherries during late July. Continue on to see small farms producing dairy products and vegetables before you reach Lake Michigan on the eastern shore.
In the town of Bailey’s Harbor you’ll find a community of artists and many galleries, museums and performing arts institutions. Cross the island to reach Fish Creek and Peninsula State Park, one of the area’s most popular attractions, on the western shore. Catch the ferry from the peninsula’s northern tip to reach idyllic Washington Island. Camp on the island or just spend the day exploring its wilderness.
The Door Peninsula is best visited in warmer months to fully experience its natural beauty. In winter, try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and snowmobiling, but be prepared for temperatures well below freezing.
Reach Door Peninsula via Austin Straubel International Airport at the base of the peninsula. Here you can rent cars or board bus lines to reach various parts of the peninsula and begin your exploration.