Why Honeymoon in Door County
Door County gives you a coastal honeymoon without the ocean, plus a slower pace than most beach towns. The villages are small and walkable, with shingled inns, ice cream shops and harbors full of sailboats.
It suits couples who like to stay active. Peninsula State Park has trails, bluffs, a lighthouse and bike routes. Kayakers can paddle among sea caves at Cave Point County Park. Sailors can charter a boat on the bay.
It is also romantic in a low-key way. Evenings revolve around sunset, often with a glass of local wine or cherry cider in hand.
For Midwestern couples, there's no flight required. Chicago is about four hours by car, Milwaukee about two and a half. That makes it simple to plan around a wedding, with more of the budget going to a nice inn.
When to Go
Late June through August is peak season. The weather is warm, the water in the bay is swimmable on warmer days and all the shops, restaurants and outdoor theaters are open. Weekends are busy, so book early.
July is cherry season, when orchards open for picking and cherry pies show up everywhere. Late May and early June bring cherry and apple blossoms.
September and October are favorites for many honeymooners. Crowds thin after Labor Day, the air is crisp and fall color usually peaks in early to mid-October. Fall festivals celebrate the harvest.
From November through April, much of the peninsula slows down. Many seasonal businesses close, though some inns stay open with fireplaces. Winter brings snow and opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but it is cold and quiet.
Where to Stay
Fish Creek is the most popular base, with restaurants, shops and the entrance to Peninsula State Park. The White Gull Inn, a historic inn known for its fish boils, is a classic choice for couples. Ephraim, a few miles north, is quieter, with white buildings, a harbor and some of the best sunset views.
Egg Harbor and Sister Bay offer more resorts and condos, along with good restaurants. On the Quiet Side, Baileys Harbor has small inns and cottages near beaches and nature preserves.
Many couples rent a cottage or a lakeside cabin with a fireplace or hot tub. Expect roughly $200 to $450 a night for good inns and cottages in peak season, with lower rates in spring and late fall. Book summer weekends months ahead, since many places require minimum stays.
Romantic Things to Do
Watch the sunset from the bay side every evening you can. Ephraim's waterfront and the shore at Peninsula State Park are favorites.
Explore Peninsula State Park by bike or on foot, stopping at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse and the beaches. In summer, catch a show at the outdoor amphitheater in the park, where Northern Sky Theater performs original musicals under the stars.
Kayak or walk the limestone cliffs at Cave Point County Park on the Lake Michigan side. The sea caves and clear water make for great photos.
Take the ferry from the peninsula's tip across Death's Door strait to Washington Island. Rent bikes or mopeds and visit Schoolhouse Beach, known for smooth white stones. Climb the tower at Cana Island Lighthouse near Baileys Harbor for views over the lake.
Getting There and Around
Green Bay Austin Straubel International (GRB) is the nearest airport, about 45 minutes from Sturgeon Bay and around an hour and a half from Fish Creek. It has nonstops to hubs such as Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis and Atlanta. Many couples fly into Milwaukee or Chicago and drive.
By car, Door County is about two and a half hours from Milwaukee and four hours from Chicago.
You will need a car to explore. The peninsula is long and villages are spread out. Biking is popular within and between bay-side villages, especially in Peninsula State Park. The Washington Island ferry carries cars and passengers, but you can easily explore the island by bike or tour tram. Plan extra time on summer weekends, when traffic slows on Highway 42.
Food and Drink
The fish boil is the local tradition. Whitefish, potatoes and onions are cooked in a big kettle over an open fire. At the end, the cook throws kerosene on the flames, causing a dramatic boil-over that pushes the fish oils out of the pot. It is served with butter, lemon and a slice of cherry pie.
Cherries are everywhere in summer, from pies and jams to cherry wine and cherry salsa. Door County has a number of wineries. Many make fruit wines alongside grape wines.
Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay is famous for its Swedish pancakes and the goats grazing on its sod roof. Fish Creek and Egg Harbor have the widest range of dining. Supper clubs, with relish trays and brandy old fashioneds, are a Wisconsin tradition worth trying.
Honeymoon Tips
Book summer weekends well ahead. Inns fill quickly. Many have minimum stays in July and August.
Check which businesses are open before you go in spring and late fall. Many close between November and April.
Bring layers. Even summer evenings can be cool by the water. Pack rain gear and sturdy shoes for hiking and rocky shorelines.
The water can be cold and rough, especially on the Lake Michigan side. Swim at designated beaches and watch for rip currents and sudden waves at Cave Point and other rocky spots.
Ticks and mosquitoes are common in wooded areas in summer. Use repellent and check for ticks after hikes. Dress is casual almost everywhere, even at nicer restaurants.
