Fall Foliage In Door County Wisconsin: 11 Must-See Places
Door County, Wisconsin is a beautiful region of the state all year round but in the fall months, it really comes to life!
The Door County peninsula is a haven for fall foliage enthusiasts and the fiery reds, oranges and yellows that pop from the trees as summer fades are just incredible.
As a Wisconsin local, it’s definitely my favorite time of year for being outdoors.
There are several places where you can go to spot some amazing fall foliage, but I’ve rounded up the best 11 locations that you should consider and even a route to follow when October comes!
Fall Foliage in Door County Wisconsin
Due to the incredible amount of natural landscape in Door County, you don’t have to look very hard to find those autumn leaves and colors, but here are my must-see locations should you want to see the very best!
1. Skyline Road in Peninsula Park
Skyline Road in Peninsula State Park gives an incredible view of the forest, shoreline and islands no matter the time of year, but it becomes one of the most stunning spots in the entire county when fall begins.
The road allows cars to wind their way through the beautiful canopy of fall foliage and there are plenty of spots where you can stop to admire the views across the bay.
You can also hike the route if you’d prefer to take in the views at a more leisurely place and there are plenty of great spots for picnicking. It’s one of the best places for hiking in Door County.
2. White Cliff Nature Preserve
White Cliff Nature Preserve is located in Egg Harbor and offers a beautiful setting for admiring fall foliage and is a must-see destination if you’re visiting Door County during the fall season.
As you hike through lush forests and along limestone trails, where the bright fall colors adorn the landscape, you’ll start to fall in love with the preserve and make some magical memories.
While the main aim is to simply immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere, the White Cliff Nature Preserve is perhaps the best place for photographers as there are so many great lookouts and stops for taking professional-style photos.
3. Sister Bay
Sister Bay is a wonderful destination within Door County for experiencing fall foliage, with plenty of great spots for spotting autumnal leaves.
Waterfront Park provides stunning views of the entire bay, decorated with vibrantly colored trees and plants. Lots of visitors enjoy taking leisurely strolls along the water and taking in the views, but renting a kayak would give you an even more delightful shoreline view.
With plenty of great shops and local restaurants, there are lots of opportunities to indulge in seasonal treats and local favorites. You should also make an effort to stop by the annual Sister Bay Fall Fest, one of the county’s biggest annual events should you be visiting while it is on.
4. Fish Creek
Fish Creek offers a new vantage point for spotting fall foliage with scenic boat tours being very popular during the season.
As you cruise along the shores of Green Bay you will admire the vibrant colors of autumn adorning the coastline and surrounding forests and witness the stunning contrast between the fiery hues of the trees and the deep blue waters of the bay.
With knowledgeable guides providing insights into the area’s history and ecology, boat tours offer an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of fall in Door County.
5. Washington Island
Taking a ferry to Washington Island to enjoy its fall colors promises to be a fun experience for the whole family and the location has a great viewpoint for admiring nature.
Mountain Park Tower is a 186-step lookout tower on the northern side of the island and gives adrenaline-seeking walkers a chance to enjoy some incredible lake views above the trees.
However, if you don’t feel like climbing, you’ll still be able to see the incredible colors of the leaves above your head as you gaze up from the bottom.
6. Door County Wine Trail
Door County’s vineyards and locations along the county’s Wine Trail offer a very unique opportunity to experience fall foliage.
Visitors are invited to sip on award-winning wines amongst the stunning fall orange, red and yellow hues of the rows of the vineyards and forested backdrops of the wineries.
The prices of tastings and tours along the Wine Trail depend on the package that you opt for, but no matter which you choose, you are guaranteed some beautiful fall color views.
On top of all this, you’ll be invited to learn about the local winemaking practices and have an opportunity to try and buy several of the county’s specialities.
7. Cave Point Country Park
Nestled in the eastern part of Door County, Cave Point County Park offers an enchanting display of fall foliage against the backdrop of Lake Michigan.
Visitors can hike along the rugged limestone cliffs, take in panoramic views of the lake, and admire the vibrant autumn colors as they are reflected in the water.
The park is also a popular spot for kayaking and enjoying picnics amidst nature.
Best of all, admission to the park is free, making it an affordable option for experiencing the magic of fall in Door County.
8. Newport State Park
Newport State Park is the only dedicated wilderness park in the entire state of Wisconsin and is the perfect place for spotting some uninterrupted nature in the fall.
Covering 2,373 acres of land and stretching along 11 miles of the Lake Michigan shorelines, Newport State Park is a quiet and peaceful location for wandering through the colors of fall in comparison to some of the urban suggestions on this list.
While the park is most popular with day walkers, particularly during the fall season, there are also designated fishing and camping spots to enjoy, allowing you to turn your visit into more than just a foliage hunt!
9. Door County Trolley Tour
If you’re looking to hit several fall spots within a short space of time then boarding the Door County Trolley is a great idea!
The scenic trolley tour allows you to tour some of the region’s best fall spots while learning lots of great facts about Door County’s history through the onboard commentary. Passing endless fall scenery is sure to make you feel a bit festive as the holidays approach.
There are also some breathtaking views of the islands to look out for along the way! It’s great all year round as it’s one of the best ways to see cherry blossom in Door County in May.
Ticket prices vary depending on the time of day and age of the visitors but they are typically around $25.
10. Ephraim
Ephraim is a charming village located on the shores of Green Bay in Door County filled with quaint shops and a unique range of fall foliage along the semi-urban streets.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Anderson Dock while in Ephraim, where the vibrant leaves create a stunning reflection in the calm harbor waters.
For an unforgettable experience, you could choose to embark on a sunset cruise or indulge in a waterfront meal at one of the many delicious eateries with stunning fall foliage views.
11. Potawatomi State Park Observation Tower
Last but by no means least of the best places to see Fall foliage in Door County Wisconsin is Potawatomi State Park’s observation tower.
Potawatomi State Park is located in Sturgeon Bay, home to over 1,200 acres of forested land and limestone cliff views across the bay. With hundreds of species of trees and plants dotted among the forest, the park is a great location for admiring and gathering fall foliage.
The park’s 75 ft observation tower gives the most incredible views of the land and you should make an effort to climb it if it’s open on the day of your visit.
Potawatomi State Park is also located at the eastern end of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail which is over 1,600 miles long, extending across the border with Minnesota to the St. Croix River. Walking even just a short distance along the trail from late September to October guarantees some stunning autumnal views.
Fall Foliage in Door County Wisconsin Route
Here are two great routes that you could follow in order to cover all of the best locations and ways of seeing fall foliage in Door County.
Route One:
- Start at Peninsula State Park and enjoy the fall foliage along Skyline Road.
- Head south to Fish Creek and explore the village’s scenic views and waterfront.
- Drive to Egg Harbor and visit White Cliff Nature Preserve for a tranquil hike amidst vibrant autumn foliage.
- Continue south to Potawatomi State Park for more nature trails and fall foliage sightings.
- Next, visit Cave Point County Park for picturesque fall scenery along the rugged coastline.
Route Two:
- Drive to Ephraim and stroll along the waterfront, including a visit to Anderson Dock for more fall foliage views.
- Head to Sister Bay for additional waterfront views and perhaps take part in the Fall Fest activities.
- Drive to Newport State Park for serene hiking trails and more fall foliage sightings.
- Take the ferry to Washington Island, where you can explore the island’s scenic trails and attractions amidst fall colors.
- Return to the mainland and make a stop at a winery on the Door County Wine Trail for wine tasting and a final glimpse of fall foliage.
FAQs
Below are some questions related to Fall Foliage in Door County along with my answers to each question.
For peak fall colors, you should visit Door County from mid-September to mid-October. The exact timing can vary depending on weather conditions, but this window generally offers the most vibrant foliage.
Yes, October is an excellent time to visit Door County. You’ll experience beautiful fall foliage, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather for exploring the area.
The best time for fall colors in Wisconsin is typically from mid-September to mid-October, but it can vary slightly depending on weather conditions and location within the state.
The best week for fall foliage varies depending on location and weather conditions, but typically the second or third week of October is ideal for peak colors in many areas.
Conclusion
Door County has several great places for admiring fall foliage as the summer season fades. Full of parks and natural viewpoints, the county is a beautiful destination for spending some time before the holidays start.
The best time to visit in order to see the stunning display of fall colors in Door County is in September and October, right as the county is also gearing up for its long list of festive events.
If you are planning a visit to the region during the fall then I hope this list has been helpful in giving you ideas of where to visit and add to your itinerary.
Have fun on your Door County fall foliage hunt! Oh and if you want to see even more, the fall foliage in Pictured Rocks is unbelievable.
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