Resort at a Glance: Edgewater Resort

As its name suggest, Door County’s Edgewater Resort sits right on the shore; guests frequently admire stunning sunsets over Eagle Harbor, an inlet of Green Bay. Spacious suites feature whirlpool tubs, gas fireplaces, full kitchens, and separate living rooms. Premium and premium-plus units offer more space than standard and deluxe suites and open up onto the veranda, with views of the harbor.

• Stay connected with free wireless internet
• Explore nearby Ephraim: the historic waterfront village is now home to several restaurants, shops, art galleries, and history museums

Door County, Wisconsin: Outdoor Recreation and Quaint Towns on the Northwestern Shores of Lake Michigan

It starts with a roaring bonfire set under a kettle of salted water, potatoes, and whitefish fresh from Lake Michigan. Then, when the moment’s right, kerosene gets tossed onto the fire, exciting the flame and sending the fish oil at the top of the pot boiling over. “Radio City has the Rockettes; Door County has fish boils,” the Chicago Tribune writes of these cook-offs. Visitors come for the spectacle as much as the buttery fish. But it’s not the only draw to this part of northeast Wisconsin. Set on a peninsula between Lake Michigan and Green Bay, the county also has plenty of waterfront. Some call Door County the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” It’s an apt nickname considering the rocky coves, harbors, and lighthouses that make up the nearly 300-mile shoreline here.

With such easy access to the water, it’s no wonder that boating and fishing are popular activities in Door County. But there’s also plenty to do on land, as the area is also home to a number of state parks. Peninsula State Park fronts 8 miles of rocky coastline near the town of Fish Creek. You can kayak around the limestone bluffs here or hike miles of paths that weave through wetlands, forests, and open meadows. In the winter months, heavy snowfall transforms the park’s landscape into a haven for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. If you’re looking for a beach, Whitefish Dunes State Park has miles and miles of fragile sand dunes, some of which are among the highest on Lake Michigan.

Door County is lined with charming small towns with everything from art galleries to theater venues and historic churches. The town of Ephraim is a good place to go for antiquing. While you’re here, you can also learn more about the town’s Scandinavian roots on a historical walking tour, which departs from the Anderson Barn History Center and includes stops at some of the Ephraim Village Museums.

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