Door County Winter Activities: What is there to do?
If you think vacation time in Door County ends when the last leaf falls off the tree, boy are you mistaken. Winter in Door County is one of my favorite times of year to visit. There are so many Door County winter activities to keep you busy.
Of course, it’s all in what you’re looking for, if want to unwind and relax, winter in Door County is perfect too.
With the crowds gone, it’s quieter and more peaceful. The peninsula moves at a slower pace, which is perfect for a dip in the hot tub or sitting next to a fire with a cup of coffee or a cocktail.
If you don’t just want to spend your whole time curled up around the fire, there are still plenty of activities to keep you busy.
*Covid-19 Note*
The global coronavirus pandemic has changed life for all of us throughout 2020, and so some Door County winter activities may look different. Locations and businesses may alter their services and offerings this season, so be sure to check before you head up. But as far as I know, you can still do almost everything listed below this winter.
Cross Country Skiing
One of the more popular things to do when the ground is covered in snow is cross country skiing. It’s a much more tranquil alternative to downhill skiing. With cross country, you simply glide across the snow.
There are hundreds of acres that are perfect for cross country skiing throughout the county’s state parks. Peninsula State Park and Potawatomi State Park each have trails that are specifically designated for cross country skiing. You don’t even have to have your own skis to enjoy the trails. There are several businesses that rent skis by the hour or by the day. Check in at at Bay Shore Outfitters – located in Sister Bay and Sturgeon Bay, or Nor Door Sport & Cyclery in Fish Creek.
Snowshoeing
If you’d rather just go for a walk, but don’t want to sink in to the deep, heavy snow, try snowshoeing. The same trails in Peninsula State Park and Potawatomi State Park I mentioned earlier can be used for snowshoeing.
Bay Shore Outfitters and Nor Door Sport & Cyclery also rent snowshoes, so strap on a pair and head out for a hike.
Sledding
Everyone loves sledding, and in Door County, there are some great spots. I’ve taken my kids to the sledding hill at the Sister Bay Sports Complex and we had a blast.
You can also hit the slopes on the 17th hole of Peninsula State Park Golf Course and at Big Hill Park in Sturgeon Bay, but you will need to bring your own sled. You can pick one up at Walmart in Sturgeon Bay, or Door County Hardware in Sturgeon Bay.
Snowmobiling
Looking for a little more action? Snowmobiling in Door County may provide the adrenaline rush you’re looking for. Door County has over 200 miles of state and club trails exclusively for snowmobilers, including Ahnapee State Trail, and the trails in Potawatomi State Park. If you decide to go, make sure to adhere to local laws and practice safe riding.
Ice Skating
A favorite of both my kids is ice skating. One place we like to go when we’re up is the Sister Bay Ice Skating Rink. We’ve spent hours on this rink – or should I say my kids have spent hours on this rink. I often sit on the sidelines here with a warm drink. But I always have a good time none-the-less. Skates and concessions are available here during posted hours.
Ice Fishing
My group of friends are all big fishermen. We go away for a few weekend trips throughout the year. One trip that’s a must is ice fishing in Door County. Whether it’s on the bay, or one of the peninsula’s interior lakes (Kangaroo Lake, Clark Lake), the next big one is just waiting to be caught. Trout, walleye, perch and northern pike are all abundant when the water freezes.
There are multiple fishing charters that know the tricks and tips to make sure you catch a few keepers. Check our Door County Directory for a list of charters. And if you do go alone, make sure you’re with a partner and check the thickness of the ice. You don’t want to end up being a statistic.
Sleigh Rides
If you just want to get out, but don’t want to do anything too strenuous, go for a sleigh ride. We’ve done this a couple times, and it’s always enjoyable. Once we took my in-laws up for a weekend, and the sleigh ride was the highlight of the trip. The rides we took were run by the Door County Trolley Company, but a few other businesses – including Mayberry’s Carriages at Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery – offer sleigh rides across the peninsula as well.
Go jump in the lake
My last winter adventure tip is near and dear to my heart. It’s something that I think everyone should do at least once. It’s one of those bucket list adventures that I always wanted to do, and now that it’s done, I don’t think I’ll ever do it again.
A few years ago, we came up for a Door County New Year’s with two other families. On New Year’s Eve, probably after a few too many drinks, the three dads – myself included – decided we’d do the Jacksonport Polar Bear Club Plunge the next morning. It was miserable and outstanding all at the same time. It was well below freezing, and as we stood there on the ice, we realized we were not prepared for this adventure. At least not as prepared as all the other plungers that planned their dip well before the night before.
Once plunge officials gave us the go-ahead, we sprinted out into the deeper water, plunged under, and ran back. I’m fairly sure we all had frostbite and hypothermia, but I wouldn’t trade that moment for anything. I’m glad I did it, and I highly recommend anyone that hasn’t tried it, give it a go. You won’t forget it, plus it made the hot tub that much better about an hour later.
*Covid-19 Note*
The 2020 Jacksonport Polar Bear Club Plunge has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Check their website for updates, but hopefully for all of us, we’ll all be in a better place in 2021.
So regardless of whether you want a nice, quiet weekend, or an adventure-filled getaway, there are so many reasons to give a Door County winter a try. There really is a great little Door County winter activity for everyone.
If there’s anything you do while you’re enjoying your Door County winter, add it to the comment section below.
