Seasonal Delights: Your Guide to Winter in Door County

Door County in the winter is a magical experience. From outdoor adventures to cozy indoor retreats, here's your guide to making the most of the winter season.

Cave Point County Park in Sturgeon Bay; Photo courtesy Destination Door County

Get Outside!

Step out of your vacation rental and prepare to be awed. Embrace the snowy landscape by indulging in cross-country skiing, sledding, or snowshoeing. Crossroads in Sturgeon Bay provides free equipment, while state park trails and some nature preserves offer groomed paths for exploration. Ice fishing enthusiasts have the option to bring their rig or enlist the help of a local expert. The county's 250 miles of trails make snowmobiling an exciting way to discover the area, with rentals offered at May's Sport Center.

Ongoing Events:  

❄️The Ridges Sanctuary: Guided Winter Hikes Fridays at 1:30 pm, and Saturdays at 10:30 am & 1:30 pm📍Baileys Harbor

🍷 Door County Trolly Wine Tour and Sleigh Ride Saturdays through March📍Egg Harbor 

Indoor Escapades

For those seeking indoor warmth and reverie, Door County's 20+ towns and villages offer a plethora of activities. Museums, live music, and art galleries are accessible across the peninsula, providing cultural immersion for little to no admission.

Sonia Vasques; Knight; Oil

Write-On, Door County

Our Favorites:

🌟 Enlighten: Take a class at Write-On, Door County, The Clearing Folk School in Ellison Bay, or check out one of the peninsula's handful of independent booksellers, like Yardstick Books in Algoma.

💖 Rejuvenate: Treat yourself to a massage at The Spa at Sacred Grounds in Ephraim or breathe easy with Kind Soul Yoga in Fish Creek. 

🥾Explore: Check out the rich history and art of the region by visiting the Miller Art Museum in Sturgeon Bay or a local history museum. Galleries and art studios abound: start here for ideas.

☕ Socialize IRL: Sister Bay Bowl provides food & fun in a vintage atmosphere, while Stone Harbor hosts weekly trivia nights. WRiTERS' NiGHT at Tambourine Lounge offers a weekly open mic for songwriters, poets, and comedians.

Noteworthy Winter Festivals

Winterfest - February 3, 2024 (Clark Park, Fish Creek)

A hallmark event in Fish Creek, Winterfest boasts live music, quirky games, a "Fruit Loop Fun Run," a Stumpf Fiddle Contest, delectable food, and a "Smokin Hot" Chili Cook-Off, all under a heated tent. The event concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the frozen waters of Green Bay.

Celebrating Winter and Fish Derby - February 11-17, 2024 (Washington Island)

This week-long celebration on Washington Island features various activities, including the annual Chili Cook-Off and the Washington Island Lion’s Club Fish Derby. Anglers brave the ice in pursuit of prizes while the community enjoys bingo parties and more.

Fire & Ice Festival - February 16-17, 2024 (Throughout Sturgeon Bay)

Fire and Ice snow sculpture, photo by Len Villano.

Presented with Stone Harbor Resort, the Fire & Ice Festival begins with a candlelight ski/hike at Crossroads at Big Creek Nature Preserve. Witness professional carvers create mesmerizing ice and snow sculptures before enjoying an evening of fireworks.

Don't miss out on these unique winter experiences in Door County. Plan your visit at one of our Door County vacation rentals and immerse yourself in the magic of the season!