Green Bay and Door County, the “thumb” of Wisconsin’s mitten, are year-round destinations—and not just for football fans. Most know this area for the Green Bay Packers, and while experiencing game day on Lambeau Field is a world-class thrill, things to do in Green Bay and Door County aren’t limited to that. The 80-mile (130-kilometer) peninsula, which juts into Lake Michigan, offers ocean-like adventure, cherry orchards, and views galore.
Late summer and early fall are great for reasonable crowds, pleasant weather, orchard visits, and Packers games. Those who can handle the cold will enjoy a winter visit when everywhere is quiet save the taverns of Green Bay for the Packers' playoff run. Spring offers milder temperatures and fewer crowds in both destinations, too. Summer (June to August) is Door County’s most popular season, with millions of visitors filling up hotels and restaurants, so book in advance.
Door County isn’t small—it takes 90 minutes to drive from Green Bay to Ellison Bay, on Door County’s northern tip. In other words, if you plan on doing some adventuring, you’ll want your own vehicle. But if you’re just planning on hanging out around downtown Green Bay or in one of the peninsula’s cute towns (like Ephraim or Sister Bay), you could easily get by walking and nabbing the occasional rideshare.
Lake Michigan is huge and looking out anywhere over the water in Door County looks like the ocean. Once you’ve enjoyed the peninsula’s fabulous shoreline parks—don’t miss Cave Point County Park and Peninsula State Park for cliffs falling into the water—take a boat ride to truly experience how wild this place is. Sunset cruises out of Fish Creek get you marveling at thousands of birds, dozens of islands, and vistas many will never associate with Wisconsin.
