Each year, more than 2.5 million visitors descend on Door County, but many of them miss one of the best parts. The peninsula’s 300 miles of shoreline are surrounded by islands, shipwrecks, submerged caves and more watery wonders explorable by seacraft. Whether you’re a landlubber or have seasoned sea legs, you can experience Door County’s aquatic side in many different ways.
Put in a Paddle
Popular kayak tour destinations include Penin-sula State Park for views of its soaring bluffs, Cave Point to see submerged caverns, and the Mink River Estuary, a lush wetland that cuts into the peninsula’s northeastern tip. Justin Pahnturat of Kayak Guide Justin is a knowledgeable interpreter of the region’s history and ecology, and, as a former chef, even does a culinary-focused tour that includes a picnic on Horseshoe Island.
Come Sail Away
Let the wind do the work. Sail Door County operates a fleet of four sailing vessels for both public cruises and private charters. In Sister Bay, you can set sail on the Edith M. Becker, a 67-foot tall ship with room for 23, or on the Passage North, a six-passenger racing sloop. The Friendly, a small ship whose sails recall a Chinese junk, operates from the Alpine Resort in Egg Harbor. Or learn to pilot your own ship at the Ephraim Yacht Club.
Spike Your Adrenaline on a Raft
Get a little more active with Door County Adventure Rafting, which runs small-group tours on fast inflatable boats that let you peer over the edge at shipwrecks just feet beneath the surface.
Take a Tour
For a new perspective on Door County – without much physical exertion – join a boat tour. Sister Bay Scenic Boat Tours operates double-decker boats (complete with onboard bar) that ply the Green Bay side of the peninsula, running up to Death’s Door or down to Peninsula State Park. Guides provide narration about local history and geology as terns and gulls glide overhead.
Experience an unforgettable evening celebrating great design!
Book a Party Boat
If you’re traveling with family or friends, there are few better ways to spend a day in Door County than chilling on a pontoon. Door County Boat Rental in Sturgeon Bay and Door County Boating, with locations in Sister Bay, Egg Harbor and Ephraim, can both set you up with a party barge. The former even has one with a slide – perfect for kids.
Go Fish
Salmon, trout and perch in Lake Michigan; brown trout and walleye in Green Bay; smallmouth bass in Sturgeon Bay; bluegill, pike and walleye in inland lakes – Door County has some of Wisconsin’s best fishing. If you don’t have your own boat, charters around the peninsula will be happy to take you out in pursuit of a catch. Some, like Lakeshore Adventures and Big Bite Adventures, partner with Baileys Harbor Fish Co. to filet, smoke or flash-freeze your catch.
