When searching for things to do in the winter in Wisconsin, don’t discount Door County! Most Wisconsinites think of Door County as a summer destination. But if you’ve never been to Door County in the winter, you’re missing out on some of the very best parts of this unique and awesome spot. It’s truly one of the most unique places to stay in Wisconsin in winter – for several reasons. Obviously, there are far fewer folks, making it a great, relaxing getaway with no crowds. The sunsets are pretty spectacular, businesses have far more time to pay attention and serve you, and there’s a quiet simplicity to the area when it’s not being inundated with people. We’ve planned out a perfect weekend for you, and by the weekend’s end, you’re sure to agree that Door County is one of the most unique places to stay in Wisconsin in winter.

You're going to need somewhere to stay and Blacksmith Inn on the Shore is a fabulous bed and breakfast option.
8152 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, USA
TripAdvisor/TomK
Each room comes with its own fireplace and whirlpool tub, meaning it's the perfect place to warm up and get cozy after your day of exploring. Located right on the water, each room has a balcony and spectacular views of the water. It's centrally located and is the perfect home base for exploring Door County. Located at 8152 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202.
Some of the things you'll want to do in Door County are outdoors, so check the weather and plan accordingly.
5360 Schauer Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, USA
Flickr/ElvisKennedy
Cave Point County Park is one of the most beautiful spots in the whole state, and that's no hyperbole. Those who know, go here year-round. In warmer months, the waves of Lake Michigan crash and spray. In winter, that creates some of the most amazing ice formations. You'll want to stand here for hours taking in the views. If you're a morning person, you won't find a better place to watch a sunrise. Located at 5360 Schauer Rd., Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235.
One of the best ways to see the peninsula and have a blast is with a Door County Trolley Tour.
8030 WI-42, Egg Harbor, WI 54209, USA
Facebook/DoorCountyTrolley
In the winter, sign up for the wine, spirits, and brew tour or the wine tour and sleigh ride. Both are a great way to see some of the most gorgeous parts of the area as well as sample the local bounty. The soil and climate here make for a unique wine-growing region and you're going to want to check out the wine. Located at 8030 WI-42, Egg Harbor, WI, 54209.
For dinner, head to Wickman House.
Wickman House, 11976 Mink River Rd, Ellison Bay, WI 54210, USA
Facebook/WickmanHouse
This restored farmhouse has a giant fireplace to help keep you cozy and serves up some of the most interesting food on the peninsula. You'll love all the little touches and the attention to local products. Located at 11976 Mink River Rd, Ellison Bay, WI, 54210.
The Ridges Sanctuary is one of those hidden gems in Door County that many don't know about, but you'll be happy you found.
8166 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, USA
Facebook/RidgesSanctuary
This 1,600-acre nature preserve and land trust is a great way to explore the gorgeous natural beauty of Door County. They have guided winter hikes for $5 that are a perfect way to get out and enjoy winter in Wisconsin. You'll learn a lot and end with hot chocolate or coffee back in the nature center. Located at 8166 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202.

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While you're in the outdoor mood, winter is a really great time to explore a part of the area that's usually pretty difficult to see.
TripAdvisor/BnKSimmons
Door County sits right along the Niagara Escarpment, and that creates some truly spectacular sights. Definitely check that the ice is frozen and safe, but if you can walk out on the ice to see Eagle Bluff in Peninsula Point State Park , you absolutely should. Located at 9462 Shore Rd., Fish Creek, WI, 54212.
If you didn't visit the day before on your trolley tour, a trip to Door County Brewing is definitely a must-do.
8099 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, USA
Facebook/DoorCountyBrewingCo
They've got spacious digs, some fabulous brews, and there's almost always something going on here, from live music to trivia. Located at 8099 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202.
The Waterfront Restaurant in Sister Bay has some of the best views anywhere along the peninsula.
10947 WI-42, Sister Bay, WI 54234, USA
Facebook/DoorCountyWaterfront
There is truly nowhere better to capture the sunset. Sure, it's known for its outdoor area in the summer, but with a wall of windows, you can enjoy the views just as well in winter. The food is superb, the drinks even better, and this is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day. Located at 10947 WI-42, Sister Bay, WI, 54234.
After a stellar meal, spend the rest of your night at Cherry Lanes Arcade Bar, where they've given new life to a 1929 building, including old-school bowling lanes, vintage pinball machines, and more.
127 N 4th Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, USA
Facebook/CherryLanesArcadeBar
It's the perfect nostalgic, retro spot and you can see all the love and attention to detail the owners put into this spot to give it new life. Located at 127 N 4th Ave., Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235.
Though Door County is mostly known as a summer destination, there's still plenty to see and do here in the cold months.
Facebook/BlacksmithInn
You have to work a little harder to find it, but all the amazing discoveries make the extra effort exerted worth it. If you give it a chance, you'll fall in love with Door County in winter.

Well, what do you think? Is Door County one of the most unique places to stay in Wisconsin in winter? What are some other fun things to do in the winter in Wisconsin? Where do you like to spend the winter season? Tell us!

Did you know winter outdoor activities in Door County include horseback riding? Read all about it here and then make plans to try this awesome winter activity. Prefer to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground? Click here for the best winter hikes in Wisconsin.

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More to Explore

Unique Places To Stay In Wisconsin In Winter

Daniella DiRienzo | February 03, 2022

What are the best winter hikes in Wisconsin?

Winter outdoor activities in Wisconsin are abundant. One of the best ways to take advantage of the season’s perks is by embarking on a hike. There are lots of great trails to trek during the cold months of winter, but there’s no denying that one of the best winter hikes in Wisconsin is the North County National Scenic Trail. An amazing trek, the trail spans more than 4,600 miles through numerous states. The Wisconsin section of the trail passes through the entire length of Copper Falls State Park, which boasts beautiful scenery, including waterfalls that should be nice and icy during winter, making them even more stunning than usual.

What are the best winter outdoor activities in Wisconsin?

There are lots of winter outdoor activities in Wisconsin that shouldn’t be missed, including a visit to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Though stunning year-round, the lakeshore’s iconic sea caves are especially stunning in winter, when waves from Lake Superior crash against the caves’ rocky surface and freeze on to the sandstone cliffs, creating large icicles and formations, curtains and columns of ice, and tons of ice crystals. Only adding to the allure is the fact that the sea caves can only be reached by trekking across the frozen surface of Lake Superior.

What are some other things to do in the winter in Wisconsin?

When looking for things to do in the winter in Wisconsin, consider a frozen bike ride. (We already walk, snowshoe, and ski across frozen lakes – so why not bike across one?!) There are several events in the state centered around this unique winter activity, including Bike Across Bago, during which, bikers ride 18 miles on the frozen surface of Lake Winnebago. The free ride (donations are encouraged) typically takes place in early February. Bike Across the Bay and Book Across the Bay are also among the options for a frozen bike ride in Wisconsin.

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