All kinds of places,
all in one destination.
The splendors of Door County’s long shoreline and protected wilderness were relatively unknown until a lavish National Geographic feature in 1969—three years after Goathaus found its footing. Wisconsin’s skinny peninsula now draws visitors from all parts of the planet, as well as culinary and creative talents who find inspiration in its landscape. You’ll have to come here to understand, but in the meantime, these snapshots might whet your appetite.
There are several great waterfront communities in Door County, but it's hard to beat Sister Bay for things to do, eat, and admire—sometimes all at once.
Where's Goathaus? Just north of downtown Sister Bay, it tries to blend in with the trees.
If you're not in the vacation mindset already, the drive along Beach Road will help.
In the fall, the leaves may arrive before you do.
Just down the road, past the largest house in Wisconsin, is the pebble beach at Porcupine Bay.
Door County's best sandy beach is a short drive across the peninsula. Where exactly? It's a secret we share in the home guide.
There are so many great trails that take you through different planets. This is a fun, easy one at Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor.
Guided sailboat tours. Powerboat rentals. Just a couple of the ways to get around Green Bay (the body of water, not the city).
Kayaker migration on the Lake Michigan side.
There are more than 240 known shipwrecks in these waters, many of which are visible on a clear day.
Looking back toward our part of the bluff. The fishermen gave the drone a friendly wave. People here are strange like that.
Back on land, you'll find an abundance of cherry and apple orchards. Buy a pie, or you'll be sorry.
At the end of our road, our favorite ice cream. They have a long list of flavors, all made on site.
World-famous Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay. The goats chew grass on the roof while the humans eat below.
Many of the restaurants have invested in incredible outdoor spaces. Pictured here: Stabbur in Sister Bay.
Sister Bay Marina at sunset. Rent boats, jet skis, and other watercraft here.
The Cherry Drop on New Year's Eve, where something funny happens: the people get friendlier the more they drink.
The new tower at Peninsula State Park is itself a sight to behold.
The bluff is especially impressive in this park. Know this as you're looking up: the limestone loosens easily.
The golf course serves other purposes in the winter.
Only come in the summer? Your loss.
A few months a year, the shoreline is dotted with ice sculptures and chandeliers.
Wickman House is a wonderful restaurant that grows many of its ingredients. Look for the review in The New York Times.
A new favorite: Twelve Eleven Provisions, where they source their grapes from small vineyards in two other famous counties—Sonoma and Mendocino.
That sign is no lie. Door County Creamery has changed our relationship with sandwiches.
Hatch in Egg Harbor will make you appreciate the agricultural side of fine spirits, which they distill from local honey, grains, and botanicals.
You’re at a grocery store and grab something from the meat, dairy, or produce section, and see on the label: the farm is just down the road.
Fragrant Isle, the Midwest's largest lavender farm. In case you've been looking for that.
If you haven’t seen the film Midsommar, wait until after you’ve visited Stavkirke.
The Peninsula Players is America’s oldest resident summer theater, and continues to draw audiences and talent from across the country.
Farther down the road is the Mecca of American football, which can hold almost the entire population of Green Bay (the city, not the body of water).
