The Perfect Fall Getaway to Plan!
There is a reason Door County in Wisconsin is such a popular fall getaway. If you’re looking for somewhere just as beautiful as it is fun, we have your guide to the best places to stay in Door County this fall! If you’re seeking out the best places to stay in Door County, you’re looking for an exceptional getaway – and a few fall days in this colorful paradise offers precisely that.
Door County’s fall colors are show-stopping! With shades of vibrant crimson, fiery orange, and bright pops of yellow contrasting beautiful against the evergreens and sparkling blues of the lakes, Mother Nature puts on a grand spectacle each fall that is more than worth seeing. Beyond this area’s natural beauty, you’ll find a laid-back vibe in the charming lakeside towns, plenty of outdoor adventure, and the relaxing getaway you’ve been craving.
The accommodations at our Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts in Door County will be at the heart of your getaway. These Inns are backed by 50 years of excellence in hospitality, and they offer three of the best places to stay in Door County Wisconsin. Each of them is located in a different town and has its unique accommodations, but all share the same dedication to excellence in hospitality.
Whether you choose one or make plans to stay at all three, we know you’ll have an exquisite time chasing Door County Fall Colors this year! Don’t miss your chance, though. Rooms book up quickly for this popular time of year. Book your room at one of the best places to stay in Door County Wisconsin today!
Best Places to Stay in Door County
One of the biggest draws to Door County is undoubtedly the fall colors. But aside from Mother Nature putting on a dazzling display of color each fall, there are plenty of reasons to visit Door County. Trips here are made even better when you wind up at one of our Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts, rated as the best places to stay in Door County.
Once you’re here and comfortable, there are plenty of great things to do in Door County. Take scenic drives on the Door County Coastal Byway, hike or bike in the nearby Wisconsin State Parks, shop and explore the charming towns, and otherwise enjoy the slower, relaxed pace of life in this northeastern part of Wisconsin.
There are plenty of places to visit in Door County, but when it comes to finding the best places to stay in Door County, Wisconsin, three towns stand out above the rest.
Ephraim, Wisconsin
If you’re looking to kick back, relax, and enjoy a few days immersed in the area’s stunning beauty, there are few better places to stay in Door County than the charming town of Ephraim. Ephraim is a lovely Scandinavian town filled with historical sights and located on the picturesque shores of the northwestern tip of Door Peninsula.
Just across Eagle Harbor is the wildly popular Peninsula State Park, which also happens to be one of the best places to see Door County Fall Colors. Eagle Harbor itself is a popular place to set sail or paddle and allows for excellent viewing of the dramatic limestone bluffs that dominate the landscape in Ephraim.
The historic buildings, 30 of which are on the National Register of Historic Places, make shopping and dining out in Ephraim a delight. It offers a little bit of everything for the casual visitor, so we think it’s one of the best places to stay in Door County, Wisconsin.
Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin
If you’d rather be on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, then one of the best places to stay in Door County is the charming town of Baileys Harbor. Bailey’s Harbor is known for being quiet and less crowded than other Door County destinations. Accordingly, Baileys Harbor is the perfect place for those wanting to get out in nature.
There’s plenty of fishing, quiet beaches, iconic lighthouses, and 6,000+ acres of stunning natural beauty in the surrounding parks and natural areas to enjoy. Some of the most popular destinations include The Ridges Sanctuary, Toft Point, and Kangaroo Lake Preserve.
For being such a quiet destination, though, there’s a surprising array of great restaurants, breweries, and wineries here. Add to that plenty of great shops, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best places to stay in Door County, Wisconsin!
Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Back on the western shores of the Door Peninsula, just south of Ephraim, sits the charming town of Fish Creek. If you’re into shopping, this is definitely one of the best places to stay in Door County! Fish Creek is known for its art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Aside from great shopping and a charming downtown, Fish Creek is a beautiful place to sit back and soak up the breathtaking scenery of Door County. There are 100’s of miles of trails to explore in the area, including those found at Peninsula State Park, but even just browsing along the marina on a crisp fall day adds up to a perfect day in Wisconsin’s Door County.
The marina is also a great place to rent a boat to navigate around the Niagara Escarpment, and the Harbor is a delightful place for a sunny afternoon paddle. With so much timeless charm on display, it’s easy to see why Fish Creek is one of the best places to stay in Door County, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin State Parks to Visit in Fall
Just as there are plenty of great places to stay in Door County, Wisconsin, there are many great things to do! That is especially true in the fall. Between getting outside and exploring the nearby Wisconsin State Parks, browsing charming towns, setting sail on the lake, and attending local festivals, you won’t run out of things to do in Door County this fall.
Though there are plenty of ways to enjoy your fall getaway to Door County, we will dedicate a bit of time to talk about one of our favorite ways to enjoy the spectacular Door County Fall Colors.
There are five Wisconsin State Parks and 28 natural areas on the Door Peninsula, each of which practically begs to be explored when the stunning hues of fall come to town. Here are a few of our favorite nearby Wisconsin State Parks and natural areas:
- Peninsula State Park is one of the largest and most popular Wisconsin State Parks, and it just so happens to be situated near the towns of Ephraim and Fish Creek. It offers sandy beaches, hiking and biking trails, and plenty of shoreline bluffs from the Niagara Escarpment that are perfect for exploring by kayak.
- Toft Point State Natural Area near Baileys Harbor is a beautiful coastal area offering visitors a variety of landscapes to explore. From wave-cut dolomite cliffs to marshy wetlands and forests, it’s truly a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.
- Whitefish Dunes State Park is another one of the more popular Wisconsin State Parks, and it’s about 20 minutes south of Baileys Harbor. The dunes here are beautiful, and there are miles of trails through the forest and along the beach to allow adequate exploration of this area.
- Newport State Park is for you if you’re looking for a wilderness experience in Wisconsin State Parks. It lies to the north of all three towns and offers 11 miles of shoreline on Lake Michigan and more than 30 miles of hiking trails in the park. It’s the only wilderness-designated State Park in Wisconsin.
- Though it’s a little farther away and harder to get to, we recommend heading to Rock Island State Park. It’s accessed by ferry between Memorial Day and Columbus Day, and no vehicles are allowed in this primitive park. There’s no better way to commune with nature than visiting this Wisconsin State Park. Here, you’ll find the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, hiking trails, a swimming beach, and miles of shoreline to explore.
As you can see, from these magnificent Wisconsin State Parks to the charming towns of Ephraim, Fish Creek, and Baileys Harbor, there are plenty of things to do in Door County this fall. To make the most of your trip, book a room at one of the best places to stay in Door County: Our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts! We look forward to seeing you this fall!
Best Places to Stay in Door County Wisconsin
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 in Wisconsin. Each of our 15 guest rooms includes an in-room whirlpool, fireplace and serene view of the harbor.
Wisconsin bed and breakfast charm and complete privacy allow you to unwind and relax. 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. Guests enjoy our bottomless jar of cherry oatmeal cookies, afternoon popcorn and beverages, wireless internet and a DVD library.
Door County offers pristine scenery, miles of shoreline, lighthouses, music festivals, theater venues, art galleries, unique gift shops, wineries and wealth of dining experiences. Relax at the Blacksmith Inn On the Shore, in the heart of Door County.
Hillside Waterfront Hotel
The Hillside Waterfront Hotel offers luxurious accommodations, friendly service, and a top-of-the-line concierge service. If you are wanting to find the best place to stay in Wisconsin, we should be at the top of your list. 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 for so many visitors.
The Hillside Waterfront Hotel is one of the oldest buildings in Ephraim; it’s one of the last remaining original Graceful Hotels. 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 Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast, 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. During the summer, visitors and locals alike enjoy spending time on the waters of Eagle Harbor. Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and romantic cruises are especially popular in this region. During the colder months, the ground is covered in a pristine blanket of snow that’s perfect for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
White Gull Inn
Established in 1896, this white clapboard B&B 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. If you are wanting to find the most Romantic Bed and Breakfast in Wisconsin, you have found it!
Several guest 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, guests will find spectacular sunsets, theater, music festivals, antique stores and every imaginable recreational activity, from golf and fishing to paddle boarding and kayaking.
