Travel the Door Peninsula and you’ll enjoy a scenic drive any time of year, but fall is an especially fantastic time to cruise the colorful orchards, forests, and shorelines that make Door County renowned throughout Wisconsin and beyond. So gather a crew of your favorite people and get ready to be mesmerized by the spectacular landscapes and unique stops along the way.
Stay up to date with the ever-changing colors of autumn and plan your trip perfectly with our autumn colors report.
Travel up: Sister Bay to Northport, Highway 42
Head north on Highway 42 through the Door County Coastal National Scenic Byway for 66 miles of stunning Green Bay Bluffs and sand dunes along Lake Michigan. Then prepare your camera for the finale: Jens Jensen’s renowned winding road, which comes alive every year with breathtaking autumn colors.
Between Sister Bay and Ellison Bay, you’ll pass a landmark worth visiting: Seaquist Orchards Farmers Market. Anders Seaquist planted his first cherry tree on the property in the early 1900s, and since then the multi-generational family operation has grown to over a thousand acres of fruit trees that produce approximately 6 million pounds of cherries annually. Bring home a jar of homemade cherry puree or grab a slice of cherry pie straight from the source.
For another unforgettable hike, take the turnoff toward Ellison Bay Bluff County Park, where wooden boardwalks and accessible trails lead you to the edge of sheer, 100-foot limestone cliffs overlooking the Great Lake. Fall is especially special here, as you can spot mountain maples, red pines, and other colorful trees anchoring their roots to the rocks, and migratory birds like tundra swans and wood ducks heading south in search of winter. And if you’re feeling brave, head out to the enclosed enclosure overlooking the cliffs for a true bird’s-eye view.
From there, it’s a tiny, scenic ride to the Northport Pier, where families can barbecue and watch Washington Island Ferries ferry fellow travelers to and from the islands in the bay through the renowned Death’s Door Passage. Reflect on the adventures of the day and spend quality time with the people you love.
West Coast: Egg Harbor to Ephraim, Highway 42
For a ride comparable to any ocean road, hop on another section of the National Scenic Coastal Byway in Door County, which hugs the water and takes you through beloved Peninsula State Park. Stretch your legs with a hike to the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, or pack your mountain bike and hike the Sunset Trail for stunning views among the falling leaves.
Stop and refuel at Fish Creek while enjoying an ice cream sundae of broken dreams (aka broken pretzels) from Not Licked Yet Frozen Custard. This family-owned establishment also offers a full lunch and dinner menu that prioritizes local ingredients, as well as a vast playground that is adjacent to the real Fish Creek, so kids can play while adults relax and enjoy the natural beauty in the comfort of Adirondack chair.
For a bit of magic, stop by the Edgewood Orchard Galleries (also in Fish Creek), where the outdoor sculpture garden invites you to a storybook stroll through the woods. Then, enter the renovated historic barn, which is home to an abundance of paintings, glassware, and jewelry made by regional artists that make for the perfect souvenir to remember your drive through Door County.
End your day in Egg Harbor with a five-star dinner at Burton’s on the Bay at Alpine Resort, where you can enjoy an upscale meal with a dazzling view and stay in your own private waterfront cottage. You won’t soon forget the memories you’ve made by spending this fall season in style with those who matter most to you.
Two Coasts in One Day: Sister Bay to Bailey’s Harbor to Kangaroo Lake, Highway 57 and County Roads – Q&A
Compare both sides of the peninsula on this route that has something for everyone. Start in Sister Bay and head south on Highway 57 until you see signs for Koepsel’s Farm Market, the oldest farm market in Door County. Here you can choose from a huge variety of homemade jams, pickled vegetables and chocolate-covered cherries to stock up for the rest of your fall trip.
Jump straight into the fresh air and enjoy fall colors at Ridges Sanctuary at Bailey’s Harbor, a nature reserve and national monument with miles of diverse trails and two lighthouses to explore. Then unwind with a Door County Brewing Company craft beer in the cold air of the beer garden or in the warmth of the rustic bar. Plan ahead and time your visit around a live music event to keep the party going well into the night.
However, if you don’t want to stop there, continue on County Road E to cross Kangaroo Lake and admire the changing colors of the lowland marshes. Follow Logerquist Road around the rest of the lake to end your fall journey in a sea of gorgeous fall foliage.
To see even more fantastic fall drives in Wisconsin, check out these 11 Scenic Drives.
