Where to Stay in Door County - The Crazy Tourist

Door County in Wisconsin is one of the most popular mini-break getaway destinations in the United States. Sandwiched between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door Country is abundant in leafy parks and blissful shorelines.

As a destination regularly frequented by domestic and international travelers alike, Door County is well prepared for tourists. From boutique hotels to fine dining restaurants, there is always something new to explore in Door County.

A destination that offers something different each and every season, Door County hits its peak in the spring and summer months; however, there is something magical about visiting Door County when the leaves have changed from a bold shade of green to warmer hues of red, orange and yellow. Even in the winter months, there is something indulgent about wrapping up warm and taking a brisk stroll around one of the dozens of bays.

With a population of just 28,000 people, Door County offers travelers plenty of opportunities to escape the maddening crowds; to disconnect with the wider world and reconnect with nature.

There is so very much to see, do, and explore in Door County. So that you can plan your dream trip, let’s explore where to stay in Door County.

Sturgeon Bay

Of all the options of places to stay in Door County, Sturgeon Bay is by and large the most popular choice and it is not hard to see why. With a picturesque lighthouse, a calm canal and, of course, a gorgeous waterfront to match, Surgeon Bay steals the hearts of all who visit.

For travelers keen to get to grips with the history of Door County and Sturgeon Bay – in particular, to learn more about the area’s seafaring past – a trip to the Maritime Museum is just the ticket. The focal point of the museum is a restored tugboat allowing travelers to learn in an interactive way.

The Door County Historical Museum is another must visit for travelers keen to expand their knowledge of the area. Most of the staff are from Door County and have a wealth of knowledge to share with visitors.

There are plenty of places to dine out in Sturgeon Bay. A popular spot is Waterfront Mary’s that often hosts live music events.

Good For:Active Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Art Lovers, Budding Historians, City Slickers, Couples, Families, First-Time Travelers, Foodies, Nature Lovers, Nature Photographers, Whistle-Stop Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Door County Historical Museum, Door County Maritime Museum, Door County Visitor Bureau, Sturgeon Bay Bridge, Heritage Village at Big Creek, Potawatomi State Park, Waterfront Mary’s Restaurant, Sunset Park, Door County Fire Company – Restaurant, Old Mexico Cantina and Grill, Greystone Castle Bar, Egg Harbor

Hotel Recommendations:

The Foxglove Inn – The Foxglove Inn is an exceptional hotel in Sturgeon Bay. The rooms are ornate and have a real coziness to them. All rooms are air-conditioned and there is free WiFi throughout the hotel. There is free parking available too. The staff are outstanding and ensure all guests have a pleasant stay.
Beach Harbor Resort – Simply perfect from start to finish, Beach Harbor Resort is a top pick hotel in Sturgeon Bay. Ideal for travelers on a small budget, Beach Harbor Resort offers budget-friendly rooms and great value for money. Breakfast is included in most room rates and all guests have access to free WiFi.
The Sawyer House Bed & Breakfast – The Sawyer House Bed & Breakfast is set in a Victorian house within a gorgeous garden complex. Many rooms have a fireplace and some even offer a large deck area that overlooks The Sawyer House Bed & Breakfast’s gardens. Breakfast is offered on a complimentary basis to all guests.

Fish Creek

The tiny community of Fish Creek is a little-known gem of Door County. The ideal place for couples looking for a place to retreat, Fish Creek is a quiet and charming town.

Fish Creek can be found north of Sturgeon Bay and borders Door County’s most impressive green space – Peninsula State Park.

Fish Creek is an ideal place for nature lovers to stay in Door Country. Being so close to Peninsula State Park means that travelers can explore from dawn until dusk and need not worry about getting a taxi back to their hotel.

For active travelers looking to get their heart rates up, Fish Creek is just the place. Travelers can explore Peninsula State Park by foot or by bicycle; there are a number of reputable bikes hire companies within the town.

Visitors can also enjoy a round or two of golf during their stay at Fish Creek. Within the 38-acre parkland that is Peninsula State Park lies a beautiful 18-hole golf course.

Good For: Active Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Couples, Families, First-Time Travelers, Foodies, Nature Lovers, Nature Photographers, Whistle-Stop Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights:Peninsula State Park, Peninsula State Park Golf Course, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market, The Cookery Restaurant and Wine Bar, Peninsula Park White Cedar Forest State Natural Area, Sunset Beach Park, Community Church, Alexander Noble House Museum, Fish Creek Information, Nor-Door Sports and Cyclery, Gibraltar Grill

Hotel Recommendations:

White Gull Inn – White Gull Inn is a quaint and charming hotel in Fish Creek. Owned and managed by a wonderful team of locals, travelers feel right at home at White Gull Inn. Breakfast is included in the room rate and the team caters to all dietary requirements. Some rooms have a balcony that overlooks the beautiful garden.
Homestead Suites – Fish Creek – Homestead Suites – Fish Creek is a superb hotel in Fish Creek. With two hot tub pools and a sauna, guests always have a relaxing stay. The rooms are modern and stylish. Many of the rooms have a bathtub in the private ensuite bathroom, while others have a walk-in shower unit.
Cedar Court Inn – Cedar Court Inn is a very good hotel in Fish Creek. There is an outdoor swimming pool and a sun terrace equipped with plenty of comfortable sun loungers. Guests are welcome to relax in the garden area or make the most of the barbecue facilities. There are family rooms available.

Sister Bay

Heading north of Peninsula State Park, travelers will find charming Sister Bay. Another tiny village that sits within Door County, Sister Bay is home to less than 1,000 people. Sister Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Door County, especially in the high season summer months.

Although tiny, Sister Bay is well prepared for the annual influx of tourists. There are dozens of dining options, some gorgeous boutique shops and a few historical sites too. The best of the historical gems is, quite simply, the Sister Bay Historical Society.

Travelers can learn all about the village’s one hundred year history from passionate locals. The museum has a wealth of artifacts to discover and a visit certainly enlightens travelers as to the traditions and vibrant history Door Country proudly holds.

There are a few art galleries to discover in Sister Bay. With such a beautiful view to muse upon, it will come as no surprise to travelers to learn that artists have been depicting the bay for decades.

Good For: Active Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Art Lovers, Budding Historians, City Slickers, Couples, Families, First-Time Travelers, Foodies, Nature Lovers, Nature Photographers, Whistle-Stop Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights:Sister Bay Historical Society, Sister Bay Beach, Sister Bay Bowl, Sister Bay Marina, Village of Sister Bay Sports Park, Sister Bay Dog Park, Base Camp Coffee Bar, Door County Ice Cream Factory & Sandwich Shoppe, Fred & Fuzzy’s Waterfront Bar & Grill, Johnson’s Park, Frykman Studio Gallery, Mill Road Gallery Ltd, Hanseatic Art Gallery, Ephraim Historical Foundation

Hotel Recommendations:

The Inn at Little Sister Hill – The Inn at Little Sister Hill is a superb hotel for travelers seeking to stay in the heart of the village. Surrounded by trees and secluded enough to feel like a retreat, The Inn is a little gem. There are suites available that can sleep up to six people per night.
Waterbury Inn – Waterbury Inn is a highly recommended hotel in Sister Bay. Ideal for families, Waterbury Inn offers family-sized rooms and a children’s playground. The rooms are compact and offer high levels of comfort. All rooms have an ensuite bathroom and the buffer suites have a living space and kitchen too.
Sister Bay Inn – Sister Bay Inn is a wonderful hotel in Sister Bay. Ideal for budget-conscious couples or road trippers, Sister Bay Inn offers great value for money throughout the year. There is an outdoor swimming pool for guests to use and a sun terrace too. All rooms have a flat-screen TV.

Egg Harbor

For travelers who like their destinations to be as sparsely populated as possible,

Egg Harbor is an ideal place to stay in Door County. During the 2010 census, it was confirmed that just 201 people lived in the charming village of Egg Harbor. No doubt a few more people have upped sticks and based themselves in Egg Harbor since then, but travelers can rest assured that there has been no major building work there for decades.

Egg Harbor is a good place to use as a base for travelers who are planning on ticking off as many of the beautiful bays and verdant villages of Door County as possible during their stay. Egg Harbor is a 12-minute drive from Fish Creek and a 25-minute drive north of iconic Sturgeon Bay.

Being one of the lesser-known villages of Door County means that there are fewer facilities for tourists. On the other hand, this does mean that room rates are generally more affordable, even in the peak summer season.

Good For: Active Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Budget Backpackers, Couples, Like a Local Travelers, Off The Beaten Track Travelers, Nature Lovers, Road Trippers

Neighborhood Highlights:White Cliff Fen and Forest State Natural Area, Alpine Resort & Golf, Egg Harbor Fun Park, DoorCountyNavigator, Cappaert Contemporary Gallery, Lost Moth Gallery, Stonehedge Golf Course, The Orchards at Egg Harbor – Golf Course, Off The Wheel Pottery, The Bistro at Liberty Square, Shipwrecked Brew Pub & Restaurant, Village Cafe

Hotel Recommendations:

Newport Resort – Newport Resort is a top pick hotel in Egg Harbor offering gorgeous rooms perfect for all kinds of travelers. Bicycles are available for hire and the staff are more than happy to suggest cycling routes for their guests. There is a children’s playground and family rooms are available.
The Landing Resort – The Landing Resort is a highly recommended hotel in Egg Harbor. With a charming interior and wonderful hospitality, The Landing Resort wins the hearts of all who stay. Guests have access to barbecue facilities and some of the larger, outer accommodation options come complete with a kitchen too.
Meadow Ridge Resort – Egg Harbor by VRI Resort – Meadow Ridge Resort is ideal for road trippers or budget backpackers looking for a cheap and cheerful place to stay in Egg Harbor. Offering a wealth of facilities, Meadow Ridge Resort has everything budget travelers could need and more. There is even a swimming pool complete with water slides.

Green Bay

Green Bay is the gateway to Door County. Situated at the southern tip of the hook of Lake Michigan, Green Bay is a great place to stay for travelers who enjoy being kept busy on their trips away. There is a lot of learning in Green Bay and there are plenty of opportunities to socialize too. Bars like Cropsey’s Diamond Bar always seem to draw a fun crowd.

One of the most popular days out in Green Bay is the National Railroad Museum. Trains and locomotives played a pivotal role in the creation of the modern USA and the museum shines a light on the often overlooked key historical players.

The Green Bay Botanical Garden is a calming and relaxing place to spend an afternoon, or perhaps even a sunny summer morning. The gardens span over 45-acres and are open to the public from 9 am daily. The rose garden is particularly wonderful and always fragrant.

Good For: Active Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Art Lovers, Budding Historians, City Slickers, Couples, Families, First-Time Travelers, Foodies, Nature Lovers, Nature Photographers, Whistle-Stop Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights:National Railroad Museum, Green Bay Botanical Garden, Bay Beach Amusement Park, Kastle Karts, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve, Heritage Hill State Historical Park, Neville Public Museum, Hazelwood Historic Home Museum, The Automobile Gallery, The Children’s Museum of Green Bay, Historical Marker 540: Historic Green Bay Road

Hotel Recommendations:

Hampton Inn Green Bay Downtown – Hampton Inn Green Bay Downtown is a top hotel in Green Bay. Offering a fantastic set of facilities and reasonable room rates throughout the year, this Hampton Inn is a little gem. There is a decent fitness center that is free for guests to use. All guests have access to free WiFi.
Kress Inn an Ascend Hotel Collection Member – Kress Inn is a wonderful hotel in Green Bay. Situated on Grand Street, Kress Inn is perfect for travelers who want to stay at the heart of the fun in Green Bay. Breakfast is included in most room rates and is not to be missed. The coffee is particularly good.
Astor House – Astor House is a charming hotel in Green Bay that is perfect for travelers looking for a touch of luxury. Many rooms offer a balcony and an outdoor seating area. Breakfast is included in the room rate and the menu caters to a vegetarian diet. Free WiFi is available.

Sturgeon Bay

Fish Creek

Sister Bay

Egg Harbor

Green Bay

Where to Stay in Door County: