This Victorian-Era Vacation Rental Is the Perfect Home Base for Wisconsin’s Best Hiking Trails

Door County, Wisconsin, is easily one of my favorite places in the entire Midwest. Between its Friday fish fries, delicious cheese curds, and long history of supper clubs, it’s a beloved vacation spot for many Chicagoans like me. I’m someone who likes to get lost in nature yet still enjoys the comforts of home. The Pembrooke Inn is the perfect home base for exploring Wisconsin’s best hiking trails, yet still close to Door County’s many delicious restaurants and local activities.

The original structure of The Pembrooke Inn was built in 1886 by the founder of the Sturgeon Bay Shipbuilding Company. Today, the bright purple Victorian-era home offers seven suites to choose from. Guests can either rent a single suite or opt to enjoy the whole home. You’ll notice that the suites are complete with Old-World charm as they are named after different shires in the United Kingdom. 

The owners, Carla and Brett, live upstairs and are some of the friendliest folks you'll ever meet. Every morning, Carla and Brett had a homemade breakfast ready for me in the gorgeous dining room. One morning, I found myself lost in a conversation with Brett about his fascinating career path out in Los Angeles. Plus, I was able to snag a tour of the whole inn, and every room is as unique as the person (or persons) staying in it. Each suite is beautifully decorated with period furniture and cozy touches. One of my favorite parts of staying at the Pembrooke Inn was enjoying a cup of coffee on the wraparound porch. I also enjoyed the daily happy hours with local wines and cheeses.

During my time in Door County, I had a few hikes planned. The Pembrooke Inn is centrally located, which made getting to and from these trails a breeze. One of my favorite nearby hikes is the 2.8-mile Bay Shore Blufflands Nature Preserve Trail. The trailhead is less than 15 minutes away from the inn and is particularly popular for birding. I also explored a few trails in Whitefish Dunes State Park. Just a 20-minute drive from The Pembrooke Inn, this state park is one of the "must-do" spots in Door County.

The Pembrooke Inn is centrally located in the city of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, which makes getting to any of the peninsula's hundreds of miles of trails quick and easy. Of course, Door County is also known for its charming small towns filled with local shops and restaurants where you'll want to refuel after a day of hiking. A few of my favorite places to grab a bite and a pint include One Barrel Brewing Company, Door County Coffee and Tea Co., White Gull Inn, and Sister Bay Bowl and Supper Club. What other vacation rentals near hiking trails in Wisconsin should we check out? Let us know by filling out our nomination form.

Cait was hosted by The Pembrooke Inn as part of their trip to Door County. All opinions and thoughts expressed in this content are their own.