10 Things to Do in Door County This Fall

One of the best parts of living in Wisconsin is getting to experience all four seasons. Sure, I may not be a huge fan of our extremely cold winters, but when the temperature begins to drop, Wisconsin can put on quite a show.

Each fall, one of my favorite places to visit is none other than Door County, Wisconsin. I’ve been going here every fall for as long as I can remember. Door County is located in the finger-like peninsula of Wisconsin. It has 300 miles of shoreline with incredible views along Green Bay and the expansive Lake Michigan. It was recently voted as “The Best Destination for Fall Foliage” by USA Today, and is often called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.”

I feel so lucky to have this magical place basically in my backyard. Just an FYI, this time of year is usually crazy busy, so make sure in the future you plan several months ahead. There are only so many hotels and B&B’s so it will book up very quickly.

So let’s get to it, what you came here for — here are my top 10 favorite things (in no particular order) to do in Door County in the fall.

1. Drive down the curvy and winding road, also called Jens Jensen Curvy Road.

This little stretch of winding highway, is basically a Door County landmark. To find this spot, go north on Highway 42, beyond Gills Rock and close to Northport (where the car ferry area is). Gorgeous hues blanket the side of the road forming a colorful tunnel. Don’t be surprised to see people stopped all along the road trying to capture this scenic spot. My tip is to either get there early in the morning or try later in the evening before sunset.

2. Sample all the snacks at Wood Orchard Market.

This is a family-owned business and they sell a lot of what they grow, as well as bakery items and home decor. I get my favorite apples here (Sweet Tango). They have mustard’s, salsa, jams and dips all out to try before you buy. I have a hard time not buying out the whole store. If you have kids they have stuff to keep them entertained after you shop.

3. Go wine tasting.

Cherries are big business for Door County, and in fact Door County is one of the nations biggest cherry producing regions. Naturally because of this, many of the wineries produce cherry wines (which are delicious I may add). There are many “traditional” wineries in the area too. Driving up the highway you’ll pass right by a few vineyards.

Here are a few to check out:

If you’re not a fan of wine (which I don’t understand), there are a few breweries and a distillery in the area too.

4. Take a haunted trolley tour

Door County Trolley has several different scenic tours to pick from. They have a nightly ghost tour that takes you to several places known to be haunted like lighthouses and cemeteries, sharing scary stories of sunken ships. It’s mostly fun, with a little bit of “scary.”

5. Visit Cave Point County Park

Gorgeous views of Lake Michigan from the rugged shoreline. When it’s a windy day you can watch the lake spray and waves crash up on the rocks. This park does get busy during the day so my favorite time to come is actually at sunrise. I’ll look to see when sunrise is and come and watch it rise over Lake Michigan. Usually at this time there is only a few photographers around versus massive crowds during the daytime. If you’re not an early riser, I would still try to get to the park at early morning (8-10 AM). There are so many picturesque spots you will find it hard to get what you want otherwise without hundreds of other people in your background. There are a couple walking trails to take in the views along the lake, but be warned some areas get very wet from the waves and it can be very slippery, just make sure you watch where you step. There are also a lot of roots from the trees, so make sure you have some sturdy shoes on. Best of all, this park is FREE! This is an absolute must when visiting Door County.

6. Get Some Candy at the Door County Confectionery

This company has several locations located throughout the peninsula. The location I have to visit every year is in Fish Creek. When you walk in you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. They have every candy you could dream of and enjoyed as a kid, as well as homemade specialty treats like bear paws, peanut brittle and fudge.

7. Go shopping

Check out all the local shops in each town. You’ll find countless art galleries, gift shops, jewelry shops, artisan products every where you turn.

8. Take a Boat Cruise

There are several companies to choose from, and many different tours as well depending on your interest. The sunset tour is my favorite. What a beautiful way to see Door County from the water. Door County Boats will make it easy for you. You’ll have refreshments available, a fun tour guide and learn a lot about the history of Door County.

9. Be a Leaf Peeper

Door County is one of the most beautiful areas in Wisconsin. The colors start to change first up in the north part of the peninsula, and usually works its way down as the weeks pass. Although this can change every year, usually peak color is around the third week of October. Get lost driving around taking in the beautiful scenery, or take in the color by going for a hike.

10. Check Out Washington Island

You’ll have to take the ferry over to Washington Island. It’s about a half an hour ride to the island and you can take your car across. Go to Schoolhouse Beach, go hiking and visit the Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Bistro. They also have their own little fall festival every year called the “Fall Fun Fest and Cider Pressing Party.”

Other notable things to do:

Lighthouses – Door County has 11 light houses and they’re all worth checking out.

Peninsula Players Theatre – Check out the sunset over Green Bay, watch a play and at intermission go sit by the bonfire.

Try a Fish Boil – There are many places to choose from. It’s definitely a Door County experience. Try a fish boil at the White Gull Inn & Restaurant.

Peninsula State Park- Great area to take in more views of the Bay, and check out the colors. Take a walk, hike or bike through the park. You will have to purchase either a day/yearly pass to enter this state park.

Fall Festivals – Fall Festival (Sister Bay, October 18-19 2019), Pumpkin Patch Festival (Egg Harbor, October 12-13 2019), Jack-O-Lantern Days (Fish Creek, October 25-26 2019), Halloween in the Harbor (Bailey’s Harbor, October 31 2019).

Restaurants- The Cookery, Wilson’s, CHOP, Chive’s, Shipwrecked, Wild Tomato, Grasses Grill, Trixies, Fred & Fuzzy’s

Hotels- Westwood Shores (for a stunning views of Green Bay), Newport Resort

Coffee/Juice/Drinks- Door County Coffee & Tea, Isely Coffee Roasters, Skip Stone Coffee Roasters, Cloud Nine Juice Bar + Cafe, Trixies, Fred & Fuzzy’s, Husby’s Garage Bar

Have you every visited Door County? I’d love to hear your favorite things to do in the comments!