The sun is shining, the bees are buzzing, and waves are crashing on hot Lake Michigan shores, which can only mean one thing—summer is here! Door County is the ideal place to spend your summer. There are so many activities to enjoy, such as walking along hiking trails, shopping around at the variety of boutiques Door County has to offer, or hanging out on Lake Michigan while grabbing some ice cream. How can you choose what to do from so many exciting activities and events? We compiled a list of our top 5 must-do summer activities in Door County for your sweet summer vacation.
1. Door County Coffee
But first, coffee! Before you start any of your Door County summer activities, you must fuel up and stop by Door County Coffee just outside of Sturgeon Bay. Door County Coffee has over 100 flavors for you to try, including Vanilla Crème Brulee and Hawaiian Hazelnut. Along with the many coffee flavors to try, the Door County Coffee menu has a variety of mouthwatering eats to get your day started, including a Hashbrown Potato Bake or a Cherry Chicken Melt. Want to learn more about how Door County Coffee locally roasts their coffee? Every Friday at 10:00 a.m., you can go on a full tour of their roasting facility in Carlsville, Door County.
2. Cave Point County Park
Cave Point County Park is also located just outside the town of Sturgeon Bay along the clear blue waters of Lake Michigan. The waves crashing into the shore have left a remarkable landscape of exposed limestone cliff faces and dozens of caves for kayakers and scuba divers to explore. Cave Point offers many tours for kayaking so you can explore what Lake Michigan’s fierce waves have left behind. You can also hike along many trails while enjoying the awe-inspiring Wisconsin forestry. Cave Point County Park has plenty of trail maps throughout the park, but we recommend taking the Cave Point Lakeside Trail with 1.6 miles of the best views!
3. Door County Maritime Museum
What is there to do when it’s a rainy day in Door County? The Door County Maritime Museum is great entertainment when the weather isn’t so great! You will be able to learn what it took to be a maritime pioneer, as well as Sturgeon Bay’s integral role in ship-building during World War II. Throughout this museum, there are many interactive activities for all ages and a tour of a restored tugboat. You can even see one of the many lighthouses the peninsula has to offer. After your exploration of the museum, don’t forget to stop by the museum gift shop! The gift shop includes a variety of items inspired by Door County’s maritime history. You can find all the information on admission and hours located on their museum’s website.
4. Door County Trolley
From narrated scenic tours to ghost tours, Door County Trolley has something for everyone to love. In 2015, Door County Trolley Station was constructed one mile north of Egg Harbor to resemble an old train station. Inside, you will find many goodies, such as a retail shop and a full beverage bar to enjoy while waiting for your tour to begin. If you are looking to try some of Door County’s renowned fruit wine, the Door County Trolley has multiple tours focusing on Door County’s wine, breweries, and cocktails. On your tour, you will ride along in one of Door County’s iconic red trolleys while exploring the peninsula with an expert local guide.
5. Washington Island
Ready to hop off the peninsula and head to a peaceful and secluded island? Washington Island is just for you. While it is a peaceful island, there are plenty of things for you to do there. The Washington Island Ferry will take you and your car on a quick 5-mile ride to the island. When you arrive, follow the refreshing scent of lavender, and you will find yourself at Fragrant Isles Lavender Farm & Shop. In the sea of violet, you can walk through rows and rows of lavender flowers while sipping on an iced lavender coffee from Le Café. Another must-visit on Washington Island is Schoolhouse Beach. This beach isn’t like any regular beach; instead of sand, there are smooth limestone rocks and clear blue waters perfect for swimming. Make sure to bring a comfortable beach chair to enjoy the views while reading a book. The stunning waterfronts all around Washington Island make for a perfect day to enjoy the sunshine and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.