8 Unforgettable Things to Do in Door County This Summer
If you’re looking for things to do in Door County this summer, you’ve come to the right place. There’s something about this season here that just hits different. Maybe it’s the way the sun melts into the lake at golden hour, the sound of waves against the cliffs, or the feeling of your kids giggling as they run barefoot through a lavender field.
With so much to see and do, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. But consider this your handpicked list from a trusted friend—the absolute must-do experiences that will make your summer in Door County unforgettable. If you’re looking for things to do in Door County this summer, these are the can’t-miss moments that turn into stories you’ll be telling for years.
1. Cliff Jumping at Cave Point – The Ultimate Leap of Summer
There’s no thrill quite like standing at the edge of Cave Point, heart pounding, as the shimmering water below calls your name.
For the brave (and well-prepared), this is the ultimate Door County experience. The cold plunge into Lake Michigan is equal parts exhilarating and unforgettable—and the kind of moment you’ll talk about for years. Even if you don’t jump, the views alone are worth the trip.
📍 Tip: Pack water shoes, as the limestone can be slippery. And if jumping isn’t your thing, rent a kayak and explore the caves from below—you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world.
2. Watching Goats Graze on a Roof at Al Johnson’s
Nothing says Door County quite like the goats on the roof at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant.
Kids love it. Grown-ups pretend it’s just for the kids (but secretly love it too). There’s something strangely wholesome about watching these fuzzy, four-legged lawnmowers munching away as you enjoy Swedish pancakes topped with fresh lingonberries.
📍 Tip: Go early or during off-peak hours to avoid long wait times. And yes, you need to try the pancakes.
3. Seeing the Northern Lights Dance Over Newport State Park
Imagine tucking your little ones into their sleeping bags, only to wake them up for something truly magical: the northern lights shimmering across the sky.
Door County is home to one of the few designated Dark Sky Parks in the country, making Newport State Park the perfect place to witness the aurora borealis. If the conditions are right, you’ll be standing under a night sky that looks straight out of a dream.
📍 Tip: Use the Aurora Forecast app to check visibility, and bring blankets for cozy stargazing.
4. Walking Through Lavender Fields on Washington Island
Step off the ferry, breathe in, and feel the stress melt away.
Washington Island’s lavender fields look like something out of a storybook—rolling purple hills swaying in the breeze, with the calming scent of lavender filling the air. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, where little hands reach out to touch the soft flowers, and where parents get to just be.
📍 Tip: Stop by Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm for a scoop of homemade lavender ice cream. Trust us.
5. Feeding Baby Animals at The Farm
Is there anything sweeter than watching your kids hand-feed a baby pig?
At The Farm, a hands-on experience just outside Sturgeon Bay, families can bottle-feed baby animals, cuddle kittens, and wander through old-fashioned barns. It’s simple, wholesome fun that somehow always turns into one of the most cherished parts of a Door County trip.
📍 Tip: Bring a few extra quarters for animal feed—and expect to stay longer than planned.
6. Sailing Into the Sunset with Sail Door County
There are sunsets, and then there are Door County sunsets from the water—where the sky turns gold, the waves sparkle, and you feel like you’re inside a postcard.
A sailing tour with Sail Door County is hands-down one of the most magical experiences you can have here. Whether you choose a private charter or a group sunset cruise, there’s something about being out on the water that makes everything else fade away.
📍 Tip: Book in advance—sunset cruises fill up quickly! And bring a light jacket—lake breezes can be chilly even in summer.
7. Catching a Movie at Skyway Drive-In Theatre
Visit one of the last drive-in theatres in the state. Summer nostalgia hits its peak at the Skyway Drive-In Theatre.
Pull up in your car, cozy up with blankets, and watch a classic film under the stars. It’s a time warp to simpler days—no screens, no scrolling, just pure, old-fashioned fun.
📍 Tip: Get there early to grab a good spot, and don’t skip the popcorn.
8. Enjoying a Classic Fish Boil at Sunset
A Door County fish boil isn’t just dinner—it’s a front-row seat to tradition.
The crackling fire. The bubbling pot. The dramatic “boil over” as flames shoot into the sky. It’s all part of an experience that’s as much about storytelling and history as it is about food.
📍 Tip: Try The White Gull Inn or Pelletier’s for an authentic fish boil experience—and don’t forget the cherry pie for dessert!
The Best Summer Moments Are the Ones You Can’t Plan
If there’s one thing about Door County summers, it’s that the in-between moments are often the most meaningful.
The way your kids run through the waves, the laughter around the campfire, the deep conversations on the porch after a long day in the sun.
These are the moments that make you feel something. The ones you wish you could freeze in time.
So if you’re searching for things to do in Door County this summer, let this be your guide to making memories that will last a lifetime.
We have a few final summer stays left. Grab them before they’re gone!
