Wisconsins Door County is where Scandinavian hygge meets Midwestern charm.
Waves crashed against the 100-foot-high limestone cliff, and deep-blue water extended to the horizon.
I had no idea, my mom said, her eyes fixed on the thrashing shore.
Ellison Bluff County Park, in Door County, Wisconsin.Credit:Dan Eggert/Courtesy of Destination Door County
But here, there are no interstate highways, few stop signs, and even fewer traffic lights.
Door County isnt on the way to anywhere.
It was a place to slow down and spend a weekend exploring an endless shoreline.
A cottage at the Alpine, a waterfront resort in Egg Harbor.Jason Mann/Courtesy of Alpine Resort
Like many of Wisconsins classic resorts, regulars make up the majority of its guests.
Weve been here fourteen times, our cottage neighbor said.
This place is practically home.
Fishermen from Baileys Harbor Fish Co.Courtesy of Baileys Harbor Fish Company
Another scene-stealer is nearby Schoolhouse Beach, which is made up of smooth white limestone rocks.
Ive never dropped my fork faster.
Saturday
We found ourselves on the water again the following day.
Next, we headed to Sister Bay, the busiest village on the peninsula.
But about two hours into the paddle, the waves turned rough.
Vincent tied his kayak to ours, then steered us safely across the whitecaps to the mainland.
I do love a good, calming float, my mom joked, wringing out her shirt.
After drying off, we went cherry picking atHyline Orchards.
My kind of traffic noise, my mom said, her face golden in the fading light.
A version of this story first appeared in the February 2025 issue ofTravel + Leisureunder the headline American Beauty.
