A carriage ride through the lakeshore village of Ephraim makes for a romantic honeymoon activity in Door County, Wisconsin. Other area attractions include wineries, art galleries, fish boils, and a variety of outdoor sports. (Photo: DoorCounty.com/Door County Visitor Bureau)
“Green Bay” may be synonymous with Packers football. But for those thinking of a Wisconsin honeymoon, it should also evoke images of quaint B&Bs, antique shops, wineries, lighthouses, and cherry trees. They’re all part of Wisconsin’s romantic Door County.
Sailing past the Sherwood Point Lighthouse. Kayaking tours of the rugged coastline are also available. (Photo: DoorCounty.com/Door County Visitor Bureau)
Door County is located on the peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan on Wisconsin’s eastern border; Green Bay is the body of water that sits between the peninsula and the mainland. Small cities and towns scattered along the lake shore on both sides of the peninsula have carefully preserved their old-fashioned charm, even as they cater to tourists with bed-and-breakfast inns, antique shops, boat tours of the rugged shoreline, and an array of critically acclaimed restaurants, wineries, and art galleries.
Wisconsinites will tell honeymooners that they absolutely must experience a B&B: they are part of what the region is famous for, and, really, can you get any more romantic? If your style is more about pampering amenities, there are several luxury resorts on the peninsula. Adventurers may opt for a campground, and honeymooners on extended stays can rent houses or condos.
Winery tours offer an interesting diversion; here, a couple strolls through Simon Creek Vineyard and Winery. (Photo: Mike Roemer)
Part of the appeal of Door County is that couples can enjoy time together without pressure to schedule a demanding itinerary. Days spent lounging on the beach or curling up by the fireplace make for ultimate relaxation. You might also plan to visit local wineries. These establishments bottle their creations from locally grown and imported fruits. Schedule tours of the vineyards and bottling operations, and enjoy custom tastings. Don’t forget to buy a bottle and tuck it away for your anniversary.
If you are in the market for a honeymoon souvenir to adorn your wall, the galleries in Door County house everything from modern art to landscapes. While you’re out browsing, you may want to dine at a restaurant offering one of the region’s famous fresh fish boils.
Outdoorsy couples can hike through one of 25 national, state and local parks. There are water sports rentals in the summertime (kayaking or WaveRunners, anyone?), and winter activities such as cross country skiing and snowmobile rentals. Keep in mind that due to harsh Wisconsin winters, a few of the gift shops, wineries, restaurants and lodging providers only operate during warmer months. Some couples prefer the peaceful winter scenery, and several establishments cater to these tourists.
Couples looking for a rustic escape will enjoy the rolling farmland and country orchards along the main highway. Keep in mind that Door County is a rural destination, and travel is not as convenient as it would be to an urban setting. There is an airport in Sturgeon Bay, the peninsula’s most populous city, but the small field that is not serviced by most commercial carriers. Unless you and your spouse are part of the private jet crowd, you’ll probably drive to the peninsula from a nearby city, such as Green Bay, Milwaukee or Chicago.
Useful Resources for Your Door County Honeymoon:
Door County guides at TripAdvisor
Find out how recent visitors rated Door County (the reviews are overwhelmingly glowing), compare room rates to find the best deal, and get lists of the top-rated restaurants, attractions, and places to stay.
Door County Tourism Website
A resource that includes listings for lodging, restaurants and attractions. Seasonal availability and hours of operation are also listed.
Door County Wine Trail
A list of local wineries. Information about each winery is included, such as descriptions of wines offered and driving directions.
Door County Navigator
A list of Door County art galleries. The listing includes everything from large galleries to independent artists.
Videos: Summer Activities in Door County
The Door County Visitor Bureau has more than 60 videos profiling local activities; here is a playlist of videos profiling summer activities. See their YouTube channel for more video playlists if you’re planning a fall of winter Door County Honeymoon.
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