This Door County Summer Itinerary is your key to an awesome time in one of the most beautiful spots of Wisconsin!
We live in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, and took the 5.5 hour drive across Wisconsin to spend 4 days in Door County. We arrived Thursday night and left Sunday afternoon. Keep scrolling to see all the details of our Door County summer itinerary!
Related post: Things to do in Door County in the Fall
This post is sponsored by Destination Door County, but all opinions are my own.
Door County Summer Itinerary – Day 1
Settlement Courtyard Inn
We stayed at the Settlement Courtyard Inn and Lavender Spa. Located in Fish Creek, this hotel is in a great central location, but not right in the center of town which can get busy! We stayed in a king room with a kitchenette and fireplace. The hotel also offers free breakfast, snacks, a spa, and outdoor pool!
Whistling Swan
Whistling Swan Restaurant is owned by Green Bay’s Hinterland Brewery. Sit inside or outside while enjoying a Cherry Wheat brew and their great menu items that change daily. We LOVED the pasta!
Not Licked Yet
The best frozen custard I’ve had is at Not Licked Yet! I ordered a giant cookie sundae while Cole got the traditional hot fudge sundae. We sat on the chairs on the banks of the river – so fun! This is also a great spot for kids with an on-site playground.
Sunset Beach
Sunsets in Door County are magical. One of the best spots to watch in Fish Creek is Sunset Beach. Gorgeous!
Related post: Things to do in Door County in the Fall
Door County Summer Itinerary – Day 2
Harbor Fish Market and Grill
Start your day with breakfast at Harbor Fish Market and Grill. Make sure to sit outside and take in the views of the water! Also make sure to try the Door County cherry and cream cheese-stuffed French toast!
Cana Island Lighthouse
Cana Island Lighthouse is so unique because you have to take a tractor ride across the water to get there! Built in 1869, the lighthouse and surrounding grounds are full of history. Tour the keeper’s quarters, climb to the top of the lighthouse, visit the museum, and walk around the island! Tickets to climb to the top can be purchased at the museum after you take the tractor across. Tractor runs approximately every 10 minutes.
Edgewood Orchards Sculpture Garden
If you’re looking for something fun to do for free, visit Edgewood Orchards Sculpture Garden. This outdoor sculpture garden takes you through the forest while you gaze at all different kinds of art and sculptures. The indoor gallery is great to stroll through as well!
One Barrel Brewing
Take a break from exploring and stop in at One Barrel Brewing for beer and pizza. The outdoor space here is so fun with fire pits, games, and plenty of seating. One of our favorite Door County stops!
Peninsula State Park
Peninsula State Park is great for camping, hiking, beaches, and more! Our highlight was Eagle Tower. The 60 foot tall observation tower replaces the old tower that once stood in its place. But the best part is that it’s accessible! We were able to take our stroller up the 850 foot long canopy walk to get to the top!
Clover and Zot
Grab dinner at Clover and Zot – a cute restaurant with a vast European beer selection and sharable plates like wood fired Neapolitan pizza. Try to sit outside in the back if you can. The patio has water views and outdoor games!
Door County Summer Itinerary – Day 3
Al Johnson’s
Make your way to Sister Bay to eat at the famous Swedish restaurant, Al Johnson’s. If you’re there on the weekend, go early because there will most likely be a wait! But make sure to order the Swedish pancakes – they are AMAZING! Afterwards, hang out in their beer garden and try to spot a goat on the roof!
Sister Bay Beach
Door County is full of great beaches. To find one that’s right for you, click here! We stopped by Sister Bay Beach at Waterfront Park in Sister Bay for our daughter’s first dip in a lake! The water is so pretty and clear.
Three Springs Nature Preserve
Three Springs Nature Preserve is part of Door County Land Trust, which preserves land all across Door County. There’s no cost to enter and there is parking on site. We took the easy and well-marked 1.75 mile looped trail through all different kinds of terrain: forest, meadow, wetlands – it was all so pretty!
Sail Door County
Sail Door County was a highlight of our trip. We took the 22 passenger Edith M. Becker sail boat out from Sister Bay and sailed around the shoreline and out into the bay. The crew were so so nice and great with kids. Cole even got to raise a sail! Our tour was 2 hours and you are able to bring your own food and drinks on board.
Cherry Hut
The Cherry Hut has one of the best atmospheres in Door County! Located back in Fish Creek, it consists of a fun little shop, hard cider and wine on tap, and beer on tap from Bridge Up Brewing. A band was playing while were were there so we sat outside and enjoyed the music and friendly people!
Pelletier’s Fish Boil
A fish boil is a must-do part of your Door County summer itinerary! We choose Pelletier’s because it’s not only dinner, but a show. The boil master throws kerosene on the fire at the end to boil off all the oil from the fish – WOWZA! Afterwards, enjoy fresh caught local whitefish and sides, it was delish. Make sure to call ahead for reservations!
Door County Summer Itinerary – Day 4
Cave Point County Park
The most beautiful spot in Door County has to be Cave Point County Park. The shoreline is breathtaking, with caves and clear blue-green water. Spend time here wading in the water, jumping off the bluffs into the water, or taking a kayak tour!
Door County Coffee and Tea
Grab some locally-roasted coffee at Door County Coffee and Tea on your way back home. They also have great scones and other goodies. Sit indoors or outdoors in their cute seating area!
Door County Maritime Museum
Look out over the canal at Sturgeon Bay from the tower at the Door County Maritime Museum. This museum is so well done! We learned so much about the history of Maritime in Door County and loved the hands-on exhibits with real boats! You can even tour a tugboat that’s out on the water – all included in your ticket! Just know that the tour can’t be done with small kids as it required climbing up and down ladders.
Sonny’s Pizzeria and Bridge Up Brewing
Sonny’s Pizzeria and Bridge Up Brewing are located in the same building right on the water. We ate at Sonny’s on the second floor and loved the views of the lift bridge below. A great restaurant for families and kids!
I hope this Door County summer itinerary helps you plan your trip, or inspires you to get one booked!
I’ve never been to Door Country before, but its on my bucket list. I might have to make a trip out there soon!
This Door County guide is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!