Door County Day Trips: Sightseeing Top to Bottom

See the working Coast Guard Station located where the Sturgeon Bay Canal meets Lake Michigan. Travelers are able to walk onto the station grounds to get a look at the Canal Light and down the 1000 foot pier leading to the Pierhead Lighthouse with its distinctive deep red color and amazing view of Lake Michigan.

Travelers will walk along the rocky banks of Lake Michigan's Whitefish Bay and witness the amazing sand dunes which are the state park's treasure.

A definite must see in Door County, Cave Point offers amazing views of Lake Michigan from the magnificent rock formations that the caves of Cave Point are carved from. Truly an experience that is different every time you visit. Learn about the Niagra Escarpment and why this county is so darn rocky! Take some pictures with the best natural framing available. Hike down some of the root and rock infested trails to see vent holes and if it's windy, try not to get wet.

Once the seat of Door County, Bailey's Harbor is steep in Door County History. Learn about the founding of Door County and the story of how the Ridge's Sanctuary became a protected treasure. Walk the boardwalk connecting the Bailey's Harbor Range Lights and see the bird cage lighthouse.

The Washington Island Ferry leaves from Northport Pier. The ferry offers rides across Death's Door to Washington Island. From the beach off of the pier travelers will be able to view the ferry in addition to the Plum, and Pilot Lighthouses. Part of the fun of Northport Pier is getting there because this is where the infamous curvy road is located.

This is the heart of Door County Cherry Country and if it's open when we pass by, we won't be passing by. The place to go for anything cherries in Door County, they have a great selection of premade pies, fillings, preserves, and treats ready to eat. Travelers will also get to see some of the orchards that the family maintains.

Travelers will have a scenic drive down a tree canopied road that sneaks back to a little park which is perched on a massive bluff overlooking Green Bay. Visitors can walk down the stepped path to an overlook which is literally perched out on the sheer face of a rather high cliff overlooking the bay as far as you can see. Stunning views and a little thrilling if your brave enough to go out to the main viewpoint for a look. But fear not, there are plenty of great views available from just about everywhere.

A narrated drive through the popular village of Sister Bay. Home to Scandinavian culture, a beautiful shore front, and quaint little shops.

As we drive through Ephraim, visitors will see the amazing view of Eagle Harbor which the town sits next to. Ephraim is an amazingly pretty town with an old time hamburger and ice cream shop, some unique galleries, and scenic views to spare.

See the memorial which marks the grave of Simon Onanguisse Kahquados, the last Chief of the Potawatomi.

We will stop at the lighthouse if someone expresses interest. However, if you wish to go in and walk around, there is a small fee which is not included in our day trip; see exclusions. Viewing the lighthouse from the outside is free and you are able to get right up to it. There are also some great views of the bay from outside the lighthouse.

Peninsula State Park is another Door County Must See. Travelers will be driven down the beautifully tree canopied roadways that twist through the park. The main stop in the park will be the Eagle Tower, but Sven's Bluff, and the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse could also be possibilities depending on the day and the group. (not all stops are guaranteed)

Take in Fish Creek which was voted by Forbes to be one of the 15 prettiest small towns in the country. See the original Founder's Square, visit the harbor and Sunset Beach. Drive along Millionaire's Row and see the best place to have breakfast in America according to Good Morning America.

In town one will find food, distilleries, shops galore, the original Cupula House built by the founder Levi Thorp, a Native American Museum which was home to Chief Roy Oshkosh, the last Chief of the Menominee people. Finally before we leave, at the top of the hill on the edge of the village is a winery and free cheese tasting if our group is so inclined.

Learn about how Carlsville got its name and about the businesses that exist here.

A stop at the George K. Pinney County Park to view the Sherwood Point Lighthouse which sits directly across the Sturgeon Bay Canal. Additionally, see the opening of the Sturgeon Bay Canal as it breaks off from the Bay of Green Bay.

As we enter Sturgeon Bay, travelers will see the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding Company and any ships that are currently being built, repaired, or waiting in dock. Hear about the local shipbuilding history of the city and cross both of the draw bridges spanning the canal downtown. To cap it off, check out the best main (Third) street of shops anywhere in Door County while also seeing galleries, and places to eat and drink. And how can we forget the maritime museum, the Coast Guard Ship the Mobile Bay, and the Grainery.

Experience the new tower overlooking Eagle Harbor and Green Bay. A ramp to the top of the newly built 60 foot tower is completely ADA accessible and is about as stunning as the tower itself.

Learn about the historical days of Jacksonport and the modern day festivals and events.

The historical Cupula House, local drinkeries, shops, and restaurants.