12 Indoor Activities for Rainy Days

Nothing beats a beautiful summer day in Door County. Sometimes inclement weather can force you inside.

But don’t fret. Door County has amazing indoor activities and experiences that can keep the whole gang entertained and prevent a day from being lost waiting out the weather. You’[l discover rainy days provide the perfect excuse to explore more sides of Door County — some you didn’t even know existed.

Tuck away these 12 ideas to prepare for the next time your outdoor plans are foiled by Mother Nature.

1. Uncover History & Art at Museums: Take a feel-good trip to a museum. You’ll find plenty of fascinating places to explore, including historical museums, a Belgian Heritage Center, and two art museums — the Francis Hardy Center for the Arts and the Miller Art Museum. Plus, Door County boasts two maritime museums — Door County Maritime Museum and Death’s Door Maritime Museum.

2. Get Hands-On at an Art Class: Inspire your creative side and attend a make-your-own-art class or other DIY art event, with many kid-friendly options! Peninsula School of Art, Hands-On Art Studio and Door County Candle Company are all amazing places to let your creativity run wild with classes and workshops in ceramics, oil painting, tile work and more. 

3. Attend a Show or Performance: Even in the off-season, the arts scene here thrives. Catch a play, concert, exhibit, or other art experience and support local artists and performers while discovering creative inspiration in Door County.

4. Treat Yourself to a Fine Meal: If visiting a Wisconsin supper club is on your bucket list, a rainy evening may be the perfect time. Or, consider a meal at a fine-dining restaurant if you want a full culinary experience with fine wines, coursed menus and world-class food.

5. Indulge a Little at a Brewery, Winery. Cidery or Distillery: If you’re a fan of spirits of any kind, hit up at least one brewery, winery, cidery or distillery in Door County. Many offer facility tours, sampling and tasting rooms, as well as light food menus. If the harder stuff isn’t for you, coffee shops selling coffee, tea, specialty drinks and baked goods are also plentiful and perfect for a low-key day.

6. Make a Splash in Indoor Pools: If you’re lucky (or strategic), your hotel, resort or other lodging might just have an indoor pool perfect for off-days.

7. Explore Indoor Nature Centers: Nature preserves like Crossroads at Big Creek, The Ridges Sanctuary and the Jacobsen Museum feature indoor facilities, exhibits and nature programming great for an off-weather day. The centers also offer year-round hiking trails and beautiful outdoor spaces if you are willing to brave the elements. Stop by the White Cedar Nature Center in Peninsula State Park to make crafts, look at historic photos or plan a hike using their awesome light-up map. Be sure to ask about the scavenger hunt for kids.

8. Go Back to Basics: When in doubt, go for a classic, such as bowling, a cooking class, a spa visit, cooking up peninsula-inspired dishes or good old-fashioned beers or drinks at the bar. Sister Bay Bowl offers a classic Midwestern experience in a throwback atmosphere. Learn to score your own game in an alley that dates to the 1950s and remains one of the most popular destinations in the county.

9. Cozy Up with Books or Games: The Write On! Door County center, as well as many bookstores and retail shops that sell books, have games, crafts and other quiet-time activities. Door County’s numerous community libraries also offer books and indoor entertainment, including the Kress Pavilion. This magnificent building includes Egg Harbor’s town library, which has a great selection of kids’ games and books and a special room just for young children. Upstairs, explore the Great Hall and marvel at the views of Egg Harbor and the orchards up the hill.

10. Spoil Yourself: Use the scenic back roads of the county to crisscross from town to town visiting candy and ice cream shops, breweries, wineries, restaurants, galleries and shops. 

11. Take a Trolley Ride: Take an indoor experience on the road with Door County Trolley. Choose from different tours, including scenic tours, ghost tours and wine tours, and let their professional guides show you the best of Door County.

12. Go Outside Anyway: It may be raining outside, , but incredible satisfaction can be had from gearing up, braving the elements, and embracing a few hours on the trail, whether hiking, running, snowshoeing, skiing or sight-seeing. 

Even when the weather won’t cooperate, or if you just need some slower, quieter activities for a day, Door County has plenty to do indoors as well as out. Discover even more rainy day activities, check out this list of additional indoor entertainment options: