Winter is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Door County, and it can be considered an undiscovered gem! While spring in Door County is known for blooming cherry blossoms, and summer tempts days on the lake and hiking on beautiful trails, and fall boasts incredible changing colors and fun festivals, what does winter in Door County bring to the table? More than you might think!
Here are five must-do activities while you’re visiting Door County in the “off-season.”
1. Explore the Winter Wonderland
Even when covered in snow and ice, the state and county parks are open and just as beautiful as ever! Strap on some snowshoes, skis, or a warm pair of boots and immerse yourself in winter beauty. Admire the ice formations at Cave Point, climb the ice shoves on Lake Michigan (remember to be careful and to walk with a friend!), or even ride on the trails on a fat-tire bike! Experience the peaceful and often unexplored side of Door County.
2. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
After trudging through snow and ice all day, you should treat yourself to a good meal and a hot beverage! Stop by a local coffee shop for a tasty pastry and a hot chocolate or coffee. If you prefer something a little stronger to keep you warm, there are plenty of breweries, wineries, and pubs open year-round in Door County. Don’t believe the myth that everything shuts down in the wintertime—the Carrington at the Landmark Resort is open all year round!
3. Take A Tour
There is so much to do and see in Door County, and so little time to do them all. Luckily, the Door County Trolley offers (heated) trolley tours around the county to help you make the most of your trip! Some of the tours that they offer in the wintertime include the Winter Wine Tour & Sleigh Ride, Holiday Pub Crawl, and Cocktail Tour, and that’s just to name a few. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about driving—the Door County Trolley picks up and drops off guests at the Landmark Resort, so enjoy yourself to the fullest!
4. Visit A Festival
The festivals in Door County don’t end in the fall season! Each town and village in Door County has its own winter festival to celebrate the coming holidays: Ephraim celebrates Christmas in the Village, where Santa lights the town Christmas tree and families can meet his elves and reindeer; Holly Days in Egg Harbor features children’s activities and horse-drawn sleigh rides; and so many more!
If you’re home for the holidays, you don’t have to worry about missing out on the festival fun: Fish Creek’s Winter Fest and Sturgeon Bay’s Fire & Ice Festival both take place in February!
5. Plan the Perfect Date
Is there anything more romantic than cozying up by the fire, wine glasses in hand, and watching the snow fall outside? The Landmark Resort can offer you and your loved one the perfect romantic getaway to Door County, complete with a one-bedroom suite overlooking the crystallized water of the bay of Green Bay, whirlpools and saunas in each lodging building to keep you warm, and a delicious date night out at the Carrington. Have your perfect Hallmark holiday movie in Door County!