Door County’s Northern Peninsula: A Self-Guided Drive

Door County’s northern peninsula is a blend of small coastal villages, quirky oddities, and natural beauty. This self-guided driving tour, which is less than the cost of a tour bus ticket, as you pay per car, takes you through the county’s most scenic landscapes, from Bailey’s Harbor on Lake Michigan to Fish Creek on Green Bay, while you listen to fascinating stories along the way.

I’ll show you the area where Door County’s settlement began, when Captain Justice Bailey sought shelter from a storm in 1848. As you drive along the peninsula, you’ll travel through historic fishing villages, and visit scenic overlooks perched high above the water.

Once you’ve completed a loop of the northern thumb, including stops at Sister Bay, Ellison Bay, and Fish Creek, the tour ends at Wood Orchard Market. You’ll discover the natural beauty and local culture, and hear some of the stories behind this “Cape Cod of the Midwest.“

Stop when you want to and enjoy the beauty, start again when you ready!