Beach Vacations in Door County | Exploring the Midwest Podcast Episode 15
Last Updated on February 9, 2022 by Jody Halsted
When talking about beach getaways in the Midwest, Door County, Wisconsin deserves a spot at the top of the list! As a peninsula surrounded by Lake Michigan you'll find quite a few beach options!
Guest Jon Jarosh, is Director of Communications & PR at Destination Door County.
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Where is Door County, Wisconsin?
Door County is known as ‘Wisconsin's thumb' – if you look at Wisconsin and you kind of hold your left hand out in front of you, with your palm facing away, Door County is the thumb.
It is one of the few destinations that the folks up on the space station can see very easily as they're passing overhead, which is a fun little fact.
Door County Beaches
Door County is surrounded by water and has 300 miles of shoreline, all Lake Michigan.
The bay of Green Bay is what locals call the body of water to the West and Lake Michigan proper lies off the east coast, but it's all Lake Michigan.
Each village in Door County is on the coast and has a public beach and a waterfront park.
Visit Sister Bay for a ‘Beachy Vibe' in Door County
For a wide variety of things to do, visit Sister Bay. This community is in the northern part of the peninsula, along the West coast, aka the ‘sunset side'.
Waterfront Park Beach, right in downtown Sister Bay, has so much going on and yet it's a spot you can just hang out at and build a sand castle.
How to enjoy the Beach in Sister Bay
- Rent a boat, jet skis, kayak, SUP
- Wooden schooner cruise on the Edith M. Becker
- Sunset boat cruise
- Swim platform
- Pier
- Playground
- Concerts or movies at the bandshell
- Grab a meal or enjoy a beverage on an outdoor patio
- Fun local shops
- Enjoy the sunset
More Door County Beaches
There are 54 beaches in Door County.
Villages all along the peninsula have a beach.
Schoolhouse Beach on Washington Island
You have to take a ferry to get to Washington Island. Take your car or bike or rent a bike, moped, or UTV on the island.
One of the most unique beaches in the world, Schoolhouse Beach is made up of millions of smooth white stones; no sand.
Whitefish Dunes State Park
Located on the ‘lake side' of the peninsula and home to the tallest sand dunes in Wisconsin.
The beach is a mile and a half long, so it's a great place for a beach walk.
Or follow the boardwalk to the top of the sand dunes. And be sure to visit the nature center.
More info on Door County beaches
See video featuring Door County beaches
Tips for Your Door County Vacation
Fun Facts About Door County (includes distances and driving times from Midwest cities!)
Door County Dining (tip: bring your appetite!)
Door County Tours & Activities
- Door County has 11 lighthouses. Visit them on your own or take a lighthouse tour.
- Door County Adventure Rafting (high adrenaline!)
- Ice cream at Wilson's Ice Cream Parlor in Eiphram
- Parasiling
- Ziplining
- Off-road Segway tour (this is so much fun!)
- Cherry picking (late summer/ early fall)
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Fish Boil (a Door County tradition)
Door County Accommodations
You won't find many big chain hotels in Door County.
- Hotels
- Inns
- Bed & Breakfast
- Cabin rentals & vacation homes
- Campgrounds (some have cabin, yurt, and RV rentals). See my review for Wagon Trail Campground.
Plan Your Door County Vacation
Door County is a terrific, family friendly getaway, an exceptional romantic escape, or a fun destination for a girls getaway!
Get inspiration on Door County's Instagram account
