Vacation in Door County, Wisconsin
Midwestern Great Lakes Getaway on Lake Michigan
Door County on Lake Michigan is a highly recommended midwestern vacation destination on the Great Lakes.
Door County Wisconsin has long been a favorite vacation getaway in Wisconsin. Door County is located on the east side of Wisconsin, on Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes. On the map, Door County resembles a thumb sticking out into the lake. Door County is within driving distance from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Chicago, Illinois.
Midwest Living Magazine has named Door County the "Best Small Town Getaway in the Midwest". Money Magazine has named Door County "One of the Top 10 Vacation Destinations in North America"
Door County actually consists of several small towns, lining the coastline of Lake Michigan. There are 300 miles of lake front along the thumb shaped land that is Door County. It is quite easy to drive up one side of the peninsula and down the other side in a few hours time, for a beautiful scenic drive. Towns in Door County include Bailey's Harbor, Carlsville, Egg Harbor, Ellison Bay, Gills Rock, Ephraim, Fish Creek, Jacksonport, Sister Bay, Southern Door and Sturgeon Bay. Early settlers were German and Scandinavian immigrants. The various towns reflect the German and Scandinavian cultures of the Swedish, Norwegian, Icelandic, and Belgian immigrants.
Door County is a region offering variety. The scenic towns on the north side of the peninsula are popular tourist areaa. The small towns have shops, hotels, restaurants and beautiful lake views. Along the 300 miles of coastline are beaches, harbors, lighthouses, quiet coves, lush forested land and breathtaking landscapes. There are five state parks, for beautiful nature walks,hiking and biking.
In the spring the cherry trees blossom in the rich lands of Door County. The cherry crops are harvested and used to produce cherry treats, beverages, and wines. People who enjoy winery tours can enjoy visiting one of the many wineries in the county to taste locally produced vintages.
Door County has a active arts community. There are artists and galleries in the towns throughout the island. Performing arts such as theater and musical entertainment can be found, often in outdoor settings. The American Folklore Theater can be seen at an outdoor stage at the Peninsula State Park. The summer main season features different shows in repertory. .
Washington Island is the largest of the Door County islands. The island was settled with people from Iceland, and continues to be the largest Icelandic community in the United States. There are ferry rides from Gills Rock, on the northern tip of the peninsula to the island with a leisurely pace and unspoiled natural wooded areas. The settlers from Iceland brought rare Icelandic horses with them. Visitors can take a horseback ride on the trails of Washington Iceland on one of these rare horses.
Visitors to Door County enjoy the natural beauty, stunning water views, unique shops, entertainment, fine restaurants and gracious accommodations. Door County lodging is provided by motels, hotels, resorts, bed and breakfast inns and rustic camping areas. Following are some great choices in Door County accommodations:
Lodging
White Lace Inn, Sturgeon Bay, WI: Turn of the century Victorian Bed & Breakfast Inn offers 18 guest rooms located in four neighboring homes. The antique furnished rooms are romantic and charming. Guest accommodations offer queen or king sized Victorian beds, fireplaces and over sized whirlpools. The romantic inn features beautiful flower gardens, a romantic gazebo and a calming fish pond. The gracious, elegant inn serves a home cooked breakfast which is included. AAA Three Diamond. 920-743-1105.
The White Gull Inn, Fish Creek, WI: The well known historic Inn was established in 1896. The charming, antique decorated accommodations come in varied shapes and sizes. Each guest room has a private bathroom. There are suites, rooms and cottages, many of which have fireplaces and double whirlpools. A hearty breakfast is included with overnight stays. The gracious Inn serves three meals a day in the restaurant for guests on the inn and the general public. The White Gull Inn is famous in the area for their authentic fish boil. Romantic candle light dinners are served nightly in the gracious restaurant. 888-364-9542
Pheasant Park Resort, Sister Bay, WI: Resort offers simple, modern accommodations. Luxurious one, two and thee bedroom suite offer fully equipped kitchens, fireplace, cable TV, DVD./VCR, double whirlpool bath and free wireless high speed Internet access Recreation features indoor swimming pool, outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, fitness center, business center and arcade. Smoke free environment. AAA Three Diamond. 800-392-3921.
Landmark Resort, Egg Harbor, WI: The resort is located on 40 tree covered acres. Spacious suites with one to three bedrooms have a choice of woodland or water views. The suites have a fully equipped kitchen, living room and dining room. Amenities at the resort include free wireless Internet. heated swimming pools, whirlpools and steam rooms. The Carrington Pub & Grill on the premises is a casual restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere for food and drink. 800-273-7877
Door County is approximately 40 miles from Green Bay, 150 miles from Milwaukee, 175 miles from Madison, 230 miles from Chicago and 310 miles from Minneapolis.
Door County is an outstanding vacation destination. For more information about Wisconsin travel, read Pet Friendly Hotels Wisconsin Dells, Pet Friendly Hotels in Green Bay, Resorts With Spas in Wisconsin and Lake Geneva Wisconsin Vacations.
Information subject to change.
