History, culture, natural beauty, a lake that feels like an ocean, and a striking sense of terroir make this Midwest destination worth any Des Moinesians' attention.
Door County is one of those special places, especially off season. I have a friend who is a native Sturgeon Bayer (Bayerian?--whatever: he's from there) who introduced me its magic and wonder many years ago. It's been a favorite ever since. I'm hooked on it just like you!
So glad to have found this article! We spend August in Douglas, Michigan and this year adding a few days in Door County. It's my first time to visit and I will follow your tips. We're foodies too and always look for the gems. Thanks for yours.
I think Door County is fabulous. Others think it's a little too "quaint." So if you're into something more rustic, it might not be the place. But the four state parks and the many county parks make it really easy to get away from everything!
Just a warning to all who venture there: it’s possible you won’t want to leave. Two days into our first visit, and much to our surprise, we bought a house.
The secret is out! We have met new friends and enriched our minds since our first trip to Door County in 2002 with young kids. Now we have a place there and we STILL discover new places and things to do. We take our bikes and ride the Peninsula Century Spring Classic. It's the best way to see Door County on the Lake Michigan side. I even have a binder on the place!
Such a beautiful place! Highly recommend a sunset sail. My France is the North Shore of Lake Superior., from Duluth to Grand Marais. We have gone there nearly every year for more than 20 years.
Wini: Loved the review and always wanted to go. I assume fall is just as busy as the summer. We tend to do our new traveling exploration in the fall. Also enjoyed the earlier review of Itasca State Park in northwest MN. My wife’s family has had 2 small cabins since 1921 on a lake about 20 miles south of the park near Park Rapids. We go back and forth to the cabins during the summer and often visit the park to take friends and kids so they can “step across” the source of the Mississippi River. Quite a few Des Moines people have lake cabins in the area.
Actually, I don't think fall is that busy. Perhaps weekends, but even by the time we go, in late August, the crowds are thinning. Except Labor Day, of course. For that you'd have to plan way ahead!
I've talked to quite a few people who've told me they have cabins up in that area of Minnesota! There's truly a Des Moines contingency there!
Note that Door County is very different than the MN Northwoods! I think a lot of Northwoods fans might think it's not "away from it all" enough. But I, personally, love the combination of fun Americana style tourism and good outdoor fun! It really does have a great sense of place.
Door County is one of those special places, especially off season. I have a friend who is a native Sturgeon Bayer (Bayerian?--whatever: he's from there) who introduced me its magic and wonder many years ago. It's been a favorite ever since. I'm hooked on it just like you!
Even if you don't like fish boils! LOL.
So glad to have found this article! We spend August in Douglas, Michigan and this year adding a few days in Door County. It's my first time to visit and I will follow your tips. We're foodies too and always look for the gems. Thanks for yours.
Good to hear. Thanks!
And if you find anything we should know about, let us know
Interesting. I had a place in Charlevoix, MI that I sold. I was thinking of buying another place and Door County is a place I was considering.
I think Door County is fabulous. Others think it's a little too "quaint." So if you're into something more rustic, it might not be the place. But the four state parks and the many county parks make it really easy to get away from everything!
Good luck whatever you do!
Thank you! Door County is on the bucket list.
VW Van road trip!
Door County is such a gem! Love the chopped cherry jam at Bea’s. I also recommend staying at Roots Inn in Sister Bay - great food and location!
Yes! The chopped cherry jam is lovely. Thanks for reminding me, and for adding a good dining/lodging recommendation, too.
Looks like a great place to visit!
Just a warning to all who venture there: it’s possible you won’t want to leave. Two days into our first visit, and much to our surprise, we bought a house.
!!! I get it! I've looked into a little real estate there myself. Don't think I'll do it, but it sure is tempting! Thanks for this.
The secret is out! We have met new friends and enriched our minds since our first trip to Door County in 2002 with young kids. Now we have a place there and we STILL discover new places and things to do. We take our bikes and ride the Peninsula Century Spring Classic. It's the best way to see Door County on the Lake Michigan side. I even have a binder on the place!
Sorry. I let the cat out of the bag! After I made my own reservations, of course! :)
The Spring Classic sounds fabulous!
I’ve always said it’s like Cape Cod but more Midwest nice.
You're right--folks are so nice up there. I mean--Christmas cards from hoteliers! Plus, just good folks all around.
Such a beautiful place! Highly recommend a sunset sail. My France is the North Shore of Lake Superior., from Duluth to Grand Marais. We have gone there nearly every year for more than 20 years.
I adore Duluth! It's another spot that has a distinct sense of place. You'd never mistake it for someplace else, and I love it.
Wini: Loved the review and always wanted to go. I assume fall is just as busy as the summer. We tend to do our new traveling exploration in the fall. Also enjoyed the earlier review of Itasca State Park in northwest MN. My wife’s family has had 2 small cabins since 1921 on a lake about 20 miles south of the park near Park Rapids. We go back and forth to the cabins during the summer and often visit the park to take friends and kids so they can “step across” the source of the Mississippi River. Quite a few Des Moines people have lake cabins in the area.
Actually, I don't think fall is that busy. Perhaps weekends, but even by the time we go, in late August, the crowds are thinning. Except Labor Day, of course. For that you'd have to plan way ahead!
I've talked to quite a few people who've told me they have cabins up in that area of Minnesota! There's truly a Des Moines contingency there!
Note that Door County is very different than the MN Northwoods! I think a lot of Northwoods fans might think it's not "away from it all" enough. But I, personally, love the combination of fun Americana style tourism and good outdoor fun! It really does have a great sense of place.