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Winter in Door County

Get Inspired in Wisconsin’s Winter Wonderland

Door County’s quiet season is the perfect time for a getaway to play on the snow and ice or cozy up by the fire. Explore otherworldly ice formations by the lake, dine at acclaimed restaurants, sample the wares at wineries and breweries, stock up at local stores and shops, experience one-of-a-kind seasonal festivals, and reconnect with nature and yourself. No matter how you spend your days, December–February is a special time to be here.

Ready to Get Away? Create an Itinerary with the Trip Planner Tool.

Winter High / Low Temperature Report

Dec. 39° / 22°
Jan. 31° / 19°
Feb. 33° / 19°

Winter Sunrise / Sunset Report

Dec. 7:07 a.m. / 4:10 p.m.
Jan. 7:27 a.m. / 4:29 p.m.
Feb. 7:09 a.m. / 4:58 p.m.

Winter Event Highlights

Snowshoes leaning against a fence with the snow-covered lake in the background.
November

Merry-Time Festival of Trees

Sturgeon Bay
Lit up cherry being dropped on New Years Eve.
December

New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Cherry Drop

Sister Bay
Santa standing in a parade.
January

New Year’s Day Parade

Egg Harbor
A sign that says Jacksonport Polar Bear Club.
January

Polar Bear Plunge

Jacksonport
People sitting outside bundled up by a fire.
February

Winter Festival

Fish Creek
Snow carving of a boat captain.
February

Fire & Ice Festival

Sturgeon Bay
View All Events

Great Winter Activities in the Great Outdoors of Door County

Cross country skier woods passing through trees

Cross Country Skiing

Snowmobilers coming out of the woods into a clearing.

Snowmobiling

A group of snowshoers coming out of the woods in Door County, WI

Snowshoeing

Door County Snow Report

Snow Conditions

Wondering if Door County's 250 miles of trails are open for business? Explore the Winter Report to find out. This report is as up-to-date as possible, but visit the Door County Parks Department for the most accurate trail conditions.

View Trail Map (PDF)

Map too zoomed out or not working? Use the +/- tool in the bottom-left corner of the map or refresh your browser window.

 North Zone
 Central Zone
 Southwest Zone
 Southeast Zone
A couple in the snow walking toward an Ice Age Trail sign.

3 Ways to Take on the Tundra

Winter’s chill doesn’t stop visitors from taking advantage of the area's beautiful landscapes and ample outdoor space. Don’t forget to gear up at a winter-gear shop or equipment lender before hitting the trails, and be sure to stop at a local coffee shop or tavern for a post-excursion warmup.

  1. By Foot: Door County’s plentiful trails are the perfect spots to try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter biking, and other winter sports.

  2. By Ice: If you’re a fan of extraordinary views, try venturing out onto a frozen lake for a little ice fishing. Or, strap on the old skates at the Teresa K. Hilander Ice Rink in Sister Bay for some ice skating, ice hockey, or broomball.

  3. By Machine: If speed is your need, consider snowmobiling or ATVing across an open field or a backwoods trail.
Silhouettes of people watching fireworks in the sky.

Celebrate the Season

Ring in the holidays and embrace the colder months at one of the many seasonal celebrations Door County hosts, including tree lightings, family events, and winter festivals. In addition to favorite festivities such as the Fish Creek Winter Fest, the Polar Plunge, and the Fire & Ice Festival, the region hosts plenty of other cold-weather events such as:

A woman and kids laying on the floor with two dogs.

Stay Warm with Indoor Activities

Relax at area salons or spas, catch a play or a live show at a performance venue, or shop for unique holiday gifts. Door County’s array of galleries, boutiques, and shops means you can get some serious gift shopping done or treat yourself to post-holiday sales.

Explore Indoor Activities

From the Newsletter: 20 Things to Do in Winter

We like to think trying new things and spending time outdoors as much as possible are always good goals, but the transitioning of the season and the end of a long and trying year make it an especially good time to put yourself out there and embrace a new hobby or gain a new perspective.
Read On

Winter Guides & Reports

Wintery Fun in Door County

@doorcounty
#doorcounty

The snow-covered lake shore.
A snow-covered bridge.
Two women cross-country skiing.
The sun setting over the snow-covered lakefront.
A woman hiking along the lakefront.
A graffiti-covered building beyond the ice-covered lake.
A lighthouse at the edge of the lake in the snow.
Snow-covered trees at the edge of the water.
An ice-covered tree with the lake in the distance.
A bench in the snow at sunset.
Ice-covered cliffs at the lakefront.
The snow-covered beach at the lake.
A woman standing next to horses pulling a sleigh.
Ice-covered structures and a snow-covered beach.
A woman bundled up standing on a boat.
A road lined with snow and trees.
Footsteps in the snow.
A graffiti-covered building on an ice-covered dock.
A cabin in the snow decorated for winter.
The lake beyond ice-covered trees.
A mountain bike leaning against a stone wall in the snow.
A red lighthouse at the end of a snowy pier.
People hiking outside an ice-covered cave.
The sun setting over a bench in the snow.
A man and a young boy bundled up in the snow.
A family snow tubing.
People hiking through the snow along the lakefront.
Ice-covered trees.
The ice-covered shoreline at the lake.
A snowy road leading to a snow-covered pier.
A dog in the snow in a winter coat.
A bench decorated with swans on a snow-covered dock.
The silhouette of a couple hugging in the snow.

Discover Door County

Leave No Trace 7 Principles

Learn the ins, outs, and importance of protecting and caring for our wild, natural lands and how you can help preserve them.
Review the Principles

Local Itineraries

Our handcrafted itineraries are designed to keep adventurers, historians, and sports enthusiasts busy.
Experience Door County

Video Gallery

Check out our video series to get a first-hand, experiential feel of what it’s like to be in this incredible place.
See Door County