Heading to Door County this summer or looking for a unique long weekend trip in the Midwest? Look no further than this guide to the perfect long weekend in Door County, Wisconsin.
The summer is short here in Wisconsin, so we are going to show you how to make the most of every precious day while visiting Door County. Here is our step-by-step guide to the perfect 3 day weekend in Door County.
Where to stay in Door County – We recommend staying on the lake. There is something special about waking up to lake views. For more of our favorite lake resorts in Wisconsin check out this article.
Day 1 in Door County – Mid Penisula
Renard’s Cheese
Start your trip to Door County in true Wisconsin fashion with a cheese stop. Just off the highway to Door County is everyone’s favorite cheese shop Renard’s, along HWY 57. It’s a must to get a bag of fresh squeaky cheese curds. They are in front of the registers, not in the coolers.
They also have a little cafe that serves fried cheese curds, sandwiches, pizza, and ice cream. If you’re renting a house in Door County or Vrbo pick up a cheese curd pizza, you won’t regret it.
- Address: 2189 County Rd DK, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Fuel Up at Kick Coffee
If you need a little pick-me-up to keep you going, stop by Kick Coffee in Sturgeon Bay. They also have smoothies for those non-coffee drinkers or if you’ve got kids along. They also have some good sandwiches.
Visit Ridges Nature Center & Baileys Harbor Lower Rangelight
Jump right into nature in the 1,600-acre Ridges Sanctuary just behind Baileys Harbor. Some trails wind through the forest, five miles of nature trails. You can go on a self-guided hike or join a naturalist-guided hike for $8.
Door County Brewing Co. Taproom and Music Hall
There are some amazing microbreweries in Wisconsin, and Door County Brewing is one of them. Make sure to stop in their taproom and try a flight of beers and pick up a six-pack to bring back home with you.
Also, make sure to check their event calendar to see who is performing next.
If beer isn’t your thing, make sure to check out these top wineries in Door County.
Climb the Cana Island Lighthouse
Door County’s most famous lighthouse is located on the lakeside of the peninsula on Cana Island. Once on the island, you’ll find a classic-style white lighthouse with a gift shop below.
The is a road that connects the island to the peninsula, but rising water levels have submerged it, so now a tractor takes groups of people out to the island.
To reach the top of the lighthouse, you’ll need to summit the 97 spiraled stairs to reach the lantern and viewing platform. Cana Island Lighthouse is one of the best lighthouses in Wisconsin and our personal favorite to visit.
Not Licked Yet – Frozen Custard
For an afternoon snack, grab some classic Wisconsin Frozen Custard. If you’ve never had frozen custard, you really can’t leave Door County without trying some. It’s like ice cream, but better, way better.
With a few extra ingredients and a little Wisconsin dairy magic, frozen custard is more creamy and tastes way better than plain old ice cream.
At Not Licked Yet, they also have burgers and other drive-in classics if you need more of a meal than a snack.
- Address: 4054 Main St, Fish Creek, WI
Anderson’s Dock for Sunset
One of the best places in Door County for sunset is Anderson’s Dock. Finish your day here on the dock with nice westward-facing views. Here you’ll find even more great photo opportunities, on the dock is an old warehouse that is covered top to bottom in years and years of graffiti.
If you’re spending a romantic weekend in Door County, this is a great spot for a couple shot.
- Address: 3083 Anderson Ln, Ephraim, WI
Have dinner at a Supper Club
No, you don’t have to be a member. You just need to remember that in Wisconsin, it’s not dinner – it’s supper, and you have it at a supper club.
Recommended supper clubs in Door County: Florian II Supper Club or The English Inn are some of the best restaurants in Door County.
Day 2 in Door County – Northern Penisula
Julie’s Park Cafe
Start your day off with some of the best coffee in Door County before heading out for the day. You can take away or dine in with a full breakfast menu. It’s one of the best breakfasts in Door County.
- Address: 4020 Main St, Fish Creek, WI 54212
Take A Segway Tour
Segways are just as fun as they look and super easy to operate. We loved zooming by the vineyards and cherry blossoms on our Segways. There are several Segway the Door tours out there, including Peninsula State Park, Washington Island, Sunset, etc. Click here to see all Segway tours in Door County.
Check Out the Picturesque windiest road in Door County
Hwy 42 between Gills Rock and Northport is a fun road to take some pictures on, and it’s pretty fun to drive! If you’re trying to get the perfect photo, pull over and be patient, it only seems to get busy right before and after the ferry to Washington Island comes and goes, as that’s right down the road.
Ferry to Washington Island
If you have more time, you might want to hop on the ferry and take the scenic ride out to Washington Island. If you happen to be visiting during the Lavander Festival, a trip out here is a must. It’s $13.50 per person to take the ferry and an additional $26 to bring your car over.
- Address: 215 WI-42, Ellison Bay, WI
Plum Island Lighthouse
On a clear day, you can see the Plum Island Lighthouse from the dock at Northport. Bring a camera, binoculars, or better yet, a drone for great travel photos.
Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant
A Door County itinerary wouldn’t be complete without stopping by Al Johnson’s. Make a lunch stop at Door County’s most famous restaurant, known equally for the food and the goats on the roof.
Yes, there really are goats on the roof if you don’t believe me check the goat cam online here. The goats go up every morning, weather permitting.
- Address: 10698 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI
Peninsula State Park
One of the most popular parks in Door County is Penisula State Park, located on the bay side full of stunning bluffs and picturesque lighthouses.
You can rent a bike and take a leisurely stroll through the park or pack a picnic and find a spot to take in the view.
- Address: 9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI
Sunset Cruise
For some of the best views in Door County, you need to get out on a boat, and one of the best times of the day to do that is sunset. Set sail with Door County Boats and cruise the calm waters of the bay as the sun makes its slow march into the horizon.
From the boat, you’ll get one-of-a-kind views of the stunning bluffs and small islands scattered around the bay. The perfect romantic weekend in Door County involves sunset and wine, all of which can be found on a sunset cruise.
Dinner at Husby’s
After your sunset cruise, stay in Sister Bay for some food and a little bit of nightlife. While Door County isn’t a party destination, one of the most lively areas is in Sister Bay after the sun goes down. We highly suggest their burgers.
- Address: 10641 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI
Day 3 – Nature & Adventure in Door County
Cave Point County Park
If you are an early riser, there is no better place for sunrise in Door County than Cave Point County Park. While this park is beautiful at any time of the day, it is magical in the early morning.
- Address: 5360 Schauer Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Kayaking
For those looking for an adventure to add to their Door County itinerary, consider kayaking in Lake Michigan. There are several different kayak tours in Door County. We went kayaking in Whitefish Dunes State Park with DC Adventure Center.
WARNING: Lake Michigan is cold year-round. It rarely gets above 60 degrees. When we kayaked in May, it was 45 degrees. We wouldn’t advise this as a newbie or beginner kayaker.
Whitefish Dunes State Park
Whitefish Dunes State Park has a mile of sandy beach, 863 acres of forest and dunes, and is home to the highest sand dunes in Wisconsin.
If you plan on spending 3 days in Door County or more, we suggest getting the Wisconsin State Park pass for $25. This will allow you to enter all the state parks in Wisconsin for the year, you’ll get your money’s worth visiting the state parks in Door County alone.
Zip Lining
There is no better morning rush than ziplining. We ziplined with Lakeshore Adventures, which has 3 canopy zip lines and a dual zip line where you can race someone. Ziplining is always a blast, and it’s super affordable in Door County.
Address: WI 54202, 8652 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI
Long Weekend in Door County
If you have even more time in beautiful Door County, you’ll have no trouble filling it with as much or as little as you want. While most people take a long weekend here in Door County, you could easily spend a week and not even cover all of the highlights.
We put this guide to help you make the most of your 3 day trip to Door County, but if you are looking for even more things to do, check out our full list of Door County activities!
Our trip was in partnership with Door County Tourism, but all opinions are our own. We’re lucky to have this great spot just 2.5 hours from home.