Author: Megan Richard
Picture this: you’re planning your next vacation, sitting on the couch and scrolling on your open laptop, when a cold, wet nose comes barging in. You yell as you spill your morning coffee but aren’t mad for more than five seconds as a happy, smiling face looks back at you—it’s your beloved four-legged dog. As they look up at you with those deep, brown eyes, you give them a scratch on the nose and start to ponder…what if I bring my dog on vacation with me this time? Instead of leaving them with a friend, having the neighbor let them out a couple of times a day, or bringing them to a kennel, it’s time you take them along on an adventure. And I have the perfect dog-friendly destination for you: Door County, Wisconsin.
Here are five outdoor activities for you and your dog to do on your next visit to Door County:
- Hiking
There is an endless supply of hiking trails in Door County—how do you choose? To help you decide where to go, here are a few of my (and my dog’s) favorites. Any of the Door County Land Trust’s properties are a no-brainer; they are beautiful, well-kept, and often hidden gems when it comes to hiking in Door County. My dog and I like the Bayshore Blufflands Nature Preserve for its scenery all year round, and it seems to be one of the less-visited trails (a plus for me when your dog is 90 pounds and likes to say hi to everyone and everything).
We also love Peninsula State Park, and usually make a visit during all four seasons. But nothing beats the fall colors; plus, the weather cools down where you don’t have to worry about your dog getting too warm. The Sentinel Trail is an easy hike that takes you directly through the woods, surrounding you with stunning red, yellow, and orange leaves.
The Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal is unique to Door County, so it’s a must-see when you come to visit. Park at the entrance to the Coast Guard Station and walk down to the water; there, you’ll find a pier that takes you almost all the way out to the picturesque red lighthouse—a perfect photo op if you can get your dog to sit still long enough for you to snap a picture. You can also hike along the ship canal. This is a neat walk, and if you’re lucky, you might even witness a ship come into Sturgeon Bay.
2. Wineries and Breweries
One Barrel in Egg Harbor is known for their beer, cider, and seltzer, plus their amazing wood-fired pizzas from Pizza Bros. With delicious food and drinks, plus countless yard games, it’s the perfect place for a get-together with all your friends and their dogs.
Door Peninsula Winery is my favorite winery in Door County, and even better, they have an entire outdoor bar and seating area where your dog can join in on the fun. Wine flights for you and nice, cold water for your dog make for the perfect afternoon.
3. Washington Island
A visit to Washington Island with your dog in tow is a must-do on one of your next visits to Door County. It might be a hike to get to the top of the county, but trust me, it’s worth it. Riding the ferry over to the island is such a unique experience, and your dog gets to ride for free! When you arrive, I recommend going to Little Lake Nature Preserve for a morning hike; it follows a small lake on one side with Lake Michigan on the other. If your dog loves swimming like mine does, they will love it (just be sure to pack some towels for the car). Then, head to the Albatross Drive-In for lunch, and don’t forget to get your dog a pup cup.
4. Farmer’s Markets
There’s a Farmer’s Market in almost every small town in Door County, and they are all dog-friendly. The Sturgeon Bay market is the largest, but the Bailey’s Harbor market is really neat since it’s across the street from the lake. Be sure to check one of them out, grab some coffee and breakfast from a local vendor, and something for your dog too! It’s also the perfect place to shop for gifts for your friends and family (and dog friends) back home.
5. Beaches
Like I said before, my dog loves to swim, so we are fairly frequent beachgoers during the summer. Portage Park on Lake Michigan is often a lesser-known beach, perfect for letting your dog swim, run, and play in the water.
Murphy Park is another favorite. It can get quite busy during hot summer days, so I like to go for the sunset. If you ask me, there’s nothing better than a beautiful Door County sunset over the water, especially when you bring your dog to witness it with you.
