How to Visit Wisconsin's Door Peninsula

Going to Wisconsin on vacation and would like to see a few of the spots on the Door Peninsula? Here's a few suggestions on where to stop and how to prepare for the trip.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• vehicle to drive in
• money for souvenirs, gas, hotel, food

1. Before the trip to the peninsula, try to fill up your vehicle with gasoline. It can cost a lot more at the tourist cities, so it's likely a good idea to have a full tank before going.
2. Decide which route to take. Generally, the most common routes are highway 57 or 42. (Use an accurate at home road map program to find country roads to drive on if preferred). Highway 42 might be better as the places I recommend stopping at are along it.
3. On the way north, the first stop I recommend is Kewaunee. Stop at the beach if it is warm enough and go for a swim or take a long walk along the shore. There are some very interesting photos that can be taken there of the water or the carved out sides of hills. Also, during the warmer months, visit Kewaunee Custard for some frozen custard.
4. The next place to stop is Algoma--unless a person would like to see what Alaska, WI is like first. There are also nice beaches for swimming here. A good place to stop here is the Von Steihl Winery. They have good fudge for sale, wine, and non-alcoholic sparkle drinks. They also used to have cheese and ice cream, but I'm not sure what they have right now as it's under new ownership. There are also guided tours of the winery available.
5. The next place of note is Sturgeon Bay. Particularly notable is the fact they want to keep their city's buildings looking like an older much fancier style. On the way there, there is a farmer's market with interesting foods--fruit mainly--and some other little shops to stop at.
   Also, this might be a great place to stop for some necessities as there aren't many major stores past this point. Also, don't expect to see fast food places past this point. Remember, this is great place as well to stop for cherries--either pre-picked or pick-your-own.
6. A little past Sturgeon Bay is the Door County Winery. It is set in an old schoolhouse. They have wine tours here as well as some other products not available from Von Steihl.
7. The next place of note is the Fish Creek area. The start of large amounts of tourist attraction and gift shops begins here. There are some great views of the water along this portion of the journey.
8. Keep on going through Ellison Bay and Sister Bay--unless it is desired to see the sights or buy some sovenirs at either of these places. Keep doing until Gil's Rock is reached. This is a great place to get on board a boat and go across to Washington Island. Washington Island can be toured by bicycle or by a vehicle that resembles a train.
9. If you are from out of state, make sure you have enough money for a hotel stay and meals along the route. As there are many parks along the way, stopping at one for a picnic lunch is also a good idea.

Tips & Warnings

• Tour any older buildings or museums you can along this route.
• Bring along items to entertain the kids for long periods where there is nothing to do.
• Bring a camera or video camera to take pictures or movies.
• See all the natural sights you can as well.