36 Hours in Wisconsin's Winter Wonderland

You wake up with the morning snow gently falling outside. It’s the weekend and you can think of little more than staying under the warm covers. But one thing is different. You’ve woken up in Door County and Wisconsin's winter wonderland awaits outside.

A winter trip to Door County is reserved for those who truly know how to relax, removed from the hustle and bustle of the summer. While there are still a number of activities, shopping, and dining options, there is also a little more room to breathe, giving you the opportunity to slow down and connect with the beauty of the peninsula.

Saturday Morning

There are few better ways to wake up than with a delicious cup of steaming hot coffee in one of the county’s many coffee shops. With most serving locally roasted coffee beans, bring a book or grab a newspaper and strike up conversation with the locals who also have the chance to slow down in the off-summer months.

You’ll want to make your way over to the Door County Trolley for one of its three winter tours. Take the heated trolley to the best wineries, breweries, and lunch spots in the county while taking in the natural beauty of the snow covered landscape.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon visiting the many shops in each community. Whether you’re looking for a new winter coat at On Deck, the flavors of the county from Grandma Tommy’s Country Store, or something to keep those outdoor adventures going from Bay Shore Outfitters.

Evening

After dropping everything off back at the hotel, freshen up for a nice dinner at one of the vibrant supper clubs that serve as a warm hearth of local activity on cold winter days. With a thriving ice fishing scene, you can find fresh, locally caught fish at most restaurants in the county throughout the year.

After dinner, enjoy a nightcap at local bar or tavern where you can even find some live music most weekends of the winter.

Or head over the the Third Avenue Playhouse which features local productions of original and well-known plays. Other performance venues offer unique shows and opportunities throughout the winter as well.

Sunday Morning

Wake up with a cool walk through one of the charming local communities and watch them come to life with local activity. Head over to Al Johnson’s for a traditional Swedish breakfast or American fare at the Village Cafe in Egg Harbor.

Or perhaps you’re the person to grab a quick cup of coffee on your way to the great outdoors. Thousands of acres of public reserves and parks await every winter activity you could think of. Spend the morning cross country skiing on more than 25 miles of groomed trails at Newport State Park or at Peninsula State Park. For a bit of a slower pace, strap on some snowshoes at one of the Door County Land Trust’s many preserves.

Many of the parks also provide opportunities for fat biking, but be sure to check with the park office on where the designated trails are.

Sunday Afternoon

After a morning of activity, warm up with a heaping bowl of homemade chili, soup, or a hearty burger at the Peninsula Pub or Husby’s Food & Spirits in Sister Bay.

On your way out of town, be sure to stop by one of the many galleries that are open throughout the year.