Road Trip Guide
Door County Coastal Byway: The Cape Cod of the Midwest
Sturgeon Bay to Gills Rock
Start Your Engine
Sturgeon Bay
The Finish Line
Gills Rock
66 miles (one way)
Miles
2-3 days
Days
Start Stops End
Trip Essentials for Sturgeon Bay
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Insider Driving Tips
Book your fish boil reservations weeks in advance; they are a popular and unique Door County tradition.
Visit in late July for peak cherry season, or mid-October for spectacular fall foliage and apple harvest.
Rent a bike in Fish Creek to explore the beautiful trails of Peninsula State Park car-free.
Pack a pair of sturdy shoes for exploring the rocky shoreline and the limestone cliffs at Cave Point.
Be prepared for crowds in the peak summer months; start your days early to find parking at popular spots.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Sturgeon Bay
Scaturo's Baking Co. & Cafe
βA local favorite for fresh-baked breads, creative sandwiches, and some of the best cherry turnovers in the county.β
Sturgeon Bay Drawbridge
The iconic steel bridge with the shipyards in the background is a classic industrial maritime shot.
Steel Bridge Park
A great spot to capture the massive scale of the lake freighters as they pass through the canal.
Sherwood Point Lighthouse
Located on a rugged point west of town, this historic brick lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation and offers beautiful views of Green Bay.
Cave Point County Park
White Gull Inn
βLocated in nearby Fish Creek, this historic inn is famous for its traditional evening fish boilsβa true Door County experience.β
The Main Blowhole
The classic shot of a massive wave crashing against the limestone cliffs.
Limestone Formations
The intricate, weathered textures of the cliffs provide endless possibilities for artistic close-up photography.
Whitefish Dunes State Park
Right next door to Cave Point, this park features the highest sand dunes in Wisconsin and a beautiful, mile-long sandy beach.
Peninsula State Park
The Cookery
βLocated in Fish Creek, this restaurant focuses on fresh, local ingredients and is famous for its cherry pie and whitefish chowder.β
Eagle Tower Summit
The panoramic view of Green Bay and the distant islands is one of the best in the Midwest.
Eagle Bluff Lighthouse
The historic red-brick lighthouse tower against the backdrop of the bay is a classic Door County shot.
Sven's Bluff
A quieter overlook that provides a stunning view of the Strawberry Islands and the western shore of the peninsula.
Ephraim & Sister Bay
Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant
βOrder the Swedish pancakes with lingonberries and, of course, keep an eye out for the goats on the roof!β
Ephraim Harbor
The view of the white buildings and the white-steepled church across the water is a quintessential Door County image.
Sister Bay Sunset
The marina at Sister Bay offers an unobstructed view of the sunset over Green Bay, a nightly event for locals and visitors alike.
Anderson Dock
A historic warehouse in Ephraim where generations of sailors have signed their names and boat names on the weathered wood.
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Frequently Asked Questions
July and August are best for beach weather and cherries, but mid-October offers spectacular fall foliage and apple harvest with fewer crowds.
A traditional Door County event where whitefish, potatoes, and onions are cooked in a large cauldron over an open fire, ending with a spectacular 'boil over' of the fat.
It can be, especially in the peak summer months. However, there are many budget-friendly camping and dining options available.
The main loop is about 66 miles, but with stops, you'll want at least 2 full days to explore the villages and parks.
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome in all Door County parks and Wisconsin state parks, though they are prohibited on certain swimming beaches.