As the vibrant hues of fall in Door County, Wisconsin paint the shoreline, there’s no better time to experience the charm and beauty of this picturesque peninsula. Nestled between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door County is a haven for nature lovers, foodies, and those seeking a peaceful escape. Here’s your guide to making the most of a fall in Door County.
Morning: Scenic Drive and Apple Picking Start your weekend with a scenic drive along Highway 42. The winding roads framed by towering trees drenched in fall colors make for a breathtaking start to your journey. Head to one of Door County’s many orchards, like Wood Orchard Market or Lautenbach’s Orchard, for some classic apple picking. Fill a bag with crisp apples, sample fresh apple cider, and indulge in warm apple cider donuts—a perfect way to embrace the season.
Afternoon: Explore Peninsula State Park After your orchard visit, make your way to Peninsula State Park, one of Wisconsin’s most popular parks. With over 3,700 acres to explore, the park offers something for everyone. Take a leisurely hike on the Eagle Trail, which offers stunning views of the bluffs and shoreline. Don’t miss the iconic Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, where you can take a guided tour and learn about the history of the area. For a unique perspective, rent a bike from Nor Door Sport & Cyclery and cycle along the Sunset Trail, where you’ll be surrounded by vibrant foliage.
Evening: Sunset at Sunset Park As the day winds down, walk over to Sunset Park in Fish Creek (down the road from the Fresh Coast Motel) to witness one of Door County’s famous sunsets. The park offers a serene setting to watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the waters of Green Bay. Afterward, treat yourself to a dinner at one of the local restaurants including Bayside Tavern known for their infamous chili or try Hill Street for one of their famous burgers.
Morning: Breakfast and Art Galleries Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at one of Door County’s charming cafes. The White Gull Inn in Fish Creek is a classic choice, renowned for its cherry-stuffed French toast and is a two block walk from the motel. Once you’re fueled up, spend the morning exploring the local art scene. Door County is home to numerous galleries and studios, where you can browse works by local artists. Don’t miss the Edgewood Orchard Galleries, set in a rustic barn and surrounded by beautiful sculpture gardens.
Afternoon: Wine Tasting and Coastal Towns No trip to Door County is complete without sampling some of the region’s wines. Head to Stone’s Throw Winery in Egg Harbor known for their California blends. Afterward, explore the quaint coastal towns of Ephraim and Sister Bay. Wander through boutique shops like Spot Clothing, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the goats grazing on the roof of Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant.
Evening: Fish Boil Experience For dinner, experience one of Door County’s most unique traditions: the fish boil. This culinary spectacle involves cooking fresh-caught whitefish in a large pot over an open fire, accompanied by potatoes and onions. The boil-over, where the fire flares up dramatically as the fish oils spill over, is a sight to behold. Pelletier’s Restaurant and Fish Boil is only a short walk from the motel is a fantastic place to enjoy this classic Door County meal.
Morning: Breakfast and Coffee Enjoy the crisp fall morning air and grab a coffee and a pastry from The Blue Horse Cafe right next door. This cafe is a local favorite known for its divine selection of organic, fair trade coffees and their wide selection of baked good (they carry gluten free products!) and their breakfast sandwiches.
Afternoon: Visit to Cave Point County Park Wrap up your weekend with a visit to Cave Point County Park. This lesser-known gem offers dramatic limestone cliffs and sea caves carved by the relentless waves of Lake Michigan. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks and the sight of the vibrant fall foliage make for a peaceful and picturesque end to your trip. Take some time to relax, breathe in the crisp fall air, and reflect on your weekend before heading home.
Fall in Door County also includes many fall festivals on several weekends throughout the peninsula. These family-friendly events not only include apple and pumpkin picking for the whole family, but they also include live music, rides, arts and craft fairs and much more.
Autumnfest: Saturday, September 14 in downtown Bailey’s Harbor
Harvest Festival: Saturday, September 21 in downtown Sturgeon Bay
Autumnfest Classic Auto Show: Saturday, September 28 in downtown Sturgeon Bay
Fall Lighthouse Festival: October 4 – 6 in Sturgeon Bay
Pumpkin Patch: October 12-13 in downtown Egg Harbor
Sister Bay Fall Fest: October 18-20 in downtown Sister Bay
Fall 50 Run: Saturday, October 26 in Gills Rock
Jack O’ Lantern Days: October 25-26 in Fish Creek
View a full calendar of Door County Fall Events
Fall in Door County is an unforgettable experience filled with natural beauty, delicious food, and rich culture. Whether you’re hiking through colorful forests, savoring local wines, or simply enjoying the serenity of the lakeshore, Door County offers the perfect autumn escape. So pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the magic of fall in Door County!
