Take it from someone whose favorite season is Fall and whose favorite place is Door County, you won’t regret planning a Door County fall weekend and a trip to the cabin.
What to do in Door County in the Fall
Here are some ideas for what to do in Door County in the Fall to get your planning started. Mix and match and make this your own and also check out our complete list of favorite things to add to the list.
Fall family memories itinerary
Day 1:
Order carryout from Wild Tomato Pizza (we recommend The Green & Gold, topped with real cheese curds! And the Old School), and then when it becomes the best pizza you’ve ever had, head to Piggly Wiggly to grab some frozen pizzas to take home. Win bonus points with the kid’s night 1 by having ice cream before dinner at Not Licked Yet (we recommend the edible cookie dough or the Door County Sundae!). Head back to the cabin for a bonfire and movie night outdoors.
Day 2:
Hit up Denn Door County’s corn maze and pumpkin patch (parents: there’s a patio bar with local wine and craft beer). Hours of fun with a 12-acre maze, yard games, pumpkins, animals, and food trucks to top it off.
Head back to the cabin for golden hour, catch the sunset and check your family photos off the to-do list and hire the best of the best, Victoria Danielle who will come right to the cabin or recommend some beautiful Door County backdrops for your photos.
Bribe Dad and thank him for putting up with photos afterward with a trip to Door County Brewing Co.in the fresh air of the outdoor beer garden with plenty of board games, large pretzels, and live music!
Day 3:
Assuming you’re up early with children, beat the rush and head to Al Johnson’s for some famous Swedish pancakes and visit the goats on the roof! Doors open at 7 am, beware of long late times later in the morning!
Next, enter Peninsula State Park on Skyline Drive to Peninsula State park has some of our absolute favorite bluff overlooks to take in some of the breathtaking views Door County has to offer.
Stop by Anderson Dock on your way home and carve your initials to celebrate another great family weekend in the books. Graffiti is welcome, don’t forget your paintbrushes!
Where to stay:
The Point on Clark Lake: with a kids bunk house cabin affectionately called the “dog house”, private hiking trails to explore, a stocked game cabinet, kayaks, canoes, and a giant outdoor table and firepit to fit you and your friends, you actually won’t even need to leave the cabin at all if you don’t want to!
For those wanting to get into the spooky spirit itinerary:
Day 1:
Door County is known for its Fish Boil and we recommend grabbing one at the Old Post Office, not haunted but full of history as Ephraim’s original post office in the 1900s. Catch the sunset after dinner framed by fall colors with a hike to Door Bluff Headlands County Park.
Day 2:
Visit the Death’s Door Maritime Museum to learn all about the county’s famous shipwrecks and how Death’s Door got its name and even embark on the waters yourself on the Washington Island Ferry.
If you’re into haunted ghost stories, you’re going to love the Trolly of the Doomed Door County Ghost Tour or the Haunted Pub Crawl. Advance tickets recommended, departure time: 6:00
It wouldn’t be a recommendation list without Wickman House on it (for us, it’s just the best). You’ll need to get reservations in advance or plan on a late-night dinner, but SO worth it and right up the road from the cabin. You’ll appreciate the history and charm and enjoy the best food DoCo has to offer.
Day 3:
The truth is Wisconsin’s windiest road leads right to the cabin, but we’re including it on day 3 so you can go early in the morning with coffee and grab a shot like this before the tourists come. Jens Jensen’s road will be your favorite fall photo memory for sure.
Stop by Bea’s on your way out of town for the best pie of your life.
Where to stay:
Porte Haven on Death’s Door. Don’t worry, it’s not haunted but the rich history of the water passage of Death’s Door right out your window will add to the experience.
For the adventurer seekers and nature lovers
Day 1:
Nothing says going to the cabin like a northern WI old-fashioned supper club. Head to Donny’s Glidden Lodge and take in the magnificent sunset views of Lake Michigan. Head back to the cabin for a fire and game night.
Day 2:
Head to Door County Bike and go on their Cave Point/Whitefish Bay Dunes State Park Fat Tire e-bike tour. Cave Point is the most photographed spot in all of Door County and it’s right around the corner from the cabin. Take a bike, and enjoy the scenic roads and fresh air!
Jump on a boat tour in Sister Bay (we love Sail Door County!) and hit up our new favorite restaurant Lure for dinner (crab nachos and the Halibut are to die for) or their sister restaurant Chop! Still not tired? Check out live music at Husby’s.
Day 3:
Zipline through the fall foliage with Lakeshore Adventures and then check out the other inland Door County lake with a lunch visit to Coyote Roadhouse.
Work off lunch with a hike in Ridges Sanctuary before hitting the road!
Where to stay:
The Bay on Clark Lake. It’s the cutest H-frame and cozy cabin conveniently located near all the quiet side of the Peninsula for those seeking adventure and nature.
That wraps up our best suggestions for what to do in Door County in the Fall. Which of the Door County fall weekend ideas fits your personality better? Click here to see all of our fall cabin openings and check the fall color report, to plan your Door County fall getaway!
