Cherry blossoms, beer festivals, historic lighthouses and a parade of goats?  Welcome to Door County in spring: a slice of charming small town Americana perfection.   

Considered the “thumb” of Wisconsin; Door County is a 2,000 square mile stretch on the east side of the state. While just 3 hours north of Milwaukee, Door County feels like a very different world. The Door peninsula is one of the most darling vacation spots in the Midwest. While beautiful any time of year, spring in Door County is especially lovely. 

As the frosty Wisconsin winter melts away, Door County is just coming to life. Springtime visitors will enjoy drives through lush green country sides dotted with wildflowers. Postcard-cute red barns of family farms, flanked by spring cherry blossoms.  Scenic hikes along the majestic coast of Lake Michigan before the area’s pesky mosquitoes arrive. Locals ushering in the delightful spring weather with craft beers on brewery patios across the peninsula. Well, and that goat thing the area is famous for…Door County spring brings mild weather, thinner crowds and cheaper prices before the area explodes with tourism in the summer.  

Considering a spring trip to Door but not sure what to do?  In today’s post, I’ll show you the 8 best things to do in Door County in spring and early summer.   

1) See Door County cherry blossoms  

While the other D.C. put cherry blossoms on the map, Door County is home to the stunning spring flowers as well. The Door County climate is perfect for cherry trees to thrive. As a result, visitors will find more than 2,500 acres of Door County cherry orchards to explore.

Cherry blossoms are a big deal in Door County, but that’s not all. Additionally,  local markets offer cherry-flavored everything! Cherry salsa, cherry pies, cherry jams, donuts…you get the idea.    

Door County cherry blossoms are one of the prettiest things to see in spring. The lovely blooms spring to life just as the warm weather begins to arrive.  Unfortunately, the window to see the flowers in bloom lasts only for about a week.  While there’s no set date for peak bloom, it often occurs between mid-May and early-June each year. 

When planning a trip to see the Door County cherry blossoms, you’ll need to be both quick and flexible. Peak only lasts about week. Sometimes, it lasts up to two weeks if the weather is mild and storm-free. In addition, the date of peak bloom varies each year, sometimes by weeks. Peak bloom begins with the Door County cherry orchards to the south and the Green Bay side, and slowly creeps north.

Planning a visit to see the cherry blossoms in spring? First, start by researching the date of peak bloom the previous years.  In 2023, peak bloom hit Door County on May 12th. This will give you a tentative window to consider for your trip. Secondly, keep your travel dates open and look for Door County lodging with flexibility.  Check out the Door County cherry blossoms report and plan to visit as soon as you hear peak bloom has arrived. If arriving late, travel to the northern tip for the best chance to catch some trees still in bloom.      

Cherry orchards are located all over Door County. Here are a few of favorite Door County orchards you should consider checking out!  

• Lautenbach’s Orchard, Fish Creek  
• Seaquist Orchards, Sister Bay 
• Soren’s Valhalla Orchards, Sturgeon Bay 
• Cherry Lane Orchards, Sturgeon Bay 
• Schartner’s Farm Market, Egg Harbor 

The cherry blossom festival in our nation’s capitol draws a whopping 1.5 million visitors each year.  Why not save yourself some money (and sanity), and enjoy the Wisconsin cherry blossoms instead? While Door County cherry season won’t be in full swing for months, spring is the best time to see the flowers on display.

If you prefer coming to eat Door County cherries, plan to visit in mid to late summer. The Door County Cherry Festival takes place in August of each year. During the festival, visitors can enjoy all the cherry things. In addition, there are crafts and games for the family.  Mark your calendars now: the Door County Cherry Festival will take place this year in Jacksonport on August 3, 2024.    

2) Enjoy Door County lodging for cheap    

One of the things I love most is the unique feel of Door County lodging.  Newbies to the area may be wondering where to find the local Holiday Inn or Motel 6. Spoiler alert: chain operations aren’t a thing in Door County. The area has worked hard to preserve its small town community feel. As a result, mega-chains are kept off the peninsula. The same goes for chain food joints. So that happy meal your angry toddler is screaming for? Get it before heading up to DC. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Sorry,  tangent. But happy meal availability is important stuff here, friends. 

Door County lodging is all about old town charm and hospitality. From decades old bed and breakfasts, to modest inns, cozy cottages to locally run waterfront resorts, Door County has it all. Moreover, in cuter fashion than you’re probably used to! 

Door County bed and breakfasts are a popular lodging choice in the area. B&Bs as they’re called offer a more intimate stay often with more warm, fuzzy service.  Basically, it’s like a stay at your beloved grandmother’s house where you are incredibly well cared for.  Think lovingly crafted antique décor, cheerful personal service and homemade breakfast. Where sleek, modern sterile digs are replaced with sophisticated wallpaper prints and antique cuckoo clocks.  

In addition, rooms are often fitted with amenities to promote relaxation such as whirlpool tubs, rocking chairs, working fireplaces and darling  porches with lake views. Basically, once you visit, you won’t want to leave.   

In high season, the best Door County hotels, resorts and bed and breakfasts sell out quickly.  If you’re lucky enough to land a last minute reservation, it will cost you. Alternatively, spring bookings are easier to get, and often come with cheaper shoulder season pricing.     

Here are some of our picks for where to stay in Door County:    

• Eagle Harbor Inn, Ephraim 
• Newport Resort, Egg Harbor 
• Homestead Suites, Fish Creek 
• The Foxglove Inn, Sturgeon Bay 
• White Lace Inn, Sturgeon Bay 
• Westwood Shores Waterfront Resort, Sturgeon Bay 
• Holiday Music Motel, Sturgeon Bay   
• Sister Bay Inn, Sister Bay  
• Country House Resort, Sister Bay  

3) Explore Door County State Parks

Wisconsin is home to one of the best park systems in America, and many of the state’s best are hiding out in

Door County. Exploring the many Door County hiking trails is one of the cheapest and best things to do when visiting.  Spring is an excellent time to explore Wisconsin’s stunning northern woods and along Lake Michigan. 

Unfortunately, the beauty of Door County parks is hardly a well-kept secret.  In peak summer, the parks are packed with tourists. That, and the state’s #1 enemy: the mosquito.  

In late spring and early summer the trails aren’t quite as wet or overrun with visitors.  In addition, there are so many activities to enjoy in the parks. From marveling at the jagged shores of Cave Point County Park, to biking along Peninsula State Park, or watching the night stars in the certified dark sky park at Newport State Park, the parks offer tons to do. 

The state parks are also home to many scenic Door County hiking trails along the lake.

When visiting Door County parks, consider purchasing an annual state park sticker.  The sticker grants access to all Door County state parks and forests to all passengers for the calendar year.  Additionally, pass holders get access to every other Wisconsin state park for the year so you can continue to explore the state. 

Here are some of the best Door County parks worth visiting:     

• Peninsula State Park 
• Cave Point County Park 
• Potawatomi State Park 
• Rock Island State Park  
• Whitefish Dunes State Park  
• Newport State Park  

If visiting in spring, the trails can be hit or miss with Door County Wisconsin weather. When visiting, bookmark Travel Wisconsin’s Trail Report. The resource has helpful information on Door County hiking trails. Specifically, their condition and closure updates really come in handy before heading out for a hike.    

4) Take a Door County trolley tour 

Door County Trolley Tours has offerings for every age, group and interest. A few of the most popular Door County tours include:   

• Wine, Spirits and Brew Tour , a 4+ hour tour of Door County wineries, distilleries and breweries 
• Narrated Scenic Tour, a 1.5 hour trolley tour along the peninsula  
• Lighthouse Tour-a 4+ hour tour including private tours of area lighthouses  
• Wine, Chocolate & Artisan Cheese Tour, 3 hour tour including food and drink tastings  
• Family Ride, a shortened 30 minute fun ride for families with kids

As you plan, remember, it takes Wisconsin longer than most states to thaw out. As a result, Door County Wisconsin weather can be unpredictable and breezy into spring. If you are a fan of warmer weather, consider visiting in early summer, when the temps start to warm up. Also, Door County tours sell out quickly and some don’t operate until summer. For this reason, be sure to check hours and availability before booking! 

5) Explore the Door County Lighthouse Festival  

Any other nerdy lighthouse loving freaks out there like me? If so, this one’s for you! Door County is home to 11 beautiful and historic lighthouses along the peninsula’s coast. I don’t know what it is about the towering structures, but I absolutely love lighthouse hunting.  

If you are a lighthouse lover, consider visiting for the annual Door County Lighthouse Festival.  During the festival, visitors get unparalleled, up close access to the area’s lighthouses for a more in-depth look. The annual Door County Lighthouse Festival takes place over one weekend each in late spring and again in the fall. The 2024 Door County Lighthouse Festivals are scheduled for June 7th-9th and October 4th-6th. Tickets for the festival typically go on sale beginning in March.  

Over festival weekend, visitors can explore all Door County Lighthouses via land-based, boat and even aerial tours. In addition, for these limited weekends, doors are open to a number of lighthouses typically closed to the public.  This includes access to Chambers Island, Plum Island and Sherwood Point Lighthouses. In addition, the festival includes access to three other lighthouses just outside Door County. 

All Door County  lighthouses are worth visiting, but here are a few to check out during festival weekend:    

• Sturgeon Bay Canal North Pierhead Lighthouse 
• Eagle Bluff Lighthouse 
• Cana Island Lighthouse 
• Sherwood Point Lighthouse 
• Old Baileys Harbor Lighthouse 
• Plum Island Lighthouse 

6) Hike at The Ridges Nature Sanctuary  

Door County is packed with so many beautiful parks that The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor is often overlooked. The Ridges is deceptively cool. Additionally, it is home to one of the most rare landscapes in the United States.  

The unassuming area is home to a number of unique ridges and swales. Essentially, these formations were created over more than 1,400 years. During this time, the land was shaped from years of ice melt, lake waves and currents pushing the shoreline into a crescent like shape. Then, the waters would lower for a time until the process repeated itself.  Again and again, over years. Fast forward to today, and the crashing of water, wind and shoreline has left the area with thirty ridge-like formations.   

Visitors can explore The Sanctuary’s shaded, tranquil trails that offer easy Door County hiking to take in the mild days of spring. In addition, Ridges has a wooden plank trail perfect for those needing an accessible trail. 

In addition, The Ridges has an indoor nature center to explore in the event of bad weather. Also, the wooden hiking path is a great alternative if the trails are too muddy to explore elsewhere. 

Lastly, The Ridges is home to the Upper and Lower Range Lights.The lights are a lovely little surprise, tucked away in the back trails. 

The Ridges is also a great place to enjoy Door County hiking away from the crowds of the bigger parks. 

7) Visit the Door County Beer Festival  

One of the more popular events in Door County is the annual Beer Festival held in Baileys Harbor. The Door County Beer Festival is home to more than 150 awesome craft beers from more than 40 Midwestern breweries. In addition, festival goers will enjoy rockin live music and tasty eats from local food vendors while sampling local beers. 

The Door County beer festival typically takes place near the end of spring into summer each year. The 2024 festival will take place on Father’s Day Weekend, Saturday, June 15th. Without a doubt, you should consider celebrating the dad at your life with all the DC brews he can handle.   

8) Attend the Roofing of the Goats Parade & Festival  

Unquestionably the most iconic thing about Door County are its most famous residents: the goats. Door County is home to the infamous goats who (weather permitting) reside on the rooftop at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant. Yes, you heard me right: goats who live on the roof of a local restaurant. And they’re dang cute.  

Most visitors come to check out Al Johnson’s goats, with a side of tasty swedish pancakes. Since 2013, Door County has held a parade to kickoff the official roofing of the goats at Al’s. The Annual Roofing of the Goats Parade and Festival takes place down Highway 42 in Sister Bay where the prized goats are celebrated. The parade is followed up by an afterparty at Al Johnson’s Goat Fest at Stabbur Beer Garden.  Here, families can enjoy games, music, food and even a Swedish pancake eating contest!  

So, bring your goat-themed everything (or your own goat as all goats are welcome)…and come for some wholesome fun. Typically, the annual roofing occurs between late spring and mid-June. For 2024, the Annual Roofing of the Goats Parade & Festival will take place on June 8th. The parade will begin at 11am with the goat festival to follow.