Ephraim, Wisconsin

Where History, Fine Arts, & Water Sports Collide

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Experience Door County's Living History in Ephraim

No community embodies its heritage like Ephraim. Embedded in the harbor with a panoramic view of Peninsula State Park’s Eagle Bluff lighthouse and Horseshoe Island, Ephraim has preserved its Norwegian and Moravian roots by making them a part of its modern life.

A historic logging pier finds new life as an art gallery, an impossible fire station becomes a museum, and log cabins are reborn as coffee shops and storefronts. Each June the town hosts its annual Fyr Bal festival, a tribute to Norway's Midsummer's Eve. The past is alive in Ephraim, where everything has a water view and you can soak up the views from a boat, kite board, kayak, or paddle board.

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Restaurants in Ephraim

Dine with a historic view, enjoy a century-old ice cream parlor, or catch an authentic Door County fish boil. In Ephraim, you’ll find history and a story behind every meal.

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Ephraim Favorites

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Ephraim Lodging

Snug between Fish Creek and Sister Bay, Ephraim’s historic lodging facilities make it a perfect location for your Northern Door excursion. Romantic inns, suites, and hotels line the shore, offering amazing water views and sunset strolls.

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Ephraim Favorites

Things to Do in Ephraim

History, a bustling waterfront, and a rich arts scene mean there’s never a shortage of things to do in Ephraim. Rent all types of watercraft, hike in Peninsula State Park, or visit inspiring galleries with gardens, flowers, and sculptures.

More to Do in Door County

Ephraim Favorites

Deeper Dive: Ephraim

Wooden building in the distance surrounded by trees.

Architecture & Landmarks

Door County architecture and landmarks tell a story of its people, its culture, and a place where nature, recreation, and family time are valued above all else.

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Community Spotlight: Ephraim

Whether it’s the pristine white facade of nearly all the village buildings, the unfettered views along the waterfront, quirky historic buildings, or the stunning bluffs of Peninsula State Park across the harbor, Ephraim is candy for the eyes from every angle.

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How Door County Got Its Name

There is some debate about the true origin of the name, but all the folklore points to Death’s Door as the inspiration—that chillingly (and appropriately) named strait between the northernmost tip of the Door peninsula and Washington Island.

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People sitting around a large fire at a fish boil.

Traditional Fish Boils

Fish boils are an integral part of Door County, WI tradition and have been one of the area’s most alluring tourist attractions for more than 70 years.

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A lighthouse in the distance with a sailboat in the foreground.

Lighthouses

Explore the 11 famous Wisconsin lighthouses in Door County, WI. Find great photo opportunities, take guided tours, and get a taste of local maritime history.

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Door County’s Maritime Historical Sites

Living and working on Lake Michigan has long been a part of the Door County identity, and relics of the region's maritime roots can still be seen today at these nautically inspired attractions.

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5 Must-Dos in Ephraim

1. Get on the water

It’s easy here, with pontoon boats, paddleboards, kayaks, sailboat cruises, and jet-skis all available right in the center of town. The protected harbor offers calm waters for the novice paddler, while the shores of Peninsula State Park beckon the more adventurous.

2. Make your mark at Anderson Dock

For generations visitors have been writing their names on the boards of the Hardy Gallery on Anderson Dock. Add yours to the list.

3. Get an iconic photo

Ephraim is a photographer’s paradise, whether it’s the picture of Americana that is Wilson’s Ice Cream parlor, the sun setting behind Eagle Bluff, or the historic beauty of Anderson Dock. Get artsy or snap the perfect selfie.

4. Get your history on

The Ephraim Historical Foundation has done an amazing job preserving the heritage of this quaint American village. Take a guided walking tour or visit the museum district.

Two people biking with a lighthouse in the background.

5. Run or ride into Peninsula State Park

The back roads and shoreline of Ephraim are perfect for a short run or ride, but they're made even more amazing with an extension into Peninsula State Park at the village’s southern edge.

Ephraim Annual Events

May

Door County Half Marathon

The Door County Half Marathon takes runners through 13.1 miles of Peninsula State Park, providing a variety of incredible views (as well as a 5k option).