Wisconsin’s Door County might just be the best-kept secret in the Midwest.
Egg Harbor is an artsy haven, with spaces like theCappaert Contemporary GalleryandPlum Bottom Gallerystealing the show.
TheMacReady Artisan Bread Companyshines as a culinary delight and is the best lunch spot in Door County.
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Fish Creek
Another mid-peninsula gem is Fish Creek, the shopping hub of Door County.
Stop bySister Golden, owned by a mother-daughter duo and known for its vintage rugs and cool foliage prints.
There are many cuterentalsin the area, too, butWhite Gull InnandThorpe House Inn & Cottagesstand out.
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For fine dining, consider visitingGustoat the Whistling Swan, followed by a sweet treat atSara’s Artisan Gelato.
Imbibe at thePearl Wine Cottage, which offers an extensive wine list and inventive charcuterie pairings.
As for lodging,The Water Street InnandHillside Waterfront Hotelare homey options close to all the action.
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It’s also home to the delectableDoor County Creamery, with goat cheese and gelato at its brick-and-mortar shop.
(There’s even an onlinegoat cam.)
It’s best known for the sustainable agriculture approach to fine dining at theWickman House.
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A great lunch option isJackson Harbor Soup, a rustic yet pleasing soup and sandwich operation.
Baileys Harbor is a must-visit village on the Lake Michigan side.
Grab a beverage at the kitschyBlue Ox.
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Stretch your legs at the nearbyRidges Sanctuary,the first land trust in Wisconsin.
Each of these main villages is connected by theDoor County Coastal Byway, a newly designated National Scenic Byway.
The industrial, shipbuilding hub of the area has plenty to offer visitors.
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ItsMaritime Museumfeatures a colossal lighthouse with an observation deck right on the waterfront and 10 floors of interactive exhibits.
Local shops likeBliss,Novel Bay Booksellers, andDoor County Candyhelp make downtown an excellent spot for souvenirs.
Additionally, bass fishing reigns supreme in Sturgeon Bay, with the city earning anational reputationfrom anglers.
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In terms of lodging, numerous condos and hotels are available.
Public lands help preserve the area’s beauty, with five state and 19 county parks welcoming visitors year-round.
Don’t miss the view from the ADA-accessible Eagle Tower hundreds of feet up on Eagle Bluff.
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The wilds ofNewport State Park thestate’s first International Dark Sky Park allow for prime stargazing opportunities.
Another exciting spot, especially for kayaking, isCave Point County Park.
This well-loved location features dramatic, water-worn limestone ledges.
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This park can only be reached via passenger ferry from Washington Island in the summertime.
There are even11 lighthousesin the county, a nod to the region’s maritime history.
Can’t get enough of the magical Midwest?
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Check out ourfavorite drives in the regionand itsbest small towns.
