The Iconic Food Tradition You Absolutely Can’t Miss in Door County

Let me start this story out by saying: I don’t like eating fish. Or really, I don’t like anything that swims. However, if I find myself in Door County, Wisconsin, during the winter months, I’m going to make an exception. When in the small community of Fish Creek during the cold Lent season, I never miss a visit to White Gull Inn for an authentic fish boil.

Much of Wisconsin was settled by Catholic German immigrants. As a result, we still see lingering traditions presenting themselves in modern times. One of these traditions is the classic fish boil. Traditionally, Catholics refrained from eating red meat on Fridays. As a result, this heavily German-settled area still retains weekly fish boils during the Lent season. 

A fish boil at the White Gull Inn is more than a meal. It’s a community experience. On a Friday night, you’ll put on your warm winter jacket and cozy up next to a fire outside. You’ll be surrounded by other hungry restaurant goers eager to watch the staff perform the fish boil. The experience is just plain fun. Here, you'll see the charismatic staff members, often in traditional white aprons and chef hats, tending to a large cauldron of water boiling over an open fire. They'll toss in locally caught whitefish, often with small red potatoes.

You can watch this process for as long as you’d like, or head back inside to the dining room to warm up. As I said, I don’t typically enjoy eating fish. However, the White Gull Inn somehow manages to make a whitefish so good that I, a very anti-fish person, actually enjoy it. Perhaps it's all the delicious Wisconsin dairy butter I drench onto it. Either way, a fish boil from White Gull Inn is an experience that can’t be missed. Be sure to pair your meal with a classic Wisconsin old fashioned. What sets a Wisconsin dld fashioned apart from others is its use of brandy in place of whiskey in the cocktail. 

The dining room itself is as cozy as can be. With a roaring fireplace, wooden chairs and tables, and a friendly staff, it feels like you're sitting down to dinner at your favorite grandma's house. While I’ve painted a wintry picture for you, the White Gull Inn does do some fish boils in the warmer months as well. Be sure to check with their team directly to get the most up-to-date schedule for their fish boils. As the name suggests, this Door County treasure also offers overnight accommodations. There are a variety of suites and cottages to choose from if you want to extend your visit. They also offer a delicious breakfast.

If you're looking for a cozy getaway with a mix of charm, history, and great food, the White Gull Inn should undoubtedly be on your list. Whether you're visiting during the colder months for a comforting meal by the fire or taking advantage of their legendary fish boils, this gem offers something for everyone. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own Wisconsin trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.