Plan Your Stay

Whether you’re here for an afternoon, a weekend, a week, or you decide to never leave, our handy planning guide can give you the best tips and suggestions for how to spend your time while you’re here.

Winter - I Have a Week

On the water

Take in the astounding sights and sounds of massive Great Lakes freighters maneuvering through the ship canal on their way to winter layup

Attractions

Learn about Door County history at the Door County Maritime Museum and Miller Art Museum
Explore a favorite food of Door County with a stop at award-winning cheesemaker Renards Cheese
Indoor theater at Third Avenue Playhouse or Rogue Theater
Explore Sturgeon Bay’s ART offerings: galleries and districts stimulate your brain’s right side, and make for enlightening shopping and gifts
Tour and experience Sturgeon Bay and Door County on an authentic trolley tour
Visit the U.S. Coast Guard Canal Station lighthouses and stop at lookout points for views of the canal

In the great indoors

Bowling, darts and old fashioned tavern games
Hearty, warming food and drinks
Local art galleries and districts feature art, jewelry and glass
Holiday shopping season features unique specialty gift shops and boutiques
Take a drive to Carlsville and check out the shops, eat delicious food, taste wine and spirits
Take a stroll around the waterfront, watching the maritime hustle and bustle, and relaxing to the sounds of the water and waterfowl

Relax & Rejuvenate

Snuggle up by a crackling fire
Treat yourself at a day spa
Stroll by the frozen bay under a full moon
Bird watch by the canal, lake or bay
Unwind in a bubbling Jacuzzi or sauna

In the great outdoors

Snowshoe, cross-country ski or hike at area parks or nature preserves. Rentals available!
Take a fat tire e-bike tour on trails; rentals available.
Sled down the sledding hill
Ice skate at the city rink
Ice fish for perch, walleye or other freshwater favorites
Learn to ice fish on a guided ice fishing charter
Snowmobile along winding trails to discover another side of Door County

Traveling with children & teens

Check out our "In the great outdoors" section
Bowling, darts and old fashioned tavern games
Learn about Door County history at the Door County Maritime Museum and Miller Art Museum
Explore a flavor of Door County with a stop and tour at award-winning cheesemaker Renards Cheese
Tour and experience Sturgeon Bay and Door County on an authentic trolley tour
Bird watch by the canal, lake or bay
Take a stroll around the waterfront, watch the winter freighter fleet hustle and bustle
Outdoor activities are great for burning off energy
The Door County YMCA is a great place to hang out on a rainy or wintry day. Day passes available.
Explore Sturgeon Bay with a fun app-lead self-guided tour - Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunt!

Traveling with pets

Check out our "In the great outdoors" section
Visit the U.S. Coast Guard Canal Station lighthouses and stop at lookout points for views of the canal
Bird watch by the canal, lake or bay
Take in the astounding sights and sounds of massive Great Lakes freighters maneuvering through the ship canal on their way to winter layup
Run off some energy (or your canine’s) at the dog park