Off Season Door County Travel Guide

A little over a month ago we took our first weekend adventure as a family of FOUR! Because our youngest babe was just over six weeks at the time, I made a vow to keep it manageable. No planes, no big busy cities, no 8-hour road trips to my favorite parts of Lake Superior (though there was a time this past summer when I realllllly pushed for that), just a relatively quick jaunt to endlessly cozy, off-season Door County.

The plan was to keep things simple and focus on our favorite things. Nature, good food, drinks, games, and ample downtime at a cute place with plenty of amenities were all on the agenda. We left on a Friday morning, returned on a Sunday night, and centered our trip around Bailey’s Harbor. We came in with some plans (hiking Eagle Trail and a visit to Waseda Farms were essentials), but left things loose enough that we could enjoy some level of discovery.

Despite Lilly coming down with a brutal sore throat on our first night and all of us sleeping like total garbage, it was a lovely family adventure: the kind that builds confidence around traveling with kids and leaves you wanting more.

Here’s a quick recap of what we did and what we enjoyed just in case a cozy weekend adventure to Door County is something you are looking for.

Day 1: Friday, leave by noon

Horseradish Kitchen + Market // Our little weekend trip to Door County actually began before we hit Door County (which was a very intentional choice because I knew by doing so, we’d miss out on getting to the peninsula before dark). If we’d had lunch at home and hadn’t stopped in Princeton, we probably could have gotten an extra hike in BUT Horseradish Kitchen + Market is SUCH A VIBE and such a delight that I would make this choice again and again.

We ate on their back screened-in patio that overlooks the river, which everyone should do if the weather is pleasant enough. We ordered coffee beverages and lunch: a chicken salad sandwich with salad, a Cubano with chips, and a big bowl of potato leek soup (all of which were phenomenal, the side salad is actually the move here, it’s out of this world heaped with local veg). I breastfed while we waited for our food. Lilly and Kyle did a puzzle at the table. We perused the shop before we left (leaving with gifts for a dear friend and myself because the curation of this market is just too good). AND we grabbed yummy drinks and a giant cookie for the road. 10/10. Honestly, this spot is worth centering a whole trip around, but it also makes a lovely pitstop en route to somewhere else wonderful.

Field Blend Wines // Across the street from Horseradish, I peeked the sweetest wine shop and just HAD to go in. We sampled yummy natural wines and chatted with the owner while Lilly played with legos in the corner, then left with three lovely bottles to enjoy throughout my birthday month.

Downtown Princeton // I’m sorry but this town is just so cute and so charming. We didn’t do much other than eat at Horseradish, visit the wine shop, and walk a couple blocks down their Main Street, but that was enough to say, I would stay here longer next time. If we could have left Thursday after work, I would have happily enjoyed an overnight at the Parlor Hotel (owned by the same people as Horseradish) and then done some hiking in the area Friday morning before heading north.

The Rushes // We arrived in Door County right after dark, and headed straight to our condo outside Bailey’s Harbor. Had we not packed a cooler of leftovers from the fridge that I wanted to use up, we probably would have grabbed a pizza from Wild Tomato for dinner. The Green & Gold is absolutely delicious!

Instead we just checked in, grabbed our welcome bag of microwave popcorn, chocolate, and a fire starter, and headed to our little 2-bedroom condo. After unloading the car, chilling the wine, and getting situated, Lilly and I headed back to the Lodge to borrow some games and puzzles, and rent a few movies. Back at the condo, we enjoyed our simple dinner, built a fire, started the (overly ambitious 1000-piece) puzzle, and popped some popcorn for a cozy movie night in. A perfect Friday night in my opinion.

Day 2: Saturday

Blue Horse Beach Cafe // We started our only full day in Door County at the fantastic Blue Horse Beach Cafe (after an hour or so of coffee and puzzling at our condo). I have been here before and really enjoy this spot. It’s right across from a beach in Fish Creek, has tons of yummy options, and a couple miles from the entrance to one of my favorite Door County spots: Peninsula State Park.

We grabbed coffee and pastries to start, then sat by the window looking out over the water while we waited for our food. There isn't a ton of seating (they actually package everything to go so you can be on your way - a great place to grab a picnic meal if the weather is warm) but we’ve never had trouble finding a spot in the off season. Our meal was a mix of decadent breakfast sandwiches, slightly more healthy bagels and lox with greens, and a green smoothie to share. All delicious.

Peninsula State Park // We then headed off to Peninsula State Park - our main destination for the day since the sun was shining. We took the road that follows the shore, just to enjoy some gorgeous views, and eventually arrived at the Eagle Tower.

We bundled the kids, grabbed the stroller, and ventured up the epic ramp that takes you to the top of the tower. After enjoying views and snapping many a family photo, we exchanged our stroller for baby/toddler carriers and started down the Eagle Trail (my absolute favorite trail in all of Door County). We meandered through woods and rocky shores, past cliffs and caves, stopping to breastfeed Isabelle down by the water while Kyle and Lilly threw rocks.

Sip // After a few hours hiking and playing outside, we were ready for more food. We found Sip just north of Peninsula State Park, just outside Sister Bay. In this colorful cafe, boutique, and restaurant, we enjoyed cortados, tea, more pastries, and split a burger. The food wasn't anything special but the coffee was the best so far👌

Waseda Farms // On our way back to the condo, we stopped by Waseda Farms to visit their adorable on-farm market. This gem was less than a mile from where we were staying and had pretty much everything we needed to prepare a feast for dinner.

Kyle and Lilly played on the swing set and visited the chickens and goats while I shopped. I grabbed sausages, squash, spinach, mushrooms, onion, garlic, cheese, butter, vinegar, local honey, eggs, bacon, sourdough, and beer. Literally everything I dreamed they’d have and more. The store is absolutely lovely and I really recommend stopping by if you are staying in the area or want to prioritize cooking and/or local food on your trip to Door County. We made the tastiest salad for dinner (recipe coming soon!) plus sausages and sauteed mushrooms.

The Rushes (part 2) // The rest of the night was spent relaxing - we grabbed a more reasonable (300 piece) puzzle from the Lodge, played some Wingspan and retired very early. Had it not been cloudy, we would have packed everyone in the car for a drive to Newport State Park for some dark sky viewing. Had Lilly not been sick, we definitely would have checked out the pool in the Lodge. But alas, rest was the main thing on the agenda.

Day 3: Sunday, home by 8 p.m.

We woke to gray skies and a lot of drizzle, so our second morning was spent slowing drinking coffee, finishing our puzzle, playing another game of Wingspan, and making breakfast when we felt like it. Waseda Farms provided us with everything we needed for the yummiest scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and toasted sourdough with honey. Eventually, we got the car loaded and headed out for a couple quick rainy stops before heading home.

Sway // A pastry and coffee stop is apparently a daily priority for me - so into Bailey’s Harbor we went after checking out of The Rushes. This spot is super cute with big windows and lots of space. The cinnamon rolls were particularly excellent and we went back for a second one.

Sway also happens to be a brewery and taproom, and from what I’ve heard, a very good one. I’m excited to stop in for beers on our next Door County visit.

The Ridges Sanctuary // This little nature center and trail system is such a gem. Right in downtown Baileys Harbor, you can learn all about the diverse ecosystem that exists here and then venture out on some boardwalks and trails through the old growth forest and swales. We loved learning about the area, shopping their super quaint gift shop, and taking the stroller down the boardwalk before our long car ride home. This is another place we’re excited to return to and explore more!

Cave Point County Park // Because today was so windy, we absolutely had to swing by this park and the rocky cliffs over Lake Michigan. The water really crashes up the shore in an impressive way we love to experience.

We’ve stopped here many times on our way up or down the peninsula and it always feels worth as much time as we have to give. This time, both kids were napping so we just left the car running and separately hopped out to spend a little time with the views and powerful water.

Optional Green Bay pit stop // We enjoyed dinner at Culvers because no Wisconsin family trip is complete without a trip to Culvers. And we chose the Culver’s in Green Bay because it is always fun to drive around Lambeau Field and down Lombardi Avenue.

This was such a fun, quick getaway. I really ADORE off-season Door County, especially in the months of November and April when it’s not buried in snow. Yes, many restaurants and shops are closed, but in my experience a lot of the best ones stay open year-round, and everything just feels less busy, less hurried, and more conducive to easy family travel. And if you travel during late fall or early spring, most trails are still hike-able/not limited by snow and ice. PLUS, the early sunsets sort of force the lingering, lazy, slow time we all deserve.

I hope you find and plan some of your own lowkey local adventures this winter. I cannot wait to hear about them!

-Lauren