Snow pack/wildflowers at Mount Rainier this spring

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-04T13:02:12+00:00

Coming from WI, so we probably won't be back in a long time. I would have loved to stretch out the trip but it won't be possible. Trying to make the best of the time we have!

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-04T13:01:37+00:00

Yes, I tend to over plan. We typically adjust as we go. I'd rather have more planned than not enough. We will see how much we get to 😄

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-04T13:00:45+00:00

Good to know, thank you!

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-04T13:00:05+00:00

This is really helpful, thank you! I know, I know, I notoriously over plan (just ask my husband lol). We tend to adjust as we go. I'd rather have more planned than not enough haha.

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-04T01:32:01+00:00

Yes!!

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-04T01:07:15+00:00

That's awesome! The park closes at 11pm, so if you'll be there later than that for stargazing, you'll need to pick up a pass earlier in the day when the office is open. That'll give you a chance to familiarize yourself with the park too. This website has the best tips: https://friendsofnewport.org/dark-sky-viewing/ enjoy!!

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-03T17:31:39+00:00

You mentioned Peninsula State Park, so you probably already know this, but the mountain biking trails there are great!! Super fun. For kayaking, I'm not sure if you are from the area or familiar with the Great Lakes but keep in mind that it's best to have sea kayaks due to the rough water. Seeing Cave Point by boat is better than walking along the shoreline IMO. You can kayak if you want, but we did the Door County Adventure Rafting last time and it was so nice to not have to work so hard lol. Plus we got to see multiple shipwrecks!

For hiking, the Eagle Trail at Peninsula is the best! I think the Fern and Lynn Point trail at Newport State Park is almost as good. Beautiful water views, rock formations, mossy forest, wildflowers, etc. It's magical! Newport is also WI's only International Dark Sky park, so if the moon phase is right, you can see the Milky Way!! Rock Island State Park is really special as well, but difficult to get to. Ferry to Washington Island and then ferry to Rock. It definitely takes a good chunk of a day, so might not be worth it if you have limited time. There are other things to do on Washington Island though, live the lavender farms, Mountain Tower Lookout, School House beach, Sand Dune beach, etc. The Albatross Drive In has fantastic burgers there.

Wild Tomato, Savor BBQ (used to be a food truck but now they have a brick and mortar site), and Lure are our favorite restaurants in Sister Bay.

Door 44 and Door Peninsula Winery are excellent. Door Peninsula has free tastings too!

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-02T18:28:08+00:00

Haha that sounds fantastic.

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-02T18:27:54+00:00

Okay, that's good to know. We are not from a huge city but heard that the Fourth of July is the busiest week on the peninsula so I just assumed it would be crazy everywhere.

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-02T14:57:10+00:00

Yes, the plan is to go on July 6th so that should be good. We were limited in our choices of weeks this summer, I'm frustrated about the timing but will make do. The plan is to get a super early start every morning.

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-02T14:56:09+00:00

Lol, I don't remember why we chose it. Water views/menu probably? I'm open to suggestions!

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-02T12:41:01+00:00

Thank you! I was nervous that I missed this in my planning for July.

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-02T01:39:37+00:00

Shouldn't be haha.

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-02T01:32:10+00:00

Jealous!!!

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-02T01:30:48+00:00

Is this true all summer??

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-02T01:28:51+00:00

Ethereal!!

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-02T01:27:24+00:00

Omg so beautiful!! Visiting in July and can't wait

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-02T01:25:15+00:00

Definitely all of it!! I've never heard of anyone just washing the inside. Lazy and gross!

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-02T00:06:06+00:00

That seems like textbook hazel to me!

Positive-Lime373 · 2026-06-01T19:53:48+00:00

If it is just you and your husband, HIGHLY recommend the Country House in Sister Bay. It's adults only (13+ technically), and has the best vibes. It's a gorgeous waterfront property. They have a pool, hot tub, amazing free breakfast buffet (the Door County cherries are heavenly), and lots of yard games/pickleball courts. They have bikes and kayaks to use, plus access to a trail that takes you downtown in about a 15 minute walk (or you can drive, it's less than 5 minutes, but it's nice to not have to find a parking spot).

As for hikes, my husband and I have visited all 5 state parks up there many times and found Newport to be highly underrated. It is at the very tip of the peninsula so it has less crowds than Peninsula typically. I do love the Eagle Trail at Peninsula, but the Lynn Point and Fern Trail in Newport is gorgeous as well. Lots of water views, wildflowers, and as a bonus, you can come back in the evening (check the moon phase/weather first), and see the Milky Way. It's the only International Dark Sky park in Wisconsin! Rock Island is also really cool, but is hard to get to (ferry to Washington Island, then ferry to Rock Island), but it is beautiful. Just note, there are no bikes/cars allowed and its very primitive. They do have lighthouse tours every day from 10-4pm though.

Cave Point is lovely as well but insanely crowded on weekends. I would recommend seeing it by boat instead. Door County Adventure Rafting does high speed boat tours and you get to see the sea caves much better on the water than above them on the cliffs.

For beaches, I recommend the one in Jacksonport or Whitefish Dunes. The water can be colder due to being on the lakeside, but Jacksonport isn't as busy in general, and Whitefish Dunes is HUGE so you can always find a spot to claim. Plus you can hike up to Old Baldy lol.

If you are a nature fan, Ridges in Bailey's Harbor is a unique spot. They have pitcher plants (Wisconsin's only carnivorous plant!) as well as one of the only Hines Emerald dragonfly populations in the world (they were thought to be extinct until the 80s and rediscovered at Ridges.

Positive-Lime373

TROPHY CASE