24 hours in Door County: A Perfect Day on the Peninsula
Published
Inspired by Midwest Living’s 2025 Road Rally — a three-stop adventure in partnership with Travel Wisconsin — this itinerary captures the charm of 24 hours in Door County. As featured in the magazine’s lakes-and-lighthouses-themed journey, Door County shines with shoreline towns, scenic drives, and sparkling night skies. From on-the-water fun to iconic local flavors, this is your guide to experiencing the very best of the peninsula.
10:11 AM - Renard's Cheese & Melt Bistro, Sturgeon Bay
Kick off your day with a stop at Renard’s Artisan Cheese, a third-generation, family-owned destination known for its free daily cheese and wine tastings. Explore a wide variety of handcrafted cheeses, fresh cheese curds, homemade sausage, and local specialty foods. On-site, Melt Bistro serves up fresh sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads, and pizzas with both indoor and outdoor seating available — perfect for a relaxed breakfast or an easy takeout option before hitting the road.
11:00 AM – Coffee and Gallery Hopping, Sturgeon Bay
After breakfast, take a creative detour into Sturgeon Bay’s thriving arts scene. Grab another coffee at Lawlss Coffee, known for its modern, cozy vibe, or visit Pinky Promise Coffee Roasters, a local partner roasting small-batch beans with a focus on sustainability and community. From there, explore nearby galleries like M. Anderson Gallery, featuring vibrant original works inspired by the Great Lakes, and Popelka Trenchard Glass, where you can watch live glassblowing demonstrations. This blend of caffeine and culture offers a vibrant glimpse into the peninsula’s creative energy.
12:00 PM – Local Flavors Along the Central Peninsula
Midday is the perfect time to slow down and savor some of Door County’s diverse dining options. In Sturgeon Bay, Get “Real” Cafe offers fresh, health-conscious meals made from organic and locally sourced ingredients — think hearty wraps, creative salads, and nourishing grain bowls that don’t compromise on flavor. Further up the coast in Jacksonport, Island Fever Rum Bar & Grill brings a taste of the tropics to the peninsula with its Caribbean-inspired menu and relaxed atmosphere. Looking for more ideas? Explore our dining directory to find the perfect lunch spot that fits your style and cravings.
1:00 PM – Kayak Tour and State Park Exploration, Whitefish Dunes
In the afternoon, head to Whitefish Dunes State Park for a guided kayak tour with Door County Adventure Center. Their Cave and Dunes tour explores the stunning Lake Michigan shoreline, complete with sea caves, towering sand dunes, and unique geological formations. The calm pace allows for plenty of time to take in the natural beauty of the park. If you’d rather stay on land, Whitefish Dunes also offers accessible hiking trails, beach access, and interpretive displays at the nature center, making it an ideal stop for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
You can be a Guardian of the Greens and help protect Door County’s state parks. Your donations will have a lasting impact on these beloved outdoor spaces.
3:00 PM – Brews and Baked Goods in Baileys Harbor
For a mid-afternoon reset, head to Sway Brewing + Blending in Baileys Harbor — a modern, small-batch brewery focused on creating thoughtful, well-balanced beers and blends. With a minimalist aesthetic, airy taproom, and rotating selection of craft brews, it’s a relaxing place to unwind after a day of exploring. Whether you’re into tart farmhouse ales, crisp lagers, or creative flavor combinations, Sway’s inventive approach makes each visit a little different. Grab a pint, settle into the patio, and take in the laid-back atmosphere of the lakeside village.
4:00 PM – Cana Island Lighthouse, Baileys Harbor
A visit to Door County wouldn’t be complete without seeing one of its most iconic lighthouses. Located just northeast of Baileys Harbor, Cana Island Lighthouse is accessible via a causeway that’s walkable or rideable by a seasonal tractor wagon when water levels are high. Once on the island, you can climb the spiral staircase to the top of the 89-foot tower for panoramic views of Lake Michigan, explore the restored keeper’s quarters, and learn about Door County’s maritime history. The lighthouse is operated by the Door County Maritime Museum and is typically open seasonally from May through October.
5:00 PM - Dinner at Door County Creamery, Sister Bay
Enjoy a flavorful meal at Door County Creamery in Sister Bay, where a creative, ingredient-driven menu highlights local and seasonal produce. Try the popular Hot Honey sandwich loaded with calabrese, pepperoni, mozzarella, arugula, crispy onions, and finished with a drizzle of truffle hot honey on crusty bâtard. Don’t forget to save room for dessert: a scoop of housemade goat’s milk ice cream or one of their massive homemade cookies is a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
9:00 PM - Stargazing at Newport State Park, Ellison Bay
Cap off your Door County day with a visit to Newport State Park, Wisconsin’s only designated International Dark Sky Park. As night falls, this remote preserve in Ellison Bay becomes one of the best places in the Midwest to witness a truly dark sky. Without the interference of artificial light, you can see constellations, planets, and — on the clearest nights — the glowing arc of the Milky Way. Bring a blanket, flashlight, and bug spray for a peaceful end to an active and rewarding day.
Where to Stay: The Dörr Hotel, Sister Bay
After a full day of exploration, rest easy at The Dörr Hotel in Sister Bay. With clean Scandinavian-inspired design, cozy fireplaces, and a prime location just steps from the waterfront, it’s a stylish and relaxing way to conclude your 24 hours in Door County.
Sign up today!
Visit Door County virtually with monthly newsletter updates. Each issue is jam-packed with vacation ideas, special offers, recipes, festivals, events, and more.
Subscribe to the Newsletter
