The Best Places to See Door County Fall Colors

Breathtaking Fall Foliage in Wisconsin

There are few places prettier than Wisconsin's Door County when it comes to enjoying the vibrant hues of fall.  In fact, Door County fall colors are some of the best in the entire Midwest. We'd even argue that they rival those found in New England! This charming peninsula, located at the northeastern tip of Wisconsin, is a frequent bucket-list destination for travelers seeking the sharply contrasting hues of fall. 

In Door County, there are 300 miles of majestic shoreline to explore, whether by car, on foot, or even by boat. This area becomes even more beautiful during September and October as vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and green spread slowly from north to south, lighting up these forested shores. 

There's a lot more to the area than Door County fall colors, however. It's also an area known for wineries, breweries, historic lighthouses, charming coastal towns, and a slower, relaxed pace of life.  If you're looking for someplace to relax and unwind this fall, you can't do much better than this beautiful part of Wisconsin. 

While you're there, fall in love with the charming Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts that call this part of the country home.  There are three wonderful Select Registry properties in Door County, each offering a unique escape on a different part of the Peninsula. 

Wherever you end up, basque in the breathtaking beauty of Door County fall colors and enjoy the welcoming ambiance and dedication to hospitality you'll find at each property. There are many reasons to Stay Select, and you'll experience each of them this fall when you visit Wisconsin's Door County. 

3 Towns for Door County Fall Colors

There's no shortage of wonderful places to explore in Door County, an area known for its sensational natural beauty. From sunrise to sunset, you'll find endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. That's especially true as Door County Fall colors reach their peak. You won't want to miss a second of this magnificent explosion of color! 

Whether you'd prefer to see Door County fall colors by car, foot, or on the water, we have plenty of ideas when it comes to enjoying a fall getaway. The best time to see Door County fall colors is from late September through mid-October. With 300 miles of shoreline from tip to tip, there's a lot to explore on Wisconsin's Door Peninsula. If you're looking for help narrowing down your trip, consider visiting one of these three spectacular towns, each with its own unique personality and natural beauty. 

Baileys Harbor

Baileys Harbor is a quaint, beautiful town on the eastern side of the Door Peninsula on Lake Michigan.  Here, you'll find plenty of fishing, quiet beaches, iconic lighthouses, and stunning natural beauty. In fact, Baileys Harbor is home to more than 6,000 acres of public lands; the perfect place to enjoy some fall color and reconnect with nature. 

One of the best places to enjoy Door County fall colors here is The Ridges Sanctuary, but destinations to consider include Toft Point and Kangaroo Lake Preserve. There's also a great fall festival here each year, along with a brewery, great restaurants, and plenty of shops to enjoy. 

Fish Creek

Fish Creek, located midway up the Door Peninsula on the west side, is not just a great place to enjoy Door County Fall Colors, but it's also the hub for shopping and recreation in northern Door County. The town is known for its amazing art galleries, shops, and restaurants, but it also happens to be a gateway to one of Wisconsin's most beautiful state parks. 

One of our favorite places to enjoy Door County fall colors is Peninsula State Park, which is simply spectacular. Peninsula State Park is considered one of the most complete Wisconsin State Parks, as it offers visitors a little bit of everything. There are 8 miles of shoreline, bike and hiking trails, golf, and so much more. 

The park's scenic bluffs, part of the Niagra Escarpment, are a breathtaking place to witness the vibrant hues of Door County fall colors. Don't miss climbing to the top of the Eagle Tower for an extraordinary overlook. 

Ephraim

Just north of Fish Creek is another charming community Ephraim, a picturesque community on the shores of the Door Peninsula, has strong Scandinavian roots, a fact that is evident throughout the town. There are more than 30 historical sites throughout town, 11 of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The shoreline near Ephraim is also one of the most accessible, making this a great place to enjoy Door County fall colors by water. In fact, a popular thing to do is sail from Ephraim's harbor to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and nearby Peninsula State Park from the water. 

A stunning scenic drive starts in Ephraim and makes its way south to Egg Harbor along highway 42. 

More to See in Door County

As beautiful as these three towns are, especially when Door County fall colors come into view, there's a lot more to love on the incredible Door Peninsula.

At one end of the Peninsula is the football-loving town of Green Bay, which also happens to have some amazing places to explore along the water. At the other end of the Peninsula is Washington Island, an incredible destination to see Door County Fall Colors.

Here are a few more interesting ways to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Door County Fall Colors this year: 

1. Take a scenic drive along the Door County Coastal Byway, or consider one of the other wonderful scenic drives in the area.
2. Get outside and take a hike at one of the area's 5 state parks and 28 state natural areas.
3. Enjoy Door County fall colors by bike! There are plenty of great trails and road routes to consider. 
4. Wine tasting at local vineyards is a delicious and fun way to enjoy Door County fall colors. Sip and swirl your way down the Door County Wine Trail.
5. Take a ferry ride to Washington Island, where you'll find plenty to do and some truly gorgeous views of Door County fall colors. 
6. See the glow of Door County fall colors, tinted by the glow of sunrise or sunset. There are a lot of great places to enjoy them in the area!

However you spend your day, enjoy the chance to relax and unwind at our Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts at the end of the day. We look forward to seeing you this fall!

Door County Bed and Breakfasts

White Gull Inn

Established in 1896, this white clapboard inn is tucked away in the scenic bayside village of Fish Creek on Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula.  Antiques, fireplaces and meticulously restored and exquisitely decorated rooms, suites and cottages provide a warm and romantic atmosphere. Several suites feature double whirlpool baths.

Renowned for award-winning breakfasts, sumptuous lunches and candlelit dinners, the inn is famous for its traditional Door County fish boils, featuring locally caught Lake Michigan whitefish cooked outside over an open fire.  With its back to a bluff and its face to the bay of Green Bay, Fish Creek today is a stroll around village with historic buildings housing numerous art galleries, shops and restaurants.  A natural harbor filled with majestic yachts in summer separates the village from Peninsula State Park, Wisconsin’s largest and most beautiful park.  Within a few minutes of the inn guests will find spectacular sunsets, theater, music festivals, antique stores and every imaginable recreational activity, from golf and fishing to paddle boarding and kayaking.

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Hillside Waterfront Hotel

The Hillside Waterfront Hotel offers luxurious accommodations, friendly service, and a top-of-the-line concierge service. With our spacious, airy rooms, waterfront views, and central location in the quiet town of Ephraim, it’s no wonder the Hillside Waterfront Hotel has become a favorite of so many visitors. 

The Hillside Waterfront Hotel is one of the oldest buildings in Ephraim. Built in 1890, it has since earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places. Much of the village was built around this beautiful mansion, making it easy for guests to explore Ephraim on foot. Visit the many art galleries, wineries, breweries, artisanal cheese-makers, historic buildings, and guest lectures at various adult learning centers around the Peninsula. 

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Blacksmith Inn on the Shore

Nestled on four hundred feet of untamed Lake Michigan shore in the village of Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin the Blacksmith Inn On the Shore offers the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.

Each of our 15 guest rooms includes an in-room whirlpool, fireplace, and serene view of the harbor. Linger over our homemade continental breakfast from your balcony. Wander down to the shore and take a double kayak for an explore. Hop on a tandem bicycle and meander the back roads. Door County offers pristine scenery, miles of shoreline, lighthouses, music festivals, theater venues, art galleries, unique gift shops, wineries, and a wealth of dining experiences. Relax at the Blacksmith Inn On the Shore, in the heart of Door County.

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