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We were all shivering, drawn to the flame like moths to light. He gave a warning, told us to back up, and spewed a hefty amount of lighter fluid at the base of the cauldron. Within seconds, the flame reached the sky and we were all pelted by overwhelming heat.
Shortly after, the flame diminished, and two strong men hauled the massive cauldron inside. We were brought to our seats, where the contents of the cauldron, fresh caught whitefish, was served to us for dinner
I had never in my life heard of a traditional fish boil, let alone imagined I’d be able to attend one. It’s just one of many exciting experiences to be had in Door County, a destination as unique as it is fun.
For those outside the Midwest, Door County, Wisconsin, may not be on your radar. This thriving region in the northeastern part of the state offers year-round activities for everyone. Rich in art, nature, and food, Door County is an all-season destination that, even in the winter, stole my heart.
Winter in Door County
Winter in Wisconsin?” you might ask. I was skeptical, too, but I kept an open mind. Having lived in the Midwest for six years, I, like most Midwesterners, was always desperate to escape the brutal gray winters and travel south for a mere glimpse of sunshine.
But why not embrace the exciting aspects of winter? In Door County, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy, or, if you’d rather stay warm, cozy indoor activities like visiting galleries, museums, and breweries. During my visit, I mixed it up with both indoor and outdoor experiences to fully appreciate what the region has to offer.
It was much warmer than expected during my trip in February, thanks to El Niño (or perhaps climate change). As a result, some traditional activities like snowshoeing, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing weren’t available. So, the weather will definitely influence what you can do, but the beauty of the region is that there’s no shortage of activities, no matter the conditions.
What to Do in Door County
Galleries, Boutiques & Museums
Popelka Trenchard Glass Find Art Gallery & Studio
The Popelka Trenchard Fine Art Gallery, owned by the talented couple Stephanie Trenchard and Jeremy Popelka, is filled with stunning glass sculptures, paintings, jewelry, and more. Every Saturday, they host live glass-blowing demos, and I was blown away by the process. Watching it firsthand really deepens your appreciation for the colorful glass art displayed in the gallery.
Miller Art Museum
Located inside Door County’s public library lives the Miller Art Museum. Carefully curated by the marvelous Helen del Guidice, the museum provides a space for local artists to showcase their work. The collection I saw featured two artists with parallel themes in their work, represented very differently. Centered around caring for elderly loved ones, the art was powerful and haunting.
The museum regularly updates its exhibits, so there’s always something new to see, and it also houses a permanent collection of 20th-century Wisconsin art. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend a visit to this museum.
Door County Maritime Museum
As a bit of a maritime museum connoisseur, I can confidently say that the Door County Maritime Museum is one of the most impressive maritime museums I’ve ever seen. Located on the working waterfront of Sturgeon Bay, it showcases the area’s rich nautical history, from early Indigenous canoes to post-World War II bulk carriers.
The museum is housed in the Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower, with nine levels each offering a unique theme—ranging from shipwrecks to wildlife. Nine floors may seem intimidating but each level is small and easy to navigate. At the top, you’ll find a spectacular panoramic view of Door County where you can see the historic working waterfront from Green Bay to the Sturgeon Bay shipping canal.
One of my favorite parts of the museum was the boating simulators, where you get the daunting task of navigating a massive ship through narrow passages – you quickly get a sense of just how challenging that feat really is. I could’ve easily spent hours with those alone. I also had the chance to visit the boat shop, where real shipwrights were actively building boats, offering a fascinating glimpse into the craftsmanship behind the vessels that have shaped the region.
Outdoor Activities in Door County
Even in the freezing cold, getting outside in Door County is a wonderful part of the experience. As the Scandinavians say, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” Dress in layers, bundle up, and get out to explore.
E-Bike to Cave Point and Whitefish Dunes
If you’re up for an exhilarating winter adventure, I recommend e-biking to Cave Point’s sea caves and Whitefish Dunes. Even if the conditions are mild like they were during my visit, it’s essential to dress warmly—scarves, gloves, and a hat that fits under your helmet because that winter wind is aggressively cold.
The downside of a mild winter is there’s little ice in the lake or snow on the cliffs. Still, the views were stunning, with some icicles clinging to the rocks. I can only imagine how beautiful it would be completely covered in snow and icicles.
Check out Door County Kayak Tours for your e-bike rental needs.
Peninsula State Park
For more outdoor adventures, I recommend visiting Peninsula State Park, hiking through its enchanting forest, and climbing Eagle Tower (weather permitting). The views from the tower were stunning, the shoreline striped with dark blue water and light blue ice. The hiking here is easy and beautiful, and with enough snow, you could snowshoe or cross-country ski on the trails.
Open Door Bird Sanctuary
If you’re a bird lover or just want to get up close and personal with some amazing raptors, I recommend a visit to the Open Door Bird Sanctuary. This 34-acre wildlife sanctuary has scenic trails for hiking, a picnic area for relaxing, and educational programs about ecology and the environment. There are “Raptor Chats” throughout the day, where you can interact with educators and hear fascinating facts about the birds.
The sanctuary operates with the motto “Birds First,” ensuring that all birds unable to be released back into the wild are given a home here. With their volunteer days, you can even help out and get hands-on with these majestic creatures.
In the summer, the sanctuary is open to the public every Saturday and in the winter, you can book a private tour customizable to your group’s interests.
See specifics on hours and tours here.
Where to Dine & Drink in Door County
Renard’s Cheese & Melt Bistro
Wisconsin has successfully branded itself as the place to be for all things cheese, with nearly every restaurant having Wisconsin-style cheese curds on the menu. One of the most iconic spots to visit for cheese is Renard’s Cheese.
Renard’s Cheese, family-owned since 1961 in Door County, Wisconsin, uses local milk to craft award-winning cheeses. Committed to sustainability, they repurpose every part of the process—from butter to protein snacks—and offer a range of classic and specialty cheeses, all handcrafted in America’s Dairyland.
I’m one of the biggest cheese fans on the planet, so this place was like heaven to me. Not only is it a shop packed with unique cheeses and other artisan products, but it also has a restaurant inside called Melt Bistro. Here, you can truly dive into the cheese experience with sandwiches, curds, mac & cheese and more. Mac & cheese is in my top three favorite things about being alive, and Renard’s took it to the next level. Thick, creamy, and flavorful, this was hands down the best mac I’ve had at a restaurant.
Sip
Sip was the grooviest restaurant I visited during my stay in Door County. The second I walked in, I was amazed by the brightly colored walls flaunting shades of pink, teal, and deep blue, paired with massive floral chandeliers. Even the glasses on the table were a spectacle—and available for purchase in their upstairs shop.
They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and their menu has diverse and unique options ranging from benedicts to tacos. And, of course, cheese curds. I ordered the ‘southwest grain bowl, which was as colorful as the restaurant itself, packed with avocados, sweet potatoes, peppers, corn, and more.
Door County Coffee
Even though I’m not a coffee drinker (caffeine and I don’t mix well), I had to taste the legendary coffee at Door County Coffee—and it was incredible. This family-run business roasts specialty-grade Arabica beans in small batches, creating rich, flavorful coffee that stands out. With 29 flavors—17 regular and 6 seasonal—there’s something for every coffee drinker.
The made-from-scratch breakfast was also exceptional, but the real highlight for me was the tour. For just $20, you get an hour-long tour, endless coffee, a sticker, and a bag of coffee to take home. The tour also includes “coffee college,” where you’ll learn about the roasting process. It’s a must-visit for coffee lovers and curious travelers alike.
Sonny’s Italian Kitchen Pizzeria
If you’re craving Chicago-style pizza, I recommend checking out Sonny’s Italian Kitchen Pizzeria. Family-owned and operated since 1996, this cozy waterfront spot serves everything from thin crust and deep dish to indulgent stuffed pizzas, all made with fresh ingredients. Their menu also features a variety of pastas, sandwiches, and salads. My favorite pasta I tried is the Stuffed Gnocchi Pesto—pillowy gnocchi filled with creamy ricotta and doused in their homemade pesto sauce. Incredible.
Bridge Up Brewing Company
After devouring your weight in pizza and pasta, I recommend waddling downstairs to Bridge Up Brewing Company. This brewery has a retro vibe, cozy seating arrangements, and a rotating selection of unique beers—all with a stunning view of Sturgeon Bay. It’s the perfect spot to sample creative brews. When I visited, I enjoyed their ‘Flip Flops and Bikini Tops’ hazy IPA, which was smooth, fruity, and absolutely delicious.
Fish Boil at White Gull Inn
A Door County fish boil is a must-try experience while you’re in the region, and the White Gull Inn is one of the best places to enjoy it. This tradition, dating back over a century, features freshly caught Lake Michigan whitefish cooked outdoors over an open fire, with a dramatic “boilover” that leaves the fish perfectly cooked.
The meal is served with coleslaw, homemade breads, and Door County cherry pie all of which were scrumptious (especially the pie). The White Gull Inn has been serving fish boils since 1959, with meals available Wednesday through Sunday in the summer and on Fridays and Sundays during the rest of the year. Prices are $26.50 for adults and $13.25–16.50 for children.
Other Recommendations
Where to Stay in Door County
When visiting Door County, I recommend staying at a bed and breakfast. These cozy spots capture the essence of small-town culture and family-owned hospitality, making your experience feel all the more authentic and special.
Pembrooke Inn Bed and Breakfast
I was so charmed by the Pembrooke Inn Bed and Breakfast, a beautiful Victorian mansion built in 1886. My room was spacious, with a fireplace, balcony, and large bathtub, all decorated in authentic Victorian style. The inn combines historic charm with modern amenities, and its location, just a block from the waterfront and downtown, makes it perfect for exploring. And the breakfast was amazing – thick-cut French toast was the perfect start to the day.
Other Great Bed & Breakfasts
If You Go:
How to Get There
I recommend flying into Green Bay International Airport and renting a car for your trip. The drive from Green Bay to Door County takes about two hours.
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Isabella Miller is a travel journalist and editor at Go World Travel Magazine. She is a passionate world explorer with an appreciation for the vast range of the human experience. She wants to live it all, from backcountry camping in the Great Sand Dunes to marinating in a saltwater geothermal pool in the Italian Alps. She loves the yin and yang of cities and nature, celebrations and peace, adventure and relaxation. The best kind of trip is when all of the above coexist. This world is nuanced and delicate, filled with infinite stories to tell. She takes great pride and joy in sharing her discoveries with the world.
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