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Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin

Nature & Recreation Unite in Baileys Harbor

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49 °F

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Two women standing on rocks looking out to the lake.

Natural Beauty, Natural Fun

With thousands of acres of preserved wilderness at The Ridges Sanctuary, Toft Point State Natural Area, and Kangaroo Lake Preserve, Baileys Harbor puts you at the threshold of a natural wonderland. 

Enjoy spectacular fishing, quiet beaches, and paddling, plus three lighthouses, a brewery, unique shops, shorefront lodging, vibrant restaurants, and a long list of festivals.

Baileys Harbor Restaurants

Whether it’s brews at the local brewery, a Friday fish fry at the corner tavern, or fine dining and cocktails, Baileys Harbor offers some of the county’s most unique dining options. You’ll also find craft cocktails with fine dining, a favorite local winery, and food delivered by train cars here.

Baileys Harbor Favorites

A pink flowering tree in front of a building.

Lodging in Baileys Harbor

Shorefront B&Bs, family-friendly campgrounds, historic lodges, and waterfront resorts make Baileys Harbor a destination for every traveler. Find great house rentals, hotels, and quiet inland lake resorts, all within a few minutes of the heart of town.

Baileys Harbor Favorites

Aerial view of a sand and tree-lined Lake Michigan shoreline.

Things to Do in Baileys Harbor

Baileys Harbor is connected to Door County’s natural elements in a way unlike other communities. The LEED-certified nature center at the acclaimed Ridges Sanctuary welcomes you at the north edge of downtown. Here you can visit iconic lighthouses or hike or snowshoe through old-growth forest and swales created by Lake Michigan centuries ago. 

All this, when you’re not busy on a water-sport adventure, fishing, or shopping for furniture and gifts.

Deeper Dive: Baileys Harbor

Meet the Mother of Door County Conservation

One of Door County’s first nature crusaders was Emma Toft, whose best-known accomplishment is her lifelong fight to protect her family land, now Toft Point State Natural Area.

The Door County Paddling Guide

If the warmer weather and extra sunshine have you daydreaming about paddling, Door County should be your next paddling destination.

Community Spotlight: Baileys Harbor

Baileys Harbor is the largest village on the east side of the Peninsula, called by many “the quiet side.” While there are plenty of quiet moments to be had on the harbor, there are many more ways to describe this picturesque hub of lakeside Door County.

List of Shipwrecks in Door County

There are more than 240 shipwrecks in Lake Michigan, off the coasts of the Door peninsula and its nearby islands. Learn where to find them, which can be seen from a boat, and which you can deep-water dive to explore.

Splendor & Solitude at County Parks

One of the area’s best-kept secrets for escaping crowds and finding peace in nature is heading to these 19 county parks spread throughout the peninsula and Washington Island.

5 Must-Dos in Baileys Harbor

The Cana Island lighthouse.

1. Go on a lighthouse adventure

Three of the county’s 11 lighthouses are in Baileys Harbor: the old Bird Cage Lighthouse, the Baileys Harbor Range Lights, and the iconic Cana Island Light. Each is worth a visit and a photo.

Two motorcyclists driving down a road through the woods.

2. Drive or bike on rustic roads

Baileys Harbor is home to smooth highways and rural backroads perfect for a scenic drive or bike ride. Take the roads less traveled, such as Ridges Road or County Q, and find hidden lake views, trails, and shorelines.

3. Hike the Ridges Sanctuary

Take a hike at this iconic nature center to view the ridges and swales formed thousands of years ago by the receding lake. As a bonus, you’ll spot rare wildflowers, birds, and animals in the old-growth woods of Wisconsin’s oldest private nature preserve.

Aerial view of Kangaroo Lake Nature Preserve.

4. Bass-fish off the Kangaroo Lake causeway

This small, quiet inland lake is a great spot for kids to fall in love with fishing and spending time in nature, among the lily pads and reeds.

A family at a farmers market.

5. Visit the Sunday market

Held on the lawn of the Baileys Harbor Town Hall, the Sunday farmers market has grown into one of the busiest on the peninsula. Grab a bite from a food truck, meet local artisans, and pick up produce for your dinner table.

Baileys Harbor Annual Events

A cyclist riding next to the lake.
June

Peninsula Century Spring Classic

Bike enthusiasts from all corners of the Midwest travel to Baileys Harbor to kick off the spring season and participate in bike races that range from 25–100 miles.
An isle of different beers.
June

Beer Festival

Local restaurateurs, esteemed brewers, and musicians from around the state join forces in a one-day festival, offering street food and high-quality brews.
July

4th of July Celebration

Fireworks, food, music, and a parade are just some of the old-fashioned American fun fest-goers enjoy at Baileys Harbor's Independence Day celebration.

September

Autumnfest

Car buffs and motor heads show off their rides, and families enjoy music, food, arts and crafts, and more.

Discover Door County

Trip Planner

Explore local businesses, activities, and events and add them to your custom trip itinerary.

Door County Events

Find Door County events for every kind of trip, including festivals, performances, and kids’ events.

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