Nestled in eastern Wisconsin, Door County is a peninsula that separates Lake Michigan from Green Bay. It also happens to be a great escape for RVers in search of something unique. Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, and Sister Bay are a few of the small communities that dot its shoreline.
This 70-mile long county boasts 11 private campgrounds, as well as camping facilities in Peninsula State Park. The interior of the county is mostly agricultural with a number of fruit ranches - Door County is renowned for its cherries. Many of the small towns have their own harbors, which is where the nautical names come from.
Nightfall at the American...
Nightfall at the American Forklore Theatre.
Door County's main economy revolves around tourism. On any summer weekend you'll find the roads into Door County packed with tourists heading for the RV parks and other lodging facilities. Recreation activities such as scuba diving, boating, sailing, parasailing, hiking, and horseback riding abound. For those less adventurous, the area offers small-town atmosphere laced with local cuisine and plenty of shopping opportunities. RV magazine spent some time in Door County and toured some of its five local wineries. A number of themed festivals occur on many weekends, especially during the fall. Our visit to Egg Harbor's annual Pumpkin Festival was ideal for children with carnival rides, bungee jumping, arts and crafts vendor displays, musical entertainment, and a large evening bonfires. Fall is also a great time to visit because the trees turn to shades of amber, yellow, and bright orange and it's one of the most popular times of the year for amateur photographers.
The west coast borders Green Bay. This side of Door County is the most popular and the majority of the amenities are found there. The east coast borders Lake Michigan and is known as the quiet side. The activity level is lower, and the natural scenery is ideal for relaxing hikes. At the very tip of the peninsula is Washington Island, which can be accessed by auto ferry. Door County was originally settled by Scandinavian immigrants and that influence is readily seen throughout the peninsula.
Potawatomi State Park has...
Potawatomi State Park has plenty of secluded camping.
No trip to Door County would be complete without the fish boil. It is a local Fish Creek tradition with Scandinavian roots. The meal is prepared outdoors in a huge kettle over a large wood fire. When it's ready the kettle boils over and the fire, smoke, and steam soar upwards. Naturally, cherry pie made from the local groves is the dessert of choice.
The fish boil at the Sandpiper...
The fish boil at the Sandpiper restaurant.
The town of Ephraim was founded in 1853 by Norwegian settlers and marks the first permanent settlement in Door County. The old Moravian Church is flanked by a number of historical buildings, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. Every Father's Day weekend the annual Fyr Bal festival is held, celebrating Scandinavian heritage. At dusk a number of bonfires line the shores of Eagle Harbor to represent the "burning of the winter witch" and welcoming summer. Ephraim has the most accessible shoreline of any community and borders the 3,700-acre Peninsula State Park, which features miles of excellent wooded hiking trails along rocky cliffs and shoreline. A mandatory stop is at Wilson's Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor. Founded in 1906, Wilson's is a classic Door County landmark serving up ice-cream specialties, home-brewed draft root beer, and flame-broiled burgers. Its old fashioned soda fountain and jukebox complement the dining areas.