Our ultimate list for enjoying autumn on the peninsula
If you’ve only visited Door County during the summer, you’re missing out on one of the most beautiful and bustling seasons: fall. Fall brings a whole new energy to the peninsula, with more color (from the vibrant reds, oranges, and brown leaves on the trees, among other reasons!), a full calendar of festivals and events, and the kind of crisp, cool days that are ripe for exploration.
Whether you’re here for the apples, the views, or just a getaway to one of your favorite places, here’s our list of seven things to do in Door County in fall. You might need to plan a second fall trip just to fit everything in — and we’d be happy to host you at Ephraim Shores Resort!
Our favorites: 7 things to do in Door County in fall
- Take a scenic drive A scenic drive is one of the most rewarding things to do in Door County in fall — especially when the trees are putting on a full-color show.Two standout routes? Head south from Egg Harbor along Horseshoe Bay Drive for rolling countryside, bluff views, and the historic barns of Horseshoe Bay Farms, or venture north past Sister Bay toward Gills Rock to experience canopy-covered roads, shoreline vistas, and the famous winding road to the Washington Island ferry. Either way, you’ll find yourself pulling over for photos.
- Climb a tower (or two) Want the best view of the season? Door County’s observation towers offer a whole new perspective on fall color, making it one of the best things to do in Door County in fall, hands down.Start with Eagle Tower at Peninsula State Park (through October 31), where you can stroll the fully accessible ramp to take in sweeping views of the treetops and shoreline. For a quieter (but equally beautiful) experience, head to Potawatomi State Park near Sturgeon Bay, where the rebuilt tower reopens this fall with panoramic views. And if your fall adventure takes you to Washington Island, don’t miss the Mountain Park Lookout Tower — a short climb that rewards you with 360-degree views of the island and the lake beyond. It’s one of the most scenic things to do in Door County in fall, hands down.
- Go apple (and pumpkin) picking From Honeycrisps to pie-perfect Cortlands, local orchards are overflowing with fall produce. Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market in Fish Creek and Sister Bay’s Seaquist Orchards are two local favorites offering U-pick apples, cider tastings, pumpkins, and homemade goodies.It’s a great way to experience the harvest season — and check a few gifts off your list while you’re at it. These classic fall experiences aren’t just for kids — they’re one of the most nostalgic things to do in Door County in fall and a great way to take a taste of the season home with you.
- Explore local fall festivals We love a good celebration in Door County, and fall is full of them! Head to Sturgeon Bay’s Harvest Feston Saturday, September 20, visit the peninsula’s 11 lighthouses over Columbus Day weekend from Saturday, October 4 through Monday, October 6 as part of the Autumn Lighthouse Festival, and be sure to get to Egg Harbor’s Pumpkin Patch Festival on Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12.
Of course, you’ll also want to be here for the “granddaddy of all festivals” — Sister Bay’s Fall Festival, held from Friday, October 17 through Sunday, October 19. And, if you’re a Halloween lover, Fish Creek’s Jack O’ Lantern Days is the perfect way to celebrate. All of these festivals are packed with live music, arts and crafts, family fun, and food! - Eat at a classic supper clubTruth be told, there’s no bad time to enjoy a meal at one of Door County’s supper clubs, but the comfort food — not to mention the Brandy Old Fashioneds — just hit differently during the cooler months.Our favorites are the English Inn in Door County (not quite the same as heading to one of the ice cream shops in Door County, but be sure to have an ice cream drink for dessert!), the Sister Bay Bowl for friendly service, ample portions, and great fish and prime rib, the Nightingale Supper Club in Sturgeon Bay, and Donny’s Glidden Lodge, also in Sturgeon Bay. Hunkering down for a great meal with friends or family? That’s one of the best things to do in Door County in fall.
- Visit a winery or a cidery There’s nothing like a bit of wine or cider to warm your belly when the temperatures dip, which means that fall is the perfect season to sip your way through a few tastings in the comfort of a cozy tasting room. Check out our list of wineries in Door County and start planning your stops!And, while it’s not a winery, we’d also suggest a stop at Ellison Bay’s Island Orchard Cider. Their tasting room and retail space features crisp, Normandy-style ciders made from local apples and pears.
- Go on a hike Crisp air, crunchy leaves, and vibrant foliage make fall hiking especially rewarding. Try the trails at Newport State Park, the Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor, or any one of the protected lands of the Door County Land Trust. You’ll get views of all of the ecosystems that make Door County special — the rocky bluffs created by the Niagara Escarpment, acres of quiet forests, and expansive meadows where you might see a few migrating birds.
Fall is the perfect time to experience Door County. From hikes and leaf peeping to tasting the flavors of the season, the list of things to do in Door County in fall is plentiful. Come ready to explore — and maybe leave room in your suitcase for a few extra layers, and some goodies to take home!
Ephraim Shores Resort — a waterfront Door County resort for the whole family
Located in downtown Ephraim, Ephraim Shores is a family-friendly resort for groups of all sizes. From our private sundeck overlooking Eagle Harbor and our many room types to our beautiful waterfront location, Ephraim Shores has everything your family needs for the perfect vacation. Some of our amenities include an indoor pool and hot tub, an exercise room and game room, and bikes for our guests to use. To make your reservation, contact us at 877-854-2371 or visit our website at ephraimshores.com.
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