Visit This Beautiful Destination That's Considered The Cape Cod Of The Midwest
Door County is a peninsula with a shoreline that stretches for more than 300 miles in Wisconsin. This picturesque region, and all of its communities, is often referred to as the Midwest's Cape Cod because of its proximity to the water, its quaint storefronts, and access to nature. Approximately a two and a half hour drive northeast of Milwaukee Door County consists of multiple towns and more than 30 islands along one of the most beautiful lakes in the Midwest. It's perfect for a family trip, friend outing, or even a solo adventure. While it's not the Atlantic ocean like in Cape Cod, you can still stand in the waters of lovely Lake Michigan and see where water meets the horizon.
Door County makes for a charming getaway no matter the season. The spring holds fragrant blossoming trees you can admire, the summer is ideal for those who enjoy swimming or boating, the fall offers gorgeous foliage and nearby farms to pick produce, and the winter is perfect for a cozy stay in a cabin. Next time you're looking for a tranquil place to retreat to, skip the crowds of Cape Cod and instead head to the Midwest for a delightful stay in Door County.
Unique Door County experiences
If you're into history, consider visiting one of the several lighthouses along the coast. If you're feeling adventurous, take a tour on the water. Door County Boat Tours offers the unique experience of exploring lighthouses and shipwrecks via a fast-paced boat tour. Your tour guide will give you the history of each structure you venture to, meaning you'll take in some fascinating sites and gain new knowledge. The tours are $50 for adults and $31 for children under 13.
One unique experience that brings on a Midwestern feel to a place that otherwise resembles Cape Cod, is the Door County Fish Boil. It might not sound too exciting, but it's a fascinating and distinct Wisconsin experience that can be lots of fun. A tradition brought to the region by early Scandinavian settlers, locally caught whitefish from Lake Michigan is boiled, along with potatoes and onion, in a large kettle over an open fire in an outdoor kitchen. It's a community spectacle worth checking out. Another unique option is to head to Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant & Butik where you can dine and observe resident goats as they graze on the restaurant's sod-covered roof. This family-owned restaurant serves authentic Swedish fare and features a starbbur in the summer, which consists of a special menu served in a family-friendly outdoor space full of fun activities.
Where to stay in Door County
For those who want to spend some time enjoying nature, Peninsula State Park is a perfect setting. Like in Cape Cod, you can walk or bike one of the many trails, try your hand at golf, even set up a space to camp, or watch the waves roll into the shore on one of the beaches.
As for places to stay, you can book at a waterfront hotel or resort. Edgewater Resort in Ephraim, Wisconsin will have you right on the water, giving you easy access to a beach. Gordon Lodge in Bailey's Harbor is another great place to book. You can choose from lakeside cottages or an entire house, which is great if you're traveling in a group. If bed and breakfast lodging is more your forte, you've got options like the cozy White Lace Inn in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
Like with Cape Cod, you're never far from the water in this blissful community, and you'll have the opportunity to explore several adorable storefronts and boutiques. Yet in Door County, you have an array of some of the best shoreline towns to visit without the crowded streets. Door County indeed offers a special experience that combines tourist sight-seeing options along with distinctively Wisconsin traditions.