Spring is such an amazing time to visit Door County because the area starts to wake up from and reopen from its winter hibernation. Many businesses take some time off in the winter because there is less traffic to the area and so spring can be the perfect time to visit this popular destination to see all the main attractions (minus the crowds).

While Door County is mostly known for its summer months, each season brings its own flavor and in spring you can expect cherry blossoms and wildflowers, breezes off the lake, tranquil settings, and iconic Door County sunsets – pair these minus the peninsulas crowds in other seasons and spring is the perfect time to visit Door County. It’s such a great time to experience everything you love about Door County in other seasons without fighting the crowds.

Here’s a curated spring bucket list for Door County that I think you’ll love.

What to do in Door County in the Spring

1. Cherry blossoms are incredibly popular in places like Washington DC and out East, but thankfully, this little secret hasn’t seemed to attract huge crowds to Door County… yet. With over 2,500 acres of trees, you’ll have your pick of places to view these beautiful white and pink blossoms. Take a spring cherry blossom tour with Door County Trolley or take a drive on the Door County Coastal Byway up Hwy 42 and you’ll find blossoms north of Sister Bay.
2. Cherry blossoms may be popular, but my insider secret is a different flower. I always try to plan a trip when the trilliums bloom because you’ll find fields and forests carpeted with these gorgeous blue flowers. It’s truly one of the most beautiful times to visit. My secret spots are to hike the Ridges Sanctuary or Peninsula State Park’s Eagle Trail where you’ll also find wildflowers starting to bloom.
3. Welcome back patio season and embrace the change in warmer seasons and relax on a patio for an afternoon. Our favorites include Door County Brewing where there’s plenty of board games, live music and food trucks to keep you busy for hours. We also love One Barrel Brewing and the outdoor fireplace at Barringers for dinner.
4. Grab your paints and leave your mark on the iconic Anderson Dock (graffiti encouraged!), one of our favorite Instagrammable spots and the perfect time to grab your photo with no people in the background. We suggest painting before sunset then grabbing ice cream at Wilson’s and watch the clouds turn cotton candy pink over one of the best views in all of Door County to round out the perfect night.
5. Run the Door County Half Marathon through Peninsula State Park with both 5k and half marathon distances. No better way to experience Peninsula State Park than running IMO and you’ll be greeted with live music, local beers, and tasty food when you finish to enjoy with a view of the lake.
6. Attend the Door County Lighthouse Festival when all 11 lighthouses are open to the public. These aren’t open year round so it’s a great time to check out the famous lighthouses of the area.
7. Take your best pal and enjoy a long stroll down Whitefish Dunes beach while it’s empty before the summer beachgoers visit so they can run free and maybe even take a dip in the waves. When we lived in DoCo during COVID we did this every single day and it became one of our all time favorite things to do in Door County. While you’re there, if you haven’t seen Cave Point, one of Door County’s most popular spots, this is a great time to visit. The waves can be spectacular and you won’t have to battle any crowds. If you’re a morning person, sunrise here can’t be beat.
8. Stock up on local treats like Door County coffee, handmade pottery, granola, and all things cherry! Our favorite spots to do this are Kickash and Door County Coffee. Other favorite shops are Sister Golden and Nathan Nichols.
9. If you’ve followed us for awhile, we’ll sound like a broken record with this recommendation but we are just that obsessed with it. You can ACTUALLY get a dinner reservation at Wickman House in the spring… trust us, this will be among the best meals you’ll have (and we mean ever).
10. It wouldn’t be a top 10 list without recommending a stay at a cabin! To us, going to Door County means a trip to a cabin which brings a sense of getting a way from it all, a water view, slower pace, and of course a fireplace. Bring a new boardgame for the family to bond over, enjoy coffee or a cocktail with a view, and embrace the idea of making memories and connecting with those you love. Our cabins rentals include: Porte Haven, The Bay, and Rowleys A-frame. The Point opens in May and typically books a year in advance – late spring is a great time to snag a reservation at this coveted spot!

There you have it, 10 unique ideas to help you plan a trip to Door County in the spring. Here’s some more Door County in the off-season ideas we’ve put together and our all time Door County favorite things as well. Heading to Door County in a different season? Here’s our fall weekend itineraries in Door County and help for planning a Door County winter getaway too.

Some Frequently Asked Questions re: spring in Door County

Is April and May a good time to visit Door County?

Absolutely! Some may argue it’s one of the best times to visit because the weather is warmer, all your favorite things about Door County start to open up again but the crowds haven’t started arriving yet so you can enjoy these things in peace. There’s nothing more beautiful than a field of trilliums or the cherry blossoms and a warm breeze off the lake.

Where can I see the cherry blossoms in Door County?

Cherry blossoms bloom around mid-May and last a couple of weeks. Check out Destination Door County’s cherry blossom report to plan the perfect time to visit! Take a drive on the Door County Coastal Byway up Hwy 42 that spans from Sturgeon Bay up to the Washington Island Ferry Dock and then head south down Hwy 57 for a different view of the county. You’ll find rows of orchards north of Sister Bay.

Is Door County nice in the spring?

As always with Door County weather, you just never know! We were just there and experienced 75 degree weather in April, but you could also experience a snow storm. Roll with mother nature and

Where should I stay in Door County in the spring?

There’s nothing that says going to Door County than staying in a cabin and getting away from it all. We’ve got four unique waterfront cabin rentals off the beaten path to be your home base to all your adventures in Door County in the spring and we would absolutely love to host your next Door County getaway.