A Hamptons-esque getaway is accessible within state limits on the Door County peninsula. The region is a popular “port of call” for family reunions, honeymoons, outdoor recreation and much more year-round. These five activities should top any visitor’s must-do list—whether during a weekend jaunt or an extended vacay.
There are five in total (Rock Island, Peninsula, Newport, Potawatomi and Whitefish Dunes). And fast fact: Two contain lighthouses! Rock Island State Park has Wisconsin’s oldest lighthouse (Pottawatomie Lighthouse) which was established in 1836. The other is Peninsula State Park (Eagle Bluff Lighthouse) founded in 1868. Tours are available at both locations.
Fragrant Isle is the largest lavender farm in the Midwest. It features 20,000 lavender plants on property with 10 different varieties, in addition to a gift shop and quaint bistro where lavender-infused bevys can be purchased by guests looking for an excuse to meander longer amongst the floral rows.
In the summer, there are free concerts located in public parks five days a week in six of the bay communities around Door County, including Bailey’s Harbor, Egg Harbor, Fish Creek and Sister Bay.
Island Orchard Cider specializes in Normandy-style cider. Its cider house in Ellison Bay officially opened in 2011. Flights and full pours provide customers an opportunity to sample an array of classic ciders, reserve ciders and apéritifs while onsite. And the majority of the dry ciders and pomme vinegars are made using apples grown in the cidery orchard on Washington Island that contain a variety of American, English and French apples.
Schoolhouse Beach is a scenic beach on Washington Island fully comprised of smooth limestone rocks. The beach is named after a schoolhouse that once existed nearby but has since moved. The rocks are also legally protected as any visitor caught removing a rock could be assessed a fine up to $250.
Featured image credit: Mike Tittel; Whitefish Dunes State Park