Here’s a guide on things to do in Door County in July for your summer adventures!
Door County is often one of the go-to road trip destinations of people who travel Wisconsin in July, thanks to the scenic loop of the renowned Door County Coastal Byway.
But if you ask me, the best way to enjoy this county isn’t through a day trip.
Instead, it would be by staying on this peninsula for days or weeks, enjoying some fun things to do in Door County in July.
This county is home to the most scenic parks, impressive cliffs, great trails, and the fiery dish experience of Fish Boils!
In this blog, I’ll tell you about the wonders and things to do in Door County, which will inevitably convince you to spend your summer getaway on this magical peninsula!
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Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough Door County posts? Have a look at my other posts:
Overview: Things to Do in Door County in July
- Cave Point County Park
- Green Bay cruise
- Sampling Door County Wines
1. Exploring Cave Point County Park
If you want to explore the best of Door County within a day trip, don’t miss out on visiting Cave Point County Park.
It’s a natural wonder that consolidates all of Door County’s best features in one manageable location.
I’m talking about access to pristine beaches with crystal clear, blue waters, wave-worn limestone/dolomite ledges perfect for photos, and underwater caves that’ll make any adventurers hyped up.
Seriously, whether you’re a biker, swimmer, photographer, or hiker, this park has all sorts of fun things to do in Door County in July!
We rented e-bikes to test some of the best Door County bike trails nearby, hiked a short trail, and booked a 2-hour long kayak tour online to explore the lake!
2. Sailing or Boating on Green Bay
With its almost 300 miles of shoreline, Door County’s tourism centers on providing the best water experience for tourists.
You can rent all sorts of power boats, pontoons, and sailboats in virtually every town,
We even had the chance to take a private sailing lesson during our stay, which allowed us to captain our vessel!
Here’s my rule of thumb:
If you want to sit back and relax with good scenery, music, food, and maybe sunset escapades, enjoy boat tours and cruises.
Then, when you’re in the mood for some adrenaline rush kick, try hopping on a sailboat.
Trust me, these water adventures are undoubtedly some Door County activities you’ll remember for years.
For obvious reasons, the best way to wrap up a well-spent day enjoying water activities on Green Bay is to get a good night’s sleep.
Luckily, Green Bay is just half an hour away from some of the best resorts in Door County, including Astor House and the Kress Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection.
3. Cherry Picking at Orchard Farms
Cherry picking was, unsurprisingly, one of my favorite Door County summer activities.
I loved cherry-picking so much that we visited two cherry orchards throughout our limited stay.
The first one was a charming orchard called Cherry Lane Orchards. We visited on the season’s opening day, and all the trees were bursting with bright red, sweet, and fresh cherries.
The week after that cherry visit, we dropped by Schartner’s Farm Market to pick fresh cherries again, and we were also delighted with the Door County cherry-picking experience.
We also enjoyed shopping at the market for local produce and products, such as delicacies (primarily cherries), potatoes, and cheese.
For a huge cherry fan like me, this experience was one of the best things to do in Door County in July!
4. Visiting Door County Maritime Museum
Door County wouldn’t be the destination it is today without its rich maritime history.
Visit the Door County Maritime Museum to immerse yourself in Door County’s cultural and historical ties with the Great Lakes.
Located along Sturgeon Bay, this museum features interactive exhibits and tours that showcase the county’s meaningful maritime roots.
When we visited the museum, we first toured the Tug John Purves, a restored tugboat built in 1919 that had active roles in the two World Wars.
After that, we explored our way up to the 118-foot Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower, which offered incredible views of Sturgeon Bay and served as the actual exhibit itself.
Another significant aspect of this great museum is that it’s literally in the heart of Sturgeon Bay.
You can find some of the most romantic hotels in Door County, such as Beach Harbor Resort and AmericInn by Wyndham.
If you’re on a tighter budget, you can find some of the most affordable Airbnbs in Door County nearby.
5. Attending Peninsula Music Festival
Suppose you plan to visit Door County from late July to early August.
In that case, you should book a ticket to the Peninsula Music Festival, one of the best Door County events held annually.
Running from August 6 to 24, this year’s festival will feature the musical magic of world-renowned Music Director Rune Bergmann.
Orchestras and soloists will bring the exquisite renditions of modern and classical music to life.
Depending on your visit date, you can enjoy performances by the pianist Inna Faliks, internationally renowned violinist Philippe Quint, and other incredibly talented guests or local musicians.
The festival is annually held in the state-of-the-art Door Community Auditorium in Fish Creek.
6. Indulging in Fish Boils
For foodie travelers like me, one of the most exciting things to do in Door County in July is to indulge in fish boils, a traditional Door County dish.
When I first heard this dish’s name, I imagined being served a classic fish stew in a cauldron on your table (I mean, how fancy can food called “Fish Boils” be, right?).
But I couldn’t be way off the mark.
Indulging in Fish Boils is an experience that’ll make you wonder whether you’re in the outdoors version of the last challenge in the Master’s Chef.
You’ll witness the dish being cooked in a firepit for about an hour, and at the last minute, the fire towers up for several feet!
We enjoyed our fish boil experience at the restaurant called Log Den in Egg Harbor.
But if you’re staying further up north of the peninsula, maybe in one of the hotels in Sister Bay, I heard that the Pelletier’s Restaurant & Fish Boil, which is closer, is also just as great.
7. Sampling Door County Wines
Wineries in Door County have always proven to be some of the best in the state.
If you never turn down a good glass of wine like me, try spending several hours of a chill day sampling Door County wines.
My friends and I booked a private fruity goodness tour for the entire day, and it was worth every buck!
We tasted various fruit wines made from plums, cherries, and berries and stopped at local markets along the way.
After the tour, we were dropped off in front of our accommodation again, so we got all the fun of the wine experience without the trouble of planning anything.
No doubt, one of the best things to do in Door County in July.
8. Hiking at Newport State Park
Do you want to experience some of the best hikes in Door County?
Visit Newport State Park’s over 2,000 acres of wilderness and enjoy scenic hiking trails among the trees, along the lake, and, if lucky, beside some wildlife.
My favorite trail in the park was the mile-long Poetry Trail, where we found poems on permanent stanchions.
Consider following the Europe Bay Trail Loop if you’re craving a good hike.
You’d walk on old logging roads and enjoy sandy beaches, views of various islands, and the iconic Pilot Island Lighthouse along the way.
Hiking at Newport State Park was one of our most active outdoor activities in Door County, and every sweat drop along the way was worth it!
By the way, this park is also a fantastic spot for stargazing.
So, if your accommodation isn’t too far like ours was, you should stay in the park past the sunset.
We left the park around 9 PM, and it took us only about 20 minutes to reach our accommodation, the Open Hearth Lodge.
It was one of the best cabins in Door County, and bonus points for being pet-friendly! A must-try lodge in the county!
9. Birdwatching at Toft Point State Natural Area
The Toft Point State Natural Area, a mile-wide mini-peninsula along the Lake Michigan coast of Door County, is one of the best Door County attractions for bird watching.
This biodiversity hotspot currently serves as a safe home for over 440 plant species and many area-sensitive bird species, including 17 species of nesting warblers.
There’s no designated birdwatching spot in the area, but bring binoculars, and you’ll be sure to spot several species of birds in the woods!
This is a heads-up, though—there were quite a few bugs when we visited, so make sure to bring bug spray when you visit this area.
10. Exploring Fourth of July Celebrations
If you plan to spend the Fourth of July in Door County, you’re in for a great treat.
On the day itself, you can expect vibrant parades on Baileys Harbor at around 10 AM and on Egg Habor at about 1:30 PM.
But starting the first day of July and usually until the 8th or 9th day of the month, the towns in Door County alternate in showing extravagant fireworks displays every night.
So, if you want to chase fireworks like we did, you definitely can! You won’t have to wonder what to see in Door County throughout the week.
Apart from classic fireworks, you can enjoy events like music getaways and pop-up food stalls at local parks.
Yup—the Fourth of July is one of the most-awaited events in Door County (as it is in the rest of the US, I guess). So, you’ll have a blast regardless of which side of the peninsula you’re on!
Oh, and good news– you don’t have to wonder where to stay in Door County for families while you visit this area during this nationwide celebration.
After all, there are dozens of hotels, Airbnbs, and Door County cabins on Lake Michigan and Green Bay.
My final thoughts on Door County in July
By now, you already know precisely what to do in Door County in July to make every day of your summer on this peninsula matter.
You’ll experience a healthy mix & match of land, water, and air explorations (do fireworks count?), so you’ll have a blast spending several days or weeks in Door County!
Movies always romanticize summers, and this year, so should you.
This season only comes once a year, and if you want to make it count, Door County is one of the best places to spend your valuable vacation.
Any time of the day, you’ll always find exciting things to do in Door County in July.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! ??
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