It’s a little known fact that spring is one of the best times to visit Door County. It’s true that the weather in Wisconsin is a little more unpredictable during this season, bringing everything from downpouring rain to bright sunshine to even snow! However, spring in Door County is one of the most peaceful, tranquil, and beautiful times of year to visit! You can take advantage of the lack of crowds to travel from place to place without worrying about traffic or finding a nearby parking spot. You can take your favorite seat with the best views at any restaurant of your choosing, without needing to make reservations or waiting in line for hours beforehand. You get to experience the very first of everything in Door County—the first blossoms blooming, the first opening of the park trails, the first dishes of new restaurants or products from local businesses. And that’s just to name a few!
Check out some of our favorite activities to do while we’re enjoying the coming of spring in Door County!
1. See the Cherry Blossoms
Door County is home to over 2,000 acres of cherry orchards, which means that there is a plethora of cherry blossoms to see once they’re blooming! They only bloom for a couple short weeks out of the year, around mid-May, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly! The blossoms typically start budding in southern Door first and make their way up north, blanketing the countryside in soft pink and white hues. It’s truly a sight to behold that not many people get to see, meaning that you’re not trying to beat the crowds for a glimpse of the flowers. Take a walk through the peaceful cherry orchards and take in the beauty of a Door County spring.
2. Connect with Nature
The state parks are open all year round for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and skiing, but not many people spend a lot of time outdoors in the springtime. This means that you can experience the parks almost all to yourself! Compared to the luscious and vibrant greens of summer and the gorgeous arrays of red, oranges, and yellows in fall, spring brings its own kind of beauty to the state parks, where you can listen to the birds chirping, the waves lapping on the shore, and the breeze weaving through the tree branches.
Be one of the first to snag a state park sticker and climb Peninsula State Park’s Eagle Tower when it opens in the spring, taking in the view of the water and the first green leaves budding. Be the first footprints in the sand along Whitefish Dunes’ expansive beach, or be the first to ride through the winding bike trails! In the spring, you get to be one of the first to experience all of Door County’s natural beauty before the busy season begins.
3. See What’s New
Not only are fresh flowers and leaves popping up during the spring, but new restaurants and local businesses are as well! Many stores start opening their doors before Memorial Day weekend to welcome local residents and a few guests who are traveling up north. This is the perfect time to shop for goodies, art, clothing, and other products at your favorite stores before they sell out!
This is also the best time to start trying new dishes and new restaurants that will be springing up all over the county. You’ll get to be one of the first to try what’s new before the crowds come in, so you can bring back all of your newfound knowledge to your friends and family who are planning their summer trips! Speaking of crowds, you don’t have to worry about wait times or making reservations for these new spots—simply walk in and treat yourself to the best seat in the house! There’s nothing better than enjoying a peaceful meal in a new place that supports the local community.
4. Visit the Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair
Door County doesn’t hold very many events in spring, but perhaps the biggest one is Sturgeon Bay’s Fine Art Fair. Held on Memorial Day weekend, walk down to Martin Park to check out the incredible creative art made by locals and visitors, ranging from sculpture to glass to painting to jewelry to photography—and that’s only to name a few! The Fine Art Fair features work from over 80 artists in the Midwest, and you can enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, and fun activities with your kids! It’s a great event that’s fun for the whole family, and it provides some exciting life to an otherwise quiet and peaceful getaway.
5. Make Plans for Memorial Day Weekend
If you still want to wait out for the grand opening of all of Door County’s restaurants and businesses (while still taking advantage of early-bird specials), then there’s no better time to plan your visit than Memorial Day weekend. Often viewed as the official kickoff to summer, most businesses, hotels, and restaurants in Door County will be fully open for business at this time, eager to welcome visitors after a long hibernation.
Over Memorial Day weekend, experience the official opening of Eagle Bluff Lighthouse at Peninsula State Park! Check out the Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair, or travel up to Jacksonport to celebrate Maifest! Bring your family to see the parade, check out the art exhibits, indulge in good food, and listen to live music.
Spring is one of the best times to visit Door County. Not only do you get to skip out on all of the crowds, traffic, and lack of parking spots, but you get to experience the peace and quiet of the land and water that the locals have come to know and love. Experience Door County on a more intimate level, and immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity that you can’t find at any other time of year!
Did you know that you can even save on your Door County spring getaway? Most hotels and resorts offer lower rates during the off season, including the Landmark Resort! Take advantage of special deals and packages that are only available during the springtime, like the Midweek Special! Enjoy 15% off your suite, but only through May 31! Call the Front Desk at (920) 868-3205 to reserve your suite today!