Explore · The top of the peninsula
Long days, short drives.
The quiet end of Door County — parks, water and sky, most of it within fifteen minutes.
What to do in Door County
Door County offers far more than a single itinerary, from shoreline walks and scenic parks to local shops, galleries and unforgettable places to eat. Consider this a starting point for discovering the many ways to enjoy the peninsula.
01 · 10 min · Dark sky park
Newport State Park
Wisconsin’s only wilderness-designated state park and an International Dark Sky Park since 2017. Hike it by day, come back after dark for the stars.
02 · 10 min · On the water
Mink River Estuary
One of the cleanest estuaries on the Great Lakes. Paddle it from Rowleys Bay — quiet water, herons, and no motors to speak of.
03 · 5 min · The overlook
Ellison Bluff
A 200-foot limestone bluff over Green Bay, five minutes from the inn. The other front-row seat for sunset.
04 · 10 min · For the birders
Door Bluff Headlands
The tip of the peninsula is a migration funnel. Spring and fall bring warblers through the headlands and the estuary in waves.
05 · 10 min to the pier · Day trip
Washington Island
Take the ferry across Death’s Door from Northport pier — lavender fields, Schoolhouse Beach and a slow lap of the island.
06 · Walk · Eat & drink
Ellison Bay & Sister Bay
Dinner, coffee and galleries in Ellison Bay on foot; ten minutes south, Sister Bay’s restaurants, marina and fish boils.
Ask at the front desk for more up-to-date information on local attractions, events, and activities
Stay for the night sky.
New-moon weeks are best. Drive the ten minutes to Newport after sunset, let your eyes adjust for twenty, and the Milky Way does the rest. Blankets and a thermos recommended — ask the front desk for tonight’s conditions.
Every season offers something unique
summer
Beach days
Swim across the street, paddle the estuary, sunset from the park bench every night.
fall
Color weekends
The bluffs turn and colors explode all over the county. Book early — October fills up fast
winter
The quiet season
Snowshoe Newport’s trails, then get soup in the village. The darkest skies of the year.
spring
The migration
Warblers move through the headlands, cherry blossoms follow, and the busy season kicks off.
Visit US!
Your base camp for Door County adventures
Pick your dates and spend the days outside. Questions? Call the front desk at (920) 839-2345.