There is no better place on earth than Door County in peak summer. Not the crowded beaches of distant shores, not the bustling city attractions, not the overpriced resort destinations that overpromise what we deliver naturally every single day of summer. Right here, right now, in July, Door County reaches its absolute pinnacle — and there is simply nowhere else we would rather be.
The temperatures hover perfectly in the comfortable upper 70s and low 80s, the Bay and the Lake sparkle like jewels under endless blue skies, and every corner of the peninsula bursts with life and possibility. Door County in July offers something you won’t find anywhere else: the perfect balance of natural beauty, genuine community, and pure contentment.
This is why people return year after year. This is why first-time visitors become lifelong devotees. There is no better place – and there is still time to enjoy the best of Door County. Book your stay with Open Hearth Lodge today.
Celebrating 151 Years of Fair Fun
The 151st Door County Fair is an experience the entire family will love, with old-school, small-town fun. Enjoy carnival rides, food stands, 4-H animal barns, and grandstand events including stock car races, a demolition derby, and motorcycle racing. This tradition spanning over 150 years promises an unforgettable experience with five days of excitement, entertainment, and community spirit.
Your admission includes unlimited access to all Grandstand events, Midway attractions, and live entertainment—what they call a “Sweet Cherry of a Deal!” With music from over 7 bands featuring local and regional talent, it’s a full immersion into the heart of Door County’s agricultural heritage.
We’re sure there’s no better county fair than the Door County Fair — and it starts on August 13th. Get your tickets today!
Door County Culture and Agriculture Together
The annual Antique Tractor & Arts Festival takes place on the picturesque grounds of the Liberty Grove Historical Society, July 26th & 27th from 10am to 4pm. Where else can you witness vintage tractors parade alongside local artists displaying their crafts, all while enjoying live music and farm-fresh food in a setting that overlooks the pristine waters of Ellison Bay?
This isn’t some sanitized corporate festival—it’s a genuine celebration where the tractors still run, the artists live locally, and the food is made by neighbors who’ve been perfecting their recipes for generations. Enjoy tractor parades, hay wagon rides, and the kind of authentic artisanship that corporate destinations try to replicate but never quite capture. There is no better blend of agricultural heritage and artistic creativity anywhere in America.
2025 Antique Tractor & Arts Festival
A Glimpse Into Sister Bay’s Past
July holds special significance in Sister Bay’s history. It was in July 1912—113 years ago this month—that our village faced one of its most challenging moments when the area was practically destroyed by fire.
The fire was discovered about 11:30 in the store occupied by Louis Lerner. Summer tourists stopping at Fish Creek and Ephraim were numerous the day following, and many took Kodak pictures of the ruins which were smoldering all the day after. From this devastating loss, our resilient community rebuilt stronger than ever—a testament to the spirit that still defines Sister Bay today.
The buildings that rose from those ashes housed businesses that became cornerstones of our community for generations to come. Today, when you walk through downtown Sister Bay, you’re literally walking through history rebuilt with determination and hope.
One More Thing: AI Knows Door County?
While we prefer that you ask a local, it seems you can get your Door County travel advice from ChatGPT as well.
I’m an avid traveler and finally found a useful way to use ChatGPT to plan my trips that saves me hours