Summer in Door County isn’t just another season—it’s a magical transformation that showcases everything special about our unique peninsula. Door County’s distinctive geography, nestled between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, creates a naturally air-conditioned environment with cooling lake breezes that keep summer days comfortable while our waters warm to perfect swimming temperatures.
Our peninsula, far from major cities, provides some of the darkest skies in Wisconsin—Newport State Park holds the prestigious International Dark Sky designation, making it one of only 48 such places worldwide. This remarkable lack of light pollution doesn’t just offer incredible stargazing opportunities; it creates the perfect backdrop for outdoor entertainment like Northern Sky Theater, where audiences watch performances under a canopy of stars that city dwellers rarely see. Add in our thriving summer festival scene, outdoor concerts in charming lakeside communities, and the return of cherry season with its orchards in full bloom, and you’ll understand why Door County summers feel so wonderfully different from anywhere else.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, or solo retreat, there’s no better time to experience the natural wonder that makes Door County summers truly unforgettable. There is still time to make your summer special! Book your stay with Open Hearth Lodge today.
Theater Season Kicks Off!
Door County’s theater season is about to raise its curtain for 2025, and what a spectacular lineup awaits! From America’s oldest professional resident summer theater celebrating its 90th season to world premieres and beloved classics, this summer offers something for every theater lover. Peninsula Players kicks off with Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park,” while Northern Sky Theater presents three shows in repertory including a brand-new world premiere, “Something in the Water.” Door Shakespeare returns to Bjorklunden’s garden stage with “Twelfth Night” and “Great Expectations,” and Third Avenue Playworks and Rogue Theater round out an incredible season of professional and community productions. The Green Bay Press Gazette has put together the complete guide to help you plan your theater outings—trust us, you’ll want to see more than one show this summer!
Door County theater season is about to raise its curtain for 2025. Here’s your guide
Door County Wine Fest
We try to give you advance notice of great Door County events, but we missed one and it’s too great to not mention. The Door County Wine Fest at About Thyme Farm in Baileys Harbor was held over the weekend, showcasing the incredible flavors of our local Wisconsin Ledge American Viticultural Area. Guests sampled more than 80 wines from 10 local wineries, enjoyed pairings with cheese from Hoard’s Dairyman Farm Creamery, grabbed food from local food trucks, and listened to live music on the farm. Door County’s wine scene has grown tremendously since 1967, and this festival is the perfect way to experience the award-winning wines being crafted right here on the peninsula. Set a reminder for next year—the 2026 Wine Fest will be a can’t-miss event!
Door County Wine Fest
Get Out on the Water!
With summer temperatures finally here, it’s time to get out on the water! Door County offers some of the best water activities in the Midwest. Whether you prefer kayaking near Cave Point, stand-up paddleboarding in Sister Bay, fishing almost anywhere, or simply lounging on one of our beautiful beaches, the water is calling. Many local outfitters offer rentals and guided tours for all skill levels.
Water Activities in Door County
One More Thing: Butterfly Scavenger Hunt
Watch Door County North‘s Facebook and Instagram pages to participate in this year’s scavenger hunt for the butterfly sculpture “Aponi”.
Door County North Scavenger Hunt Starts