Making the case for building an “antiquing day” into your Door County stay
Part of the joy of visiting Door County is discovering the stories tucked into our villages and communities — and few experiences reveal those stories quite like exploring antique stores in Door County.
From carefully preserved heirlooms from the peninsula and beyond to unexpected vintage finds, these shops invite you to slow down, browse thoughtfully for a hidden treasure or two, and connect with pieces that have both history and character.
Whether you’re planning a dedicated antiquing trip while on the peninsula (an idea we wholeheartedly agree with!) or just looking to weave in a few memorable stops into a weekend getaway in Wisconsin, you’ll find antique stores in Door County both plentiful with personalities shaped by the owners, the region, and the eras represented on the shelves.
Here are a few of our favorite antique stores in Door County. Have fun, and happy hunting!
Ephraim: Vintage treasures in the village
Ephraim is a natural starting point, especially if you’re staying at Ephraim Shores Resort, where many of the best antique stores in Door County are just a short walk or drive away.
At Chelsea Antiques & Blue Willow Shops, you’ll find an eclectic mix of fine antiques, Blue Willow china, and European-inspired décor. Housed in a late 1800s barn, the two shops bring together the old and new in a luxurious way. It’s the kind of place where one room leads seamlessly into another, each revealing a new layer of history.
Right on Highway 42/Water Street in the Shorewood Village Shops, Rusty Dusty Vintage & Records brings a playful energy to the Ephraim antique scene. Come for the great collection of vintage t-shirts, clothes, and home goods — stay for the incredible record selection that’s expertly curated by owners Adam and Jackie.
A favorite among locals and visitors alike, Thrift Hagen offers a classic thrift-and-vintage experience with a Door County twist. Inventory changes often, which is part of the fun — you never quite know what you’ll uncover, from small furniture pieces and home décor to charming vintage odds and ends.
And, while it’s not strictly an antique store, we can’t list antique stores in Door County without calling out The Simple Solution. A resale and consignment shop at the north end of the village, this store always seems to have a rotating collection of antique and vintage pieces that blend beautifully with their collection of modern home goods and furnishings.
Egg Harbor & Baileys Harbor: A classic antiquing circuit
Heading south, Egg Harbor offers a nice cluster of antique stores in Door County.
Shades of the Past — hard to miss with its bright yellow exterior and windows filled with vintage glass — is a longtime favorite. Antique-lovers love to explore their collections of porcelain, glassware, and hard-to-find furniture pieces.
If you’re looking to maximize your treasure hunting, head to Bay Trading Company and Olde Orchard Antique Mall, two large antique stores in Door County that are literally across the street from one another on Highway 42. Bay Trading’s niche is decorative architectural salvage items, while Olde Orchard features hundreds of vendors and booths. You might need to take a whole day just for this one!
On the other side of the peninsula in Baileys Harbor, Koepsel’s Meadow Lane Antiques offers no shortage of antique conversation pieces — especially if you’re interested in vintage finds from Wisconsin.
Sister Bay, Ellison Bay & Sturgeon Bay: Gems from the peninsula’s opposite ends
Located on Highway 42 at the top of the Sister Bay hill, Romantiques is a thoughtfully-curated store that carries a collection of antique and vintage items alongside art, jewelry, clothing, and assemblage. A recent review says it all: “The owner is a lifelong collector with impeccable taste.”
In Ellison Bay, Hill House stands out for its blend of “treasures new and old, and goods from faraway places.” Stop into this yellow, sun-soaked cottage for antique baskets and dishes, art, and photography.
And down in Sturgeon Bay, Bayside Bargains on Madison Avenue offers a true treasure-hunting experience, with ever-changing window displays and an entire lower level of the shop that is dedicated to furniture and fixtures.
Whether you’re searching for a statement piece or simply enjoy the thrill of the hunt, antique stores in Door County are a fun place to spend a little time. Browsing these shops is as much about the experience as the find — unhurried, curious, and full of small surprises.
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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