25 Romantic Things To Do In Door County, Wisconsin 2024

Are you seeking a peaceful, romantic, and adventurous week getaway in Wisconsin? With all of the things to do in Door County, it will definitely be what you are looking for. Door County, Wisconsin, is the ideal getaway for a couple’s weekend of romance and adventure.

We have enjoyed numerous weekend getaways to Door County and experienced all the charm Door County offers every season. Gary and I have even celebrated the New Year with fireworks and a cherry drop in Sister Bay, Door County, Wisconsin.

Door County is often called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” Where you’ll be surrounded by Midwest charm and Lake Michigan, the small-town charisma, maritime history, and seaside charm of Door County have much to offer a couple looking for a romantic getaway.

As you travel your way through Door County, it is filled with dozens of beach communities with names like Fish Creek and Gills Rock. With miles of lighthouse-dotted shoreline, breathtaking water views, and hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches, the sailboat-filled waterways seem to go on forever.

Finding opportunities for romantic adventures was not difficult, but narrowing it down to our top 25 did take some time. Every season in Door County is filled with adventure and romance, and every season offers new and exciting things for couples looking for the ideal place to get away together.

This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Please see my full disclosure policy for details.

Things to do in Door County for Couples

Door County has become our retreat for a quick romantic weekend getaway. Yet it is a place where you could spend a week’s vacation and not run out of things to do. It seems like each time we visit, no matter the season, we find something new to add to our list of favorites.

We will share 25 of our top must-do things when you are visiting Door County. One thing is a must: you must stop at Door County Coffee. The first sign that you are on vacation is the sight and smell of Door County Coffee.

When you enter their building, the aroma is heavenly, even if you are not a coffee drinker. It should be a right of passage that every trip to Door County starts with a stop at Door County Coffee. In addition to coffee, they also have a restaurant and gift shop where you can pick up many unique gifts for family and friends.

Top Door County Activities For Couples

• Door County Fish Boil – A one-of-a-kind dining and story adventure
• Lighthouse Tour – A lighthouse tour is a unique adventure
• Wine Tasting – Visit one of Door County’s Wineries and enjoy a wine-tasting
• Ferry to Washington Island – Washington Island is a destination all of its own
• Cherry Picking – If your timing is right, visit an orchard and pick your own cherries

Outdoor Activities in Door Couty

Door County is a playground for those wanting to have fun outdoors. With 19 county parks and five state parks, Door County offers a wide variety of water sports, beaches, horseback riding, hiking, or biking. Door County has a wide variety of fun activities to keep you busy.

Relax at the best beaches in Door County

Door County boasts a collection of more than 50 diverse beaches, each offering its own unique charm. Among these, Peninsula State Park stands out as one of the premier state park beaches in the area, known for its exceptional qualities.

Additionally, Sister Bay Beach earns recognition as the ultimate destination for witnessing breathtaking sunsets, providing an ideal setting to unwind, enjoy the scenery, and revel in the tranquil beauty as the sun dips below the horizon.

For a truly unique treat, take the ferry to Washington Island and enjoy one of the most breathtaking beaches in Wisconsin, Schoolhouse Beach. It is one of only a few U.S. beaches covered with perfectly smooth limestone pebbles. Be sure to leave the rocks behind and only take the memories with you. The signs posted say it’s illegal to take a rock with you.

Enjoy Door County’s State Parks

Door County is the only county to offer five wonderful state parks. You can enjoy camping, hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, and even golfing between the parks.

• Peninsula State Park and Potawatomi State Park have observation towers.
• Whitefish Dunes has the state’s highest sand dunes.
• Newport State Park and Whitefish Dunes have beautiful swimming beaches.

A trip worth taking is to venture to Rock Island, the small island just off the shores of Washington Island, and see the historic boathouse at Rock Island State Park.

A vehicle sticker is required for all Wisconsin State Parks except Rock Island because vehicles are prohibited on the island. Your Wisconsin State Park Sticker is good for all Wisconsin State Parks and needs to be purchased yearly. You can purchase your sticker online or at the entrance of most state parks.

Enjoy a Day of Hiking

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Door County. Most of the parks located in Door County are undeveloped, giving visitors an authentic perspective of nature in its purest. Add a hike through one of Door County’s many parks to get an up-close look at some stunning natural landscapes.

The best places to hike in Door County are

• Cave Point County Park ~ The black hiking trail in Cave Point connects to Whitefish Sand Dunes.
• Whitefish Dunes ~ has long trails which take you through the sand dunes.
• Newport State Park ~ has longer hiking trails. One of the most popular trails in the park is Horz Loop, which is seven miles long.
• Peninsula State Park ~ Hiking the trails in Peninsula State Park is for the adventurous hiker. You will find yourself hiking through rocky landscapes and descending steeply.

Camping in Door County, Wisconsin

Four of Door County’s State Parks offer camping, and Door County also has several private campgrounds. If you are looking for a lakeside or a quieter rustic option, you will find it in Door County.

Rock Island, one of the small islands off the Door Peninsula, offers a once-in-a-lifetime camping experience. You will need to take the Washington Island Ferry from the Door Peninsula to Washington Island and then take another ferry from Washington Island to Rock Island.

There are no cars allowed on Rock Island. You have to bring everything in with you on the ferry. Be prepared to hike, and plan to visit one of Wisconsin’s oldest Lighthouses.

Golfing

Door County offers some of the most scenic golf courses in the area. The most northern golf course is located on Washington Island and is only accessible by ferry or private boat.

Has golfing on an island been on your bucket list? If it has and you are looking for pure luxury and scenic golfing, look no further than Deer Run Golf Course on Washington Island, Wisconsin. This nine-hole regulation golf course offers golfers a challenge that is configured to take advantage of the beautiful scenery. It includes large water hazards, sand traps, and challenging greens.

Ephraim, Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, and Baileys Harbor are also home to scenic and challenging golf courses. With so many choices, you will surely find the one that will challenge you just right.

Although we don’t golf, we enjoy a goofy round of miniature golf, and Door County also has several options for mini-golf.

If 9 or 18 holes of regular golf are too much for your vacation, you still don’t have to look any further than Door County. Several miniature golf courses, both indoor and outdoor, are awaiting your pleasure.

Visit Cave Point County Park

Door County residents find Cave Point Park the most iconic natural landscape in Door County. It is a popular place to visit for residents but is often overlooked by visitors.

Residents and visitors who know the area well know that the view from Cave Point Park is spectacular.

Spending time at Cave Point County Park is one of the best things to do in Door County for locals and vacationers. Cave Point consists of 19 beautiful acres of wave-worn limestone cliffs facing Lake Michigan, underwater caves, and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.

Photographers, scuba divers, and fishermen love the area.

The road leading to Cave Point Park is blacktopped, and gravel has been put down on the trails for easy walking. Visitors will find picnic tables, grills, fire rings, and restrooms. A park sticker is not required for a visit to Cave Point Park.

Cave Point Park is a great place to enjoy a romantic afternoon together, relaxing and enjoying the view of Lake Michigan.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is another activity that couples can enjoy while in Door County. Kurtz Corral, a premier riding stable in Door County, is situated on 140 acres and uses neighboring land, including a wooded area, allowing for 500+ acres for trail rides.

Kurtz Corral offers various riding opportunities: arena, wooded, wine tour, and advanced riders. It is a great way to enjoy the Door County scenery and the fresh sea air.

Unique Door County Experiences

Door County is filled with so many unique and fun experiences that you can only find in Door County.

Trolley

Door County Trolley is your go-to destination for Door County fun. They have been a Door County staple since May of 2000 and have been named the best charter in Door County.

Door County Trolley believes in providing guests with the best possible experience. They specialize in Scenic Tours and Wine Tours and offer 16 uniquely themed trolley tours for guests to choose from to truly explore the best of Door County.

From lighthouse tours to ghost tours, there is a tour you are sure to love! We have enjoyed several of the Door County Trolley Tours and were excited to find they offer three haunted Ghost Tours of Door County.

Enjoy a Door County Fish Boil

It was a struggle to decide which category to put this under. Although it’s a specialty in Door County, it’s as much about the experience as it is about the food. A visit to Door County would not be complete without experiencing a Fish Boil. This is a unique experience, I can describe it, but it’s something you really need to see firsthand.

We have enjoyed several Authentic Wisconsin Fish Boils. This is definitely one of the top things for couples to do in Door County.

The Door County Fish Boil dates back to the 1800s when many Scandinavian immigrants brought this Nordic tradition to the area. With Lake Michigan abundant with white fish, this became an efficient way to feed large lumberman crews. With the tradition passed down through the generations, during the 1960s, the process was modernized, and it became a tourist must. 

Skyway Drive-in

Door County’s Skyway Drive-In stands as an enchanting addition to a romantic visit to this charming area. The drive-in is a haven for couples seeking a unique and nostalgic experience.

The Skyway Drive-In offers an intimate setting where lovebirds can relish in each other’s company, sharing a blanket and some classic movie magic. The retro ambiance is unparalleled, creating an atmosphere of romance that is anything but ordinary.

Check out the graffiti at Anderson Dock

Visiting Anderson Dock gives you a real glimpse of tasteful and acceptable graffiti.

A sign posted states that boaters signed the dockside warehouse wall over the years with the name of their boat and the year it was docked at Anderson Dock. Boating visitors are encouraged to continue the tradition.

You must get creative and be tasteful; no spray painting or carving is allowed. Over the years, this tradition has left a very tasteful sight for visitors to enjoy. Anderson Dock makes a great backdrop for romantic pictures.

Enjoy some Door County Water Activities

What is it about water that screams fun? The waters that Door County is known for are no exception. Whether you are looking for the tranquility of just sitting and watching the peacefulness of the water or getting out on the water and having fun, Door County waterways is the ideal place.

Shipwreck Diving

Shipwreck diving may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about what couples can do in Door County, but this may just be the most exciting one.

The straight between the Door Peninsula and Washington Island is a dangerous passageway called Deaths Door that, over the decades, ended many voyages. The floor of Lake Michigan, known as Deaths Door, is scattered with shipwrecks from long ago.

There are around 240 known shipwrecks in the waters of Door County. Adventurous divers can explore a number of them by shipwreck diving.

Several wrecks lie within depths of less than 60 feet of water, making them accessible to those passionate about adventure and basic snorkeling gear. For seasoned divers equipped with specialized training and gear, Lake Michigan offers over 100-foot-deep wrecks that beckon exploration and discovery.

If you do not enjoy being underwater, you can explore many of the shipwrecks at local museums or on scenic cruises. You can even explore the shipwrecks virtually.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Kayaking and paddleboarding are two favorite water activities for locals and visitors of Door County.

Door County is a kayaker’s paradise with over 300 miles of coastline and five state parks. There is no lack of kayaking opportunities with Lake Michigan on one side and Green Bay on the other side.

Throughout Door County, there are several kayak rental businesses available. If you plan on kayaking, pick up a Water Sports and Boat launch map from the information center of your visiting community. This map will show you all of the kayak launch ramps.

Door County Kayak Tours and Rentals can help you with your kayaking needs.

Boating and Fishing

Boating and fishing ~ Door County is surrounded by Lake Michigan and the Bay of Green Bay. If you want to hit the water for recreation, sightseeing, or fishing, Door County is a great place to go.

You can bring your own boat or rent one. There are several sightseeing boat tours available also. What a great way to see some of the many lighthouses from the water. Take a glass-bottom boat tour and see some of the many sunken ships for a real treat. The cold water of Lake Michigan has preserved the sunken ships throughout the years.

The waters around Door County are filled with Salmon, Bass, Walleye, and Whitefish, making fishing a sport available year-round.

Enjoy an afternoon of Sampling Various Wines

Wineries are plentiful in Door County, giving you a variety to choose from. If you are not sure what type of wine you like or are looking to taste something local, this is a good place to start. Great news: most of the wineries in Door County have daily wine tastings.

Visit Door County Wineries

Door County is home to several wineries. The wineries create the ideal background for your romantic couple’s time. We have enjoyed several specialty wines with the Door County label. With the variety of wineries in Door County, it’s not hard to find a new favorite.

Door County Peninsula Winery has become one of our favorites. You can sample all of their wines and some of their locally-made spirits. Another fun aspect of visiting Door County Peninsula Winery is that you can observe some wine-making processes through glass observation windows.

Lautenbach Orchard County Winery and Market is another of our favorite Door County wineries. Many of their wines are made from the fruit picked right from their own orchards. This definitely adds to the flavor and the charm of their blends.

This is a fun place to stop any time of year, whether for wine tasting or spending time shopping at their market. During cherry season, you can stop and pick your own cherries right off the trees to take home and enjoy. If your timing is spot on, you might catch their festival and get to try your luck at cherry spitting. We discovered Gary is pretty good at it, coming in second on his first try.

Almost every winery in Door County will be the perfect setting for a romantic couple’s time together. For a list of Door County’s wineries, check out the Door County Wine Trail.

Tours and Museums

As you twist your way north up the coast, you’ll travel past acres of cherry and apple orchards and numerous wineries offering wine samplings. To learn more about Door County, your couple’s getaway should include one of its featured tours.

Tour one of Door County’s Lighthouses

Door County is home to 11 historic lighthouses. Some date back to the 1800s. Many of the lighthouses are only open during certain times of the year. Be sure to check the schedule if a lighthouse tour is on your vacation wish list. Three of Door County’s lighthouses are said to be haunted.

1. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse
   • Offers panoramic views of Green Bay; guided tours showcase the life of a lighthouse keeper.
2. Pilot Island Lighthouse
   • This lighthouse was built on the orders of President Buchanan to improve visibility. The lighthouse is owned by the coastguards and can only be viewed from the water.
3. Pottawatomie Lighthouse – said to be haunted
   • Historic keeper’s quarters and tower; scenic views of Lake Michigan from the top. Located on the north end of Rock Island.
4. Plum Island Range Lights
   • Plum Island lights guided ships through Death’s Door Passage, accessible by boat. Those taking the Washington Island Ferry can catch a glimpse of the lighthouse.
5. Sherwood Point Lighthouse – said to be haunted
   • One of the oldest lighthouses in Door County; restricted access, only open for tours the second weekend in June during Lighthouse Walk.
6. Chambers Island Lighthouse – said to be haunted
   • Accessible by boat, it offers tours during select times, showcasing its maritime history.
7. Baileys Harbor Range Lights
   • Two lights aided navigation into Baileys Harbor, a picturesque location for photos. The grounds are open to the public but the lighthouse is not.
8. Cana Island Lighthouse
   • Iconic for its location on a small island, visitors can climb the tower for stunning views. This has to be one of the most photographed lighthouses.
9. Sturgeon Bay Canal North Pierhead Lighthouse
   • This stunning red lighthouse marks the entrance to Sturgeon Bay. The lower level is accessible for viewing and photos from the shore.
10. Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Lighthouse (Old)
    • Decommissioned and now part of a private residence, visible from a distance. Tours are available during the second week in June during the Lighthouse Walk.
11. Old Baileys Harbor Lighthouse
    • This lighthouse was built on an island near Baileys Harbor; it is known for its birdcage lantern room. It is now privately owned.

Each lighthouse in Door County has its own unique charm and history, making them worthwhile stops for visitors exploring the area!

Segway Tour

Have you ever wanted to try a segway? This is a unique and extremely fun way to see some of Door County. Choose your Door County location for your once-in-a-lifetime experience on two wheels: Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, Ellison Bluff, Washington Island, Sister Bay, Cave Point & Whitefish Dunes, Baileys Harbor, Egg Harbor, or Sturgeon Bay.

You will enjoy and be amazed as you take in the sights and picture-worthy views of the many Door County areas while you are gliding on the two wheels of a Segway.

This is a great way to have fun and enjoy nature. Glide N.E.W. Llc offers many Segway tours throughout Wisconsin.

Visit Door County Maritime Museum

If you love lake lore, you will love the Door County Maritime Museum located along Sturgeon Bay’s working waterfront.

The Door County Maritime Museum showcases the area’s rich maritime roots. The museum features a treasure trove of artifacts, interactive exhibits, maritime stories, videos, and a tour of the restored tugboat John Purves.

You will learn about the hard-working fishermen and brave ship captains at the Maritime Museum. You will dig into the history of the lighthouses and light housekeepers that have guided ships to safety for many years. You will also see the county’s vital role in building Naval vessels during World War II.

The Maritime Museum is where Great Lakes maritime history comes alive. Check out the guided boat tours offered locally for a more spectacular glimpse of maritime history.

Shopping in Door County

Shopping in Door County is an adventure for those looking for something different. You won’t find any chain stores north of Sturgeon Bay. What you will find is quality one of a kind shops.

Each of the small towns that line the coast of Door County is filled with one-of-a-kind quaint and unique shopping opportunities with a wide variety of specialty shops.

While visiting Door County, don’t expect to find any chain stores once you travel north of Sturgeon Bay. Shopping in Door County offers visitors great opportunities to find some of the most unusual and unique gifts and home goods.

Shoppers will find one-of-a-kind antiques, gifts, men’s clothing, women’s clothing, Christmas items, children’s clothing, furniture, locally roasted coffees, locally grown foods, and much more.

Visit orchards in Door County

Door County must be home to the perfect soil for growing fruits. While driving along the roads of many small towns in Door County, you will see several different orchards. Apple and Cherry Orchards dot the landscape alongside the grape vineyards. It is a beautiful site.

Many of the orchards, during harvest, open up areas for the public to purchase and pick their own directly from the trees.

We seemed to have had perfect timing on one of our trips to Door County. It was the peak of cherry season. When cherries are ripe for picking, many places have activities going on to celebrate the harvest.

There are activities for the kids, free wine tasting for adults, cherry tasting, nightly music, and cherry pit spitting contests. Yes, this is a real thing. Gary tried his hand at it for the first time. He came in second. Who knew he had such a hidden talent?

Check out our Door County Road Trip for Cherry Picking. This trip included my daughters and me; it was a first for my daughters.

Plan a Visit to Door County’s Islands

Door County has many small islands right off the northern tip. Two of those islands, Washington Island and Rock Island, are accessible by ferry.

Take a ride on the Washington Island ferry

The Washington Island Ferry is a year-round mode of transportation that takes passengers and cars from the tip of Door County Peninsula through death’s door passage to Washington Island.

Washington Island is home to more than 700 year-round residents, and Washington Island Ferry is their only transportation from the island to Door County Peninsula. Washington Island Ferry is also the transportation vacationers use to visit any of the island’s hot spots.

Washington Island Ferry is an experience in itself. It travels through an area known as Death’s Door Passage. The chief navigational waterway between the Bay of Green Bay and Lake Michigan is a passage. It lies between the northeast end of Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula and the rocky shores of Washington Island.

There is a strong current; many vessels and lives have been lost through Death’s Door passage in bygone years. It is frequently so strong that sailing vessels can not make headway against it. No fear. The Island Ferry is the safest way to navigate through Death’s Door.

Enjoy Washington Island, Wisconsin

While on Washington Island, be sure to slow down and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Washington Island is home to several of our favorite romantic spots. Schoolhouse Beach is a unique beach that is worth visiting. This u-shaped beach is covered with perfectly smooth limestone rocks—one of only a few beaches worldwide that can make this claim.

Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm is also located off the tip of Door County Peninsula on this small northern island. To enjoy the beauty and romance of the lavender fields at their peak, visit in July or August.

A visit to Washington Island is not complete without a stop at Nelson’s Hall Bitters Pub. This one-of-a-kind pub survived prohibition by selling shots of bitters marketed as a “stomach tonic for medicinal purposes.” When visiting Nelson’s Hall Bitters Pub, you can become a local and join the Bitters Club by slamming down a shot of bitters. As a member of the Bitters Club, you receive an official Bitters Club membership card.

Visit the Island Stavkirke, an almost historic Stave church operated by the nearby Lutheran Church. The Washington Island Stavkirke has European architecture.

Door County is blessed with a history of many cultures, especially Scandinavian.

To get a personal feel, check out our post on A Romantic Trip to Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm Washington Island Door County, Wisconsin

Ferry to Rock Island

From Washington Island, you can take a ferry to the nearby smaller island of Rock Island. This uninhabited island does not allow any motorized vehicles. When visiting the island, you need to bring everything with you that you will need while there.

Rock Island is a Wisconsin State Park. The island was owned by a wealthy investor from 1910 until 1964. He left behind stone buildings and the Pottawatomie Lighthouse. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources currently owns this 900-acre island.

For the adventurous, romantic couple, overnight camping is available. Just remember to bring everything with you on the ferry.

Enjoy some of Door County’s Famous Food

Wine is not the only thing people flock to Door County for; Door County is home to some very unique and delicious restaurants and specialty foods.

Take-home cheese curds and other delicious Door County specialties

Door County has some of the best specialty food you can find. It’s home preserving at its finest.

Renard’s Cheese Shop has some of the best cheese curds in the area. Their cheese curds are delicious! We can’t leave Door County without taking some home with us.
Laudenbach has some of the best cherry salsa. This is something that I was hesitant to try, but now I am hooked.

Best Dining in Door County

What’s your dining pleasure? While in Door County, you won’t find any chain or ordinary restaurants. Some of the finest and most unique eating establishments can be found while enjoying your romantic weekend together.

A few of our favorites include ~
Old Post Office Restaurant – located in Ephraim. This is one of our favorite places for a Wisconsin Fish Boil.
Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant – a truly unique experience. In the summer, goats graze on the sod-covered roof while authentic Swedish food is prepared inside. You won’t be disappointed with a visit to Al Johnsons.

Wilson’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor – a classic Door County landmark. This old-fashioned soda fountain has some of the best burgers and ice cream around.
Waterfront Restaurant – offers some of the best seafood in the area. Add that to the beautiful view of the sunset. It’s the ideal place for a romantic dinner for two. You couldn’t want anything more.
The English Inn – home to best beef wellington and prime rib.
Wild Tomato Wood-Fired Pizza and Grill – home to some of the best pizza around.

We love the Scandinavian flair of everyone’s favorite restaurant, Al Johnson’s. This Swedish Restaurant is our number one recommended stop for new visitors. You must try their Swedish pancakes with Lingonberries preserves while enjoying the goats grazing on the roof.

For a unique glance at some of the amazing food available while visiting Door County, check out These Best Sister Bay Restaurants.

Conclusion ~ Romantic Couples Things to do in Door County

Exploring Door County with your special someone offers an array of romantic experiences that create cherished memories. From beautiful sunsets along the shoreline to intimate dining experiences and the thrill of adventure in its natural landscapes, there’s an abundance of activities to enjoy.

Whether strolling hand in hand through charming villages, savoring local flavors, or simply relishing quiet moments in nature’s embrace, Door County invites couples to connect and celebrate their love.

In Door County, the beauty of the surroundings blends perfectly with the magic of togetherness, ensuring that every visit becomes a chapter in a love story to be treasured forever.

Door County offers some unique and exciting things. So what are you waiting for? Head to Door County for a romantic weekend for two.

PIN ME FOR LATER