Every spring, Door County begins to slowly emerge from its winter quiet. Snow melts along the shoreline, fishing boats return to the harbors, and the peninsula’s charming villages begin preparing for another busy season. One of the most exciting signs that spring has arrived is when the doors reopen at many of the region’s beloved restaurants, markets, and specialty food destinations.
For locals and longtime visitors, these reopening days feel like the unofficial start of summer. From historic ice cream parlors and waterfront restaurants to orchard markets and artisan creameries, the reopening of these spots brings energy back to the peninsula after the slower winter months.
If you are planning a trip this spring, knowing the Door County 2026 Opening Dates can help you time your visit perfectly. Below is a guide to several of the area’s most anticipated openings for the 2026 season.
Opening Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Location: Fish Creek
Website: https://www.juliesparkcafe.com
Julie’s Park Café has long been one of the most beloved breakfast and lunch destinations in Door County. Located just outside the entrance to Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek, the café is known for its creative menu, welcoming atmosphere, and dedication to fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Visitors often start their day here before heading into the park for hiking, biking, or exploring the shoreline. Popular menu items include cherry-stuffed French toast, hearty breakfast skillets, and house-made baked goods that showcase Door County’s famous cherries.
Julie’s Park Café will reopen for the 2026 season on Friday, April 24, 2026 making it one of the first seasonal restaurants to welcome visitors back to the peninsula.
Opening Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Location: Sister Bay
Website: https://doorcountycreamery.com
Door County Creamery has quickly become one of the peninsula’s most unique culinary destinations. Located in the heart of Sister Bay, the creamery specializes in artisan goat cheeses made using milk sourced from their nearby farm.
Visitors can browse a wide selection of handcrafted cheeses, enjoy sandwiches and small plates, or grab a scoop of house-made gelato. The creamery also carries a curated selection of regional food products, making it a great stop for those looking to take a taste of Door County home with them.
The creamery will reopen on May 1, 2026, welcoming guests back to one of the peninsula’s most distinctive food experiences.
Opening Date: May 2, 2026
Location: Sister Bay (Former Grasse’s Grill Space)
Website: https://savorbbqdc.com
Savor BBQ has quickly built a reputation as one of Door County’s most exciting dining options. Known for its authentic smoked meats and hearty sides, the restaurant brings bold barbecue flavors to the peninsula.
For the 2026 season, Savor BBQ is moving into a new home in Sister Bay, taking over the former Grasse’s Grill location. The move provides more space and visibility while allowing the restaurant to continue expanding its following among locals and visitors.
Guests can expect classic barbecue favorites like smoked brisket, pulled pork, and flavorful sides served in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
Opening Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Location: Sister Bay
Website: https://aljohnsons.com/stabbur-beer-garden
Behind the famous Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay sits one of Door County’s most unique outdoor dining spaces: Stabbur Beer Garden.
Inspired by traditional Norwegian farm buildings, the beer garden offers a relaxed gathering place where visitors can enjoy craft beer, cocktails, and Scandinavian-inspired small plates. The rustic setting, communal seating, and lively atmosphere make it a favorite destination during the warmer months.
Stabbur Beer Garden will reopen for the 2026 season on Friday, May 1, bringing back one of the most distinctive outdoor dining experiences in Door County.
Opening Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Location: Gills Rock
Website: https://theshorelinerestaurant.com
At the very top of the Door County peninsula in Gills Rock, The Shoreline Restaurant offers visitors a taste of the region’s rich fishing heritage. Located just steps from the harbor, the restaurant is known for serving some of the freshest fish in the county.
Whitefish is the star of the menu, often sourced locally and prepared using classic Door County recipes. Guests also come for the peaceful harbor views and the quiet charm of Gills Rock, one of the most scenic communities on the peninsula.
The Shoreline Restaurant will reopen on May 5, 2026, welcoming diners back to one of the northernmost dining destinations in Door County.
Opening Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Location: Sister Bay
Website: https://seaquistorchards.com
Seaquist Orchards has been a cornerstone of Door County agriculture for generations. Located just outside Sister Bay, the family-run orchard market offers fresh produce, homemade baked goods, jams, pies, and other local specialties.
Visitors frequently stop at Seaquist Orchards to pick up famous cherry pies, apple cider donuts, and other seasonal treats. The orchard itself is part of the region’s long agricultural history, and the market remains a favorite stop for travelers exploring northern Door County.
Seaquist Orchards Farm Market will reopen on May 7, 2026, continuing a tradition that has been part of Door County life for decades.
Opening Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Location: Ephraim
Website: https://wilsonsicecream.com
Few places capture the nostalgic charm of Door County quite like Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor in Ephraim. Founded in 1906, Wilson’s has become one of the peninsula’s most recognizable landmarks thanks to its iconic red-and-white striped awning and old-fashioned soda fountain.
Visitors come for classic burgers, homemade root beer, malts, and towering ice cream sundaes. Located directly across from Eagle Harbor, it is also one of the best places in Door County to enjoy dessert while watching the sunset over the water.
Wilson’s Restaurant will reopen for the 2026 season on May 14, marking the return of one of the peninsula’s most cherished summer traditions.
While several businesses reopen throughout spring, many Door County favorites are already welcoming guests back.
Staples of the local dining scene like Hill Street, Alexander’s, Barringer’s, Husby’s, and Sister Bay Bowl are already open and serving guests for the season. These longtime establishments help set the stage for the rest of the peninsula as more restaurants and markets begin reopening throughout April and May.
In addition, popular destinations like Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market are also open, offering wine tastings and local products for visitors arriving early in the season.
Spring is one of the most rewarding times to experience the peninsula. As restaurants and markets begin reopening across the villages, Door County slowly comes back to life while still maintaining the peaceful charm that makes early-season visits so memorable.
Planning a trip around the Door County 2026 opening dates allows visitors to enjoy many of the peninsula’s most beloved spots without the peak summer crowds. It is the perfect time to explore scenic parks, walk the waterfronts of Fish Creek and Sister Bay, and rediscover the restaurants that make Door County such a special culinary destination.
If you are planning a spring getaway, one of the best places to stay is Fresh Coast Motel, a boutique motel located in the heart of Fish Creek.
Originally built in the 1940s and thoughtfully renovated by two Wisconsin couples in 2023, Fresh Coast Motel blends the nostalgic charm of a classic Door County motel with modern design and modern comforts. For the start of the 2026 season, the motel’s Single King rooms are now open, offering a comfortable and stylish place for couples or solo travelers visiting the peninsula in spring.
Guests can enjoy peaceful evenings around the motel’s outdoor fire pit, a favorite gathering spot after a day spent exploring Fish Creek, visiting orchards, or dining at restaurants reopening across the county. Located just steps from the Fish Creek waterfront and within easy driving distance of many of the restaurants listed above, Fresh Coast Motel makes a perfect home base for experiencing the start of another Door County season.
