gills rock

This authentic fishing village lies at the northernmost tip of the peninsula — known as the ‘top of the thumb.’ Island ferries, weathered fishing sheds, and an old fishing boat that sits on dry land reflect its historic maritime heritage. Go fishing!

A fine restaurant with panoramic views, a few souvenir shops, and cottages occupy old buildings along the village’s only street and waterfront. Scandinavian imports, nautical items, jewelry, locally made jams, jellies, and pies can be found here.

Watch the incredible sunsets over Porte des Mortes (Death’s Door), go fishing, take a scenic boat ride, or take a drive on the county’s famous ‘winding’ road.

shoreline restaurant Located at the mainland’s northernmost point, the Shoreline Restaurant has combined one of the best dining views in the county with a convivial wraparound bar and excellent seafood and pasta. The result is a lunch and dinner destination that’s more than worth the extra drive northwards.

42 newport state park Wisconsin’s only formally designated wilderness park — 2,373 acres of forests, wetlands, and meadows. Fern Trail has interpretative panels to guide visitors through the forest. There are miles of hiking and offroad biking trails, cross-country skiing paths, beaches, and campgrounds.

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island clipper This ferry carries passengers to Washington Island through the islandstudded strait of ‘Port des Mortes’. The captain narrates historical facts during the seven mile journey. Views include the Pilot and Plum lighthouses.

the winding road The last few miles of highway 42 curves and zig zags through fields and forest and ends at Northport Pier. It is one of the county’s most beautiful and photographed sites — especially in autumn when maple trees are in full color. A must see.

door county maritime museum There are exhibits on shipwrecks, lifesaving techniques, and the Ted Berch model collection — twenty Great Lakes vessels, including one of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. Tour a 1930s tug boat and watch a film of its last fishing trip.

middle photo: ©2021 Matt Normann Photography

bottom photo: ©2021 Dan Anderson