The best time to see fall colors in Wisconsin, especially Door County, is late-September to mid-October, but spectacular color can be found in the area all autumn long. Here are three ways to experience Door County's palette of fall colors: Plan a Fall Camping Trip.
2. Re: How many days? If you're going to Door County to see the nature of the Great Lakes, 3 days is good. There's no better place to see the nature of the Great Lakes between Door County and Chicago.
Re: Washington Island - worth the trip? If the weather is GREAT & sunny, it might be worth the trip. We try to go once a year on a hot, sunny day; the ferry ride is fun. However, if you've never been to Door county, there is so much to do, I think you might regret spending an entire day in one spot.
August & SeptemberEvents
- Door County Fair. John Miles County Park, Sturgeon Bay.
- Jacksonport Cherry Fest. Lakeside Park, Jacksonport.
- Scandinavian Dance Festival.
- Sturgeon Bay Maritime Week.
- Annual Door County Classic & Wooden Boat Festival.
- Door County Festival of Fine Arts.
- Maritime on Madison.
- Ellison Bay Goes Hog Wild.
Door County Fall Events and Festivals September and October
- Door County Century. John Miles County Park, Sturgeon Bay.
- Washington Island Literary Festival.
- Harvest Festival, Car Show & Street Auction.
- Egg Harbor AleFest.
- Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament.
- Autumnfest & Classic Auto Show.
- Inside/Outside Sale.
- Art in Ephraim.
10 Things to Bring on Your Door County Vacation…
- SUNSCREEN..BEACH BAG..SAND TOYS.. Beach Umbrella… FLIP FLOPS!!
- BBQ FOOD.. BBQ Sauce.. KETCHUP!
- Beverages… COCKTAILS…and Lotsa ICE!
- Bacon … Eggs… BREAKFAST STUFF – YUM!!!
- Hiking Shoes…Walking Shoes…Backpack… OUTDOOR FUN!!!
- Blanket for picnics, parades, fireworks. & MORE!!
- Sweatshirt and long pants for cool nights.
- FUN $$$
Known for its picturesque coastal towns, specialty shops, fish boils, cherry and apple orchards and scenic beauty, Door County, Wisconsin is often referred to as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” With the waters of Green Bay on one side and Lake Michigan on the other, the Door Peninsula offers spectacular waterfront views
Door County starts just north of Algoma, but the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal creates the Door Peninsula. Sturgeon Bay is 45 miles from the city of Green Bay, 150 miles from Milwaukee, 240 miles from Chicago and 320 miles from Minneapolis.
What county is Fish Creek in?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,370 square miles (6,100 km2), of which 482 square miles (1,250 km2) is land and 1,888 square miles (4,890 km2) (80%) is water. It is the largest county in Wisconsin by total area.
What county is Baileys Harbor WI in?
Summer is Door County's peak season, and that means there's no shortage of ways to get outside and stay active. From woods and water to fairways and byways, the area boasts all kinds of environments and terrains.
“Porte des Morts Passage, Wisconsin, is known as 'Death's Door,' owing to the numerous detached reefs and shoals obstructing its navigation . . . almost certain destruction to craft going ashore. These conditions have been the cause of many vessel disasters.”
Black bears aren't common in Door County, but it's estimated there may be a dozen or so on the peninsula at any given time. Bear sightings on the peninsula are extremely rare, but wildlife experts estimate there could be anywhere from 10 to 20 in Door County at any given time.
Top Attractions in Door County
- Cave Point County Park. 1,197 reviews.
- Washington Island Ferry Line. 623 reviews.
- Peninsula State Park. 1,675 reviews.
- Stone's Throw Winery. 658 reviews.
- Schoolhouse Beach. 418 reviews.
- Seaquist Orchards Farm Market. 208 reviews.
- Harbor Ridge Winery. 297 reviews.
- Washington Island Stavkirke. 240 reviews.
Take the Washington Island Ferry Go to the washington island ferry page (30 min. trip) from Northport Pier—end of State Hwy. 42—to Washington Island. Then, it's approximately 8 miles (20 min.)
This is the best time of year to pack up your car and drive around the peninsula, enjoying the vibrant fall colors.
- Run Wild. Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay.
- Art in Ephraim.
- Pumpkin Patch Festival.
- Fall Fun Fest & Cider Pressing Party.
- Sister Bay Fall Fest.
- Door County Fall 50.
- Fall Art Crawl.
- Jack O' Lantern Days.
I look at the map and it looks like a mere ten miles from Marinette to Door County. Because of this, to visit Door County, we'd have to drive down, through Green Bay, and around, making for an unlikely trip due to the mileage and travel time (100-200 miles).