Travel Like a Lands' End Ambassador

Discover Door County's hidden gems and local favorites just like Lands’ End Ambassadors did. This group of content creators embarked on a captivating journey across our picturesque peninsula and its islands during the fall. This three-day itinerary is filled with breathtaking sights, sounds, and tastes that promise an unforgettable autumn adventure. Follow their path and immerse yourself in the natural beauty, rich history, and unique charm that make Door County a beloved destination.

The Lands’ End Ambassadors toured Door County on the Door County Trolley. These iconic bright red trolleys offer a unique and fun way to explore the peninsula. From lighthouse tours to ghost tours and wineries to brewery tours, you will find the perfect experience for your group. You can even rent a trolley for a private tour and follow your own plan like this itinerary.

DAY ONE

Begin your adventure by climbing Eagle Tower at Peninsula State Park. The 60-foot tower leads to an observation deck 253 feet above Green Bay. Choose to climb 100 steps or take the 850-foot, fully accessible canopy walk that winds above the tree line to the top of the tower. Either way, your reward is magnificent panoramic views of the park, surrounding islands, the Upper Michigan shoreline, and the village of Ephraim.

From here, explore one of Door County’s most defining features — the majestic bluffs of the Niagara Escarpment. Their scale and beauty are most pronounced along Eagle Trail in Peninsula State Park. This two-mile loop drops more than 200 feet from the top of the bluff to the bottom, making it the most popular hiking route on the peninsula. The jaw-dropping views begin with your first step at Eagle Terrace. Once the site of quarrying by the Eagle Bluff Stone Co., the terrace was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and offers views of the quaint village of Ephraim across Eagle Harbor.

After your morning hike, go to Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market. Here, you can indulge in a variety of local delights. Stroll through the apple orchards, sample freshly pressed cider, and browse the market's array of homemade jams, jellies, and baked goods. Don’t forget to try a glass of their award-winning wine or hard cider.

Next, head to One Barrel Brewing Company in Egg Harbor for a tasty lunch. This cozy spot offers a variety of craft beers, ciders, seltzers, and sodas in its expansive beer garden. Order a piping hot pizza from Pizza Bros located inside the tap room. If you prefer to skip the brewery scene, dine at Mezzanine, serving elevated Door County classics on their rooftop patio overlooking Egg Harbor Marina. After a satisfying meal, take some time to wander around downtown Egg Harbor’s boutiques, art galleries, and gift shops, soaking in the small-town, friendly atmosphere.

In the afternoon, visit Anderson Dock in Ephraim. This iconic spot is perfect for snapping photos and enjoying the beauty of the waterfront. The dock’s graffiti-covered warehouse, once a shipping point for lumber and other goods, now stands as a testament to the area’s rich history and your visit. A posted sign shares that boaters have "signed" the dockside warehouse walls for years with the name of their boat and the year they docked, a tradition that is encouraged today for boaters and guests alike. Please be sure to leave your graffiti in a tasteful, respectful manner. Adding graffiti or decorating any other areas surrounding Anderson Dock is strictly prohibited.

If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, take a short half-mile walk from Anderson Dock to Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor. This beloved local institution has been serving up heavenly ice cream since 1906. Enjoy a scoop (or two!) of your favorite flavor while relaxing on the porch and watching the world go by.

DAY TWO

Start your second day with a visit to Whitefish Dunes State Park in Jacksonport on a leisurely walk along the sandy beach and feel the cool breeze coming off Lake Michigan. Afterward, follow the Lands’ End Ambassador’s trails by choosing between the Red or Yellow Trail for a scenic hike through the dunes. The Red Trail is a 1.2-mile long out-and-back that leads to "Old Baldy." The tallest dune in the park rises 93 feet above lake level, delivering amazing Lake Michigan and Clark Lake views from the observation platform. From the dune area, the Yellow Trail goes through a cool, quiet, red pine plantation and then back through a wooded dune area.

After your hike and on your way to lunch, make a quick stop at Cave Point County Park. Famous for its stunning limestone cliffs and underwater caves, this park delivers dramatic views while listening to the waves crash against the rocks, creating an unforgettable natural symphony.

Refuel with a stop for a midday meal at Door County Brewing Company in Baileys Harbor. This family-owned taproom and music hall offers an impressive selection of craft beers. Their new venture, DCBC Eats, serves delicious barbecue and sandwiches with all the fixings next door. This spot combines great flavors with a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a quick respite before continuing your explorations.

After lunch, drop by The Ridges Sanctuary to experience one of the Midwest's most biologically diverse ecosystems. The gateway to the sanctuary is the Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center, featuring a full exhibit on The Ridges’ cultural and natural history. From here, you can explore the ridges, swales, flora, and fauna on the ADA-compliant Hidden Brook Boardwalk. If time permits, continue on to the newly constructed Range Light Boardwalk that leads to the Upper and Lower Range Lights.

Next, take a drive to see the historic Cana Island Lighthouse, which has guided ships since 1869. After you crossing the causeway, climb the 97 steps of the tower’s spiral staircase to the gallery deck for breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area at one of Door County’s most famous lighthouses. Before you leave, follow the footpaths to the shore to drink in the natural beauty of the island’s rocky shoreline.

Spend your afternoon exploring the inviting storefronts in Fish Creek, including boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops. Whether you're looking for a unique souvenir or just window shopping, Fish Creek offers a satisfying day of shopping.

No visit to Door County is complete without attending an authentic fish boil. When you’re in Fish Creek, you must head to the White Gull Inn Restaurant to experience this traditional meal, which features freshly caught whitefish cooked outdoors in a large kettle over a roaring fire. End your day with a leisurely walk down to Sunset Beach Park and capture unforgettable photos of the famed sun setting over the water from the perfect vantage point to witness the vibrant colors of the sky as the day comes to a close.

DAY THREE

Start your last day in Door County with a truly special excursion that combines the serene beauty of sailing and the refreshing ambiance of Sister Bay on a private cruise aboard the Edith Becker with Sail Door County. The 19th-century-inspired 65-foot schooner accommodates up to 22 guests, making it the perfect intimate sailing adventure. Enjoy the fresh morning air as you glide across the waters of Green Bay, taking in the coastal views and feeling the gentle sway of the sailboat. The knowledgeable crew will share fascinating insights about the area's maritime history, making it the perfect last adventure to your unforgettable Door County adventure.

After your cruise and before you head home, drop by Sister Bay for a delightful lunch at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik (you just might spot real-life goats on the sod roof if you’re visiting May through mid-October!). Dine in the restaurant featuring popular dishes such as Swedish meatballs, pickled herring, and their famous Swedish pancakes or drop in Stabbur Kitchen. In this friendly outdoor space, you can enjoy lawn games, adult beverages, and a menu offering the likes of Swedish shrimp rolls and grilled brie and turkey sandwiches with Lingonberries.