Door County, Wisconsin, is known as a go-to Midwest vacation spot during the warmer months. But if you want to experience this beautiful peninsula without the crowds, consider visiting during the colder months. Door County’s off-season is a fantastic travel destination for families during the winter, offering a wide range of activities and attractions to enjoy.

This Scandinavian Wisconsin gem offers wonderful winter landscapes, outdoor adventures and holiday-themed events, plus cozy indoor attractions like museums, galleries, restaurants and lots more. Enjoy Door County’s charming, small-town atmosphere … with a magical sprinkling of snow!

Embrace the Outdoors

In Door County, the Scandinavian concept of frilufsliv, or “free air life,” is embraced in the winter. It’s easy to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and connect with nature here — just bundle up!

The Ridges Sanctuary

The Ridges Sanctuary is a treasure of Door County, and it is open year round for visitors to explore. Established in 1937, The Ridges is the oldest nature preserve in the state of Wisconsin, and is known for its unique blend of ecology, history and natural beauty. The trails at the sanctuary are open from dawn to dusk; walk along them to explore the beaches, wetlands, woods and limestone cliffs on the grounds. The Hidden Brook Boardwalk, which winds is way through woods and over streams, is 8-feet wide and is fully accessible.

One of the most unique features of The Ridges Sanctuary is the Baileys Harbor Range Lights, a pair of historic lighthouses that stand as a symbol of the area’s maritime past.

Warm up in the nature center, where you’ll find educational programs, displays and information about the area’s flora and fauna.

Heritage Village at Crossroads at Big Creek

Get a glimpse into the Door County’s history and cultural heritage at Heritage Village at Crossroads at Big Creek. Located within the larger Crossroads at Big Creek nature preserve, the Heritage Village is a living history museum that features a collection of historic buildings and artifacts from the 1800s.

Although the operating season is from late May through October, Heritage Village is open during certain days during the winter for its annual Christmas event. Be sure to check the website to confirm.

Visiting Heritage Village is like stepping back in time. You can explore a variety of buildings, including a log cabin, a blacksmith shop, a schoolhouse and a farmhouse, all furnished with items familiar to the time period. Costumed interpreters bring the village to life, sharing stories and demonstrating traditional crafts and skills from the past.

Check Out the Local Art Scene

There is a lot of creative energy happening in Door County, even in the winter! Here are a couple of galleries to check out.

Edgewood Orchard Galleries

Housed in a restored stone-fruit barn, Edgewood Orchard Galleries is a great place to view and purchase art from local artists. There’s art inside the gallery and also all around the grounds, so be sure to walk around and explore!

Turtle Ridge Gallery

Not only can you see the personal gallery of local artist Mary Ellen Sisuak, but you can also leave with one of her signature leather bags! Turtle Ridge Gallery is like a one-stop shop for visual art and wearable art in Door County.

Get Into the Holiday Spirit

Door County Christkindlmarkt

If you’re in Door County in late November through December, you should definitely put the Christkindlmarkt on your must-visit list. This annual European-style Christmas market brings together local artisans, vendors and visitors to celebrate the festive season in a magical setting.

At the Door County Christkindlmarkt, visitors can browse through rows of wooden stalls adorned with twinkling lights and decorations, full of handcrafted gifts, artisanal goods and holiday treats. The market also features live music, entertainment and traditional Scandinavian foods. Sip on gluhwein (hot spiced wine) or hot apple cider, listen to carolers, warm yourself by the bonfire and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.

St. Nick’s Tree Farm

Whether you’re looking for a freshly cut tree or just seeking a place to get into the Christmas spirit, St. Nick’s Tree Farm is that place! This family-run shop sells trees, but it is also the perfect place to get Christmas gifts, like wreaths, ornaments and lots more. Enjoy hot cocoa by the fire, grab a freshly baked cookie, take a selfie with Santa and enjoy the gift shop.

Door County Maritime Museum

The Door County Maritime Museum is a great place to learn about the area’s maritime roots. Best of all, it’s open all year round. If you visit during the holidays, enjoy the museum’s Merry-Time Festival of Trees, where dozens of beautifully decorated trees and holiday decorations brighten up the space. Interactive exhibits will keep the kids entertained. Don’t forget to make your way to the 10th floor, where you’ll be afforded gorgeous views of Door County and the bay.

Eat Your Way Around the Peninsula

Door County is known for cherries and cheese, so you’ll find lots of restaurants with those two on the menu. But there’s lots of other things to sink your teeth into on the peninsula!

Scaturos Baking Co. & Cafe (top left) is known for their award-winning cherry pies, as well as their pizza pies, which they offer weekday evenings. If you’re seeking a more intimate meal, White Gull Inn (top middle) offers candlelight dinners at their historic inn, as well as traditional Door County fish boils on the weekends. Find an excellent cup of local coffee at Door County Coffee (top right), which offers breakfast, lunch and baked goods, as well as a Coffee 101 tour that takes you behind the scenes of their coffee factory.

The cozy vibe at Inn at Cedar Crossing (middle left) is the perfect place to enjoy a steak dinner or a slice of their mile-high chocolate mousse pie. (The Inn is also a choice bed-and-breakfast spot!) The family-friendly Blue Horse Beach Cafe (middle), with beautiful views of the bay, is a great place to find a quick breakfast, including biscuit sandwiches and a variety of baked goods. Known as “the restaurant with the goats on the roof,” Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik (middle right) offers a traditional Swedish smorgasbord on two days of the year around the holidays. The rest of the year, you’ll find favorites like Swedish meatballs and sliders on the regular menu, as well as a huge children’s menu with breakfast served all day.

Grab a sweet treat at Door County Candy (bottom left), offering handmade fudge, freshly popped caramel corn, taffy by the handful and all of the retro candy your heart desires. And don’t leave Door County without tasting some of the area’s finest cheeses! Wisconsin Cheese Masters (bottom right) is a great place to sample award-winning and artisan cheeses, all in one cute shop.

Enjoy a Family-friendly Brewery, Winery or Cidery

Many of the breweries, wineries and cideries around Door County are family friendly and welcome kids. Island Orchard Cider offers hard cider made from apples and pears grown at their fruit orchard on Washington Island. Try a flight to sample some of their popular flavors, like cherry cider and apple ginger.

Boasting classic Washington State wine, Anchored Roots Vineyard & Winery is a family-friendly spot to taste some wine and munch on a little snack. At Bridge Up Brewing, play a classic record from the jukebox, admire all of the vintage tchotchkes, and enjoy a pint of the craft beer they make in-house. This kid-friendly taphouse is located on the lower level of Sonny’s Pizzeria.