Hellobee

One of my favorite places for a fun family vacation and quick getaway from Chicago is Door County, Wisconsin. This summer with the girls’ camp and summer school schedules, we didn’t have time to plan a big vacation, but we still wanted to have some quality family time away from work and other responsibilities. Only a 4-hour drive north of Chicago, Door County is perfect for relaxing, enjoying nature, and doing some low-key sightseeing activities that don’t require spending lots of money, waiting in long lines, or dealing with big crowds. Think cherry-picking if you go at the end of July/beginning of August, attending a traditional Door County fish boil, hiking in Peninsula State Park, and catching a movie at the drive-in theater.

Our family regularly made the trip to Door County during the summers when I was growing up. I always had a slight preference for the quiet beauty of Door County to the hectic touristy water parks of Wisconsin Dells, although I have some fond memories of both places. Living in the Midwest, we don’t have the luxury of making a quick getaway to the mountains or either coast, but Wisconsin offers a nice little break from city and suburban life. They also call it the “Cape Cod of the Midwest” if that gives you a little bit of an idea of the relaxing and charming atmosphere of the area.

Every time we have been to Door County, the kids have loved just walking around, hiking, and playing at the beach. But if you are looking for some other kid-friendly activities, Door County has plenty of options. Here are some of the highlights from our past trips:

A boat ride on the beautiful waters of the Green Bay shoreline

Hiking in Peninsula State Park

A traditional Door County fish boil with fresh caught whitefish. Dessert is homemade cherry pie 

The White Gull Inn in Fish Creek, a classic bed and breakfast. This was before kids, notice how young and relaxed we look. But they also have stand-alone cottages with full kitchens for families with kids, which we’ll take advantage of this year.

Waiting for the sunset at Sunset Beach Park in Fish Creek. A perfect end to a relaxing day in Door County

Here is what I would consider an ideal 4-day itinerary for a first-time visitor to Door County.

Day 1

Take your time driving into Door County to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. I love summertime in Door County because it gives you the most options to enjoy all the outdoor activities and festivals in the area, but fall is also beautiful with the changing leaves and crisp, clean air.

Settle in to your cabin, cottage, or resort, and spend time some time starting to unwind and detox as you begin your trip.

For dinner, try a 5:45 p.m. reservation at The White Gull Inn in Fish Creek for their traditional fish boil. The fish boil is served every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the peak season between May and October, and Friday evenings throughout the rest of the year. Even if you are not typically a seafood fan, I recommend trying the fresh Lake Michigan whitefish which is very mild in flavor. Kids also have the option of a hot dog or baked chicken. The meal comes with a side of red potatoes and coleslaw, and cherry pie for dessert.

After enjoying the fish boil, walk over to Sunset Beach Park and enjoy the beautiful sunset. If you have room for another dessert, stop by Malibu Moo’s Frozen Griddle for fresh, creamy Wisconsin ice cream. I don’t know what the secret is, but it does really taste better than any other ice cream I’ve tried!

Day 2

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast in your cottage from The Fish Creek Market, or head to Julie’s Park Cafe for their cherry crepes or decadent cinnamon rolls.

Work off all that good food by hiking through nearby Peninsula Park. With over 11 different trails ranging from a quick 0.5 miles to Sunset Bike Route’s 9.6 miles, you have plenty of options depending on the ages of your little ones and how well-equipped you are to handle the long trails.

For dinner, try Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay. This authentic Swedish restaurant is known for its homemade Swedish meatballs and their pancakes with Wisconsin butter and Swedish lingonberries. The restaurant is also famous for its goats that graze on the sod roof. Really! It’s a lot of fun for the kids to spot the goats roaming around on the roof of the restaurant. Definitely a sight you don’t want to miss in Door County.

Day 3

Begin the morning with a visit to Plum Loco Animal Farm in Egg Harbor. This adorable farm has ponies, horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, and chicken. The kids can feed the animals by purchasing grain and carrots, and they also have an area for picnicking and running around. The kids can enjoy playing in the child-sized village that includes a general store, gas station, and little cottages where they can cook, garden, and hang laundry on a little clothesline.

In the afternoon, head to Hands-On Art Studio back in Fish Creek. The kids can choose from a variety of activities for a small studio fee ($7.00), including ceramic, glass, and mosaic projects in addition to painting and jewelry making.

For an early dinner, enjoy a nostalgic meal at Wilson’s Restaurant and Ice Cream in Ephraim. Established in 1906, this diner will delight the kids with its burgers, fries, and milkshakes.

And for a final treat, continue the nostalgic fun with a movie at Skyway Drive-In in Fish Creek. There’s just something so perfect about ending a summer evening watching a light-hearted movie and eating popcorn in your car, and if the kids fall asleep during the movie, even better.

Day 4

For your final day in Door County, pack a picnic and take the ferry to Washington Island for the day. If your kids are old enough, you might want to rent bikes and explore the peaceful island at an even more leisurely pace. Make sure you stop by Schoolhouse Beach, with its crystal clear (and cold!) water and smooth limestone rocks. Washington Island has plenty to explore for the day and is the epitome of Door County beauty and relaxation.

For your final dinner, stop by Wild Tomato back in Fish Creek for their fresh, wood-fired pizza, and because you’re on vacation have dessert at Not Licked Yet Frozen Custard, and have the kids work off their excess energy at the playground.

If they’re still up for fun, try mini-golf at Egg Harbor Fun Park, or just head home for an early night. Enjoy the fire pit outside your cottage, or if it’s cool, turn on the fireplace inside, and enjoy your last night in peaceful Door County.

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Dining:

Other than the fish boil at the White Gull Inn, there are so many local and kid-friendly places to eat in the area if you don’t feel like cooking. Think fresh, local food, and a lot of delicious, creamy ice cream and custard for dessert. In addition to the places mentioned above, we’ve also enjoyed The Cookery Restaurant and the Blue Horse Beach Cafe.

Where to Stay:

There are tons of convenient cottage and cabin rentals throughout Door County, as well as some larger family-friendly resorts. We personally like the Fish Creek area because it has a cute, walkable downtown with a local grocery and plenty of restaurants and activities for the kids. Washington Island is also beautiful if you are looking for something a little quieter and more remote, although most of Door County is pretty quiet (you may have spotty Wi-Fi and cell-phone connections in some areas, but that might be a good thing!).

Here are some of our recommendations for some of the best places to stay in the area:

White Gull Inn, Fish Creek, WI
Cedar Court Inn, Fish Creek, WI
Newport Resort, Egg Harbor, WI
Scandinavian Lodge, Sister Bay, WI

How to get to Door County:

If you’re not driving, the best way to get to Door County would be to fly into one of the larger airports in the area and drive in.

Milwaukee, WI 160 Miles (2.5 Hours)
Madison, WI 188 Miles (3 Hours)
Chicago, IL 250 Miles (4 Hours)
Minneapolis, MN 325 Miles (5.5 Hours)

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What are your plans for summer vacation this year? I’d love to hear about the trips you have planned, big or small.