A Self-Guided Drive of Southern Door County's Natural Heritage

As you begin your journey, you’ll pass this cozy coffee roastery, where the scent of freshly brewed coffee drifts through the air. A local favorite, this family-run business has been perfecting its small-batch roasting process for years, offering some of the best coffee in the county.

Driving through Sturgeon Bay, you’ll spot this waterfront museum, which stands as a tribute to the area’s long history of shipbuilding and maritime adventure. Inside, exhibits tell the story of Great Lakes sailors, historic vessels, and the shipyards that have shaped the local economy for over a century.

As you follow the canal, keep an eye out for this striking red-and-white lighthouse standing tall above the shoreline. Built in 1899, it still serves as a navigational aid for ships passing through Sturgeon Bay, a key waterway for commerce and travel.

Driving past the entrance to this lakeside park, you’ll see a glimpse of its towering sand dunes, some of the highest in Wisconsin. Beneath these shifting sands lie remnants of ancient Native American villages, revealing that this landscape has been home to people for over a thousand years.

Along the scenic shoreline, you’ll pass by Cave Point, where Lake Michigan has carved dramatic limestone cliffs into the Niagara Escarpment. On windy days, waves crash into hidden sea caves, sending up impressive sprays of water—one of Door County’s most spectacular natural sights.

Rolling through this quiet lakeside town, you’ll notice its blend of historic charm and small-town hospitality. With deep Scandinavian roots, Jacksonport has long been a place where fishing, farming, and lakefront living come together.

Rolling into this charming lakeside village, you’ll notice its picturesque marina, inviting storefronts, and vibrant art scene. The town’s name comes from a legendary egg fight between sailors in the 1800s, a playful nod to its lively past.

As you pass this small, rustic building, you might spot the hand-carved wooden figures and Native American crafts displayed outside. Originally built by Chief Oshkosh himself, this shop and museum preserve the artistry and traditions of Wisconsin’s indigenous communities.

Just beyond the trees, this historic farmstead-turned-music school hosts summer concerts where student musicians play alongside seasoned professionals. Though you won’t hear the music as you drive by, this hidden gem has been filling Door County’s countryside with the sounds of jazz and classical music for decades.

Passing through Horseshoe Bay, you’ll see the historic barns and orchards of this century-old agricultural estate. Once a key player in Door County’s cherry industry, the farm remains a symbol of the region’s deep farming roots.

As you near the end of your tour, you’ll pass this peaceful waterfront park with a sandy beach and scenic pier. Each summer, it becomes the starting point of the Door County Triathlon, where athletes take on the challenging yet beautiful course along the bay.

You’ll pass by miles of cherry orchards, a reminder that Door County is one of the country’s top cherry-growing regions. Seaquist Orchards, a family-run operation for generations, processes millions of pounds of cherries each year, producing everything from jams to pie fillings.

In the heart of Egg Harbor, you’ll see this laid-back brewery, a favorite stop for craft beer lovers. Known for small-batch brews inspired by local flavors, it’s part of Door County’s growing craft beverage scene.

Your drive concludes with stunning views of Green Bay’s waters as you pass through Horseshoe Bay. Once an important agricultural area, this scenic stretch is now home to a mix of historic sites, recreation areas, and breathtaking lakefront scenery.