If you have never experienced Spring in Door County you are in for a treat. I grew up in the Midwest and have visited Door County every season and I have to say Spring is my favorite.
Why, you ask? Well, Door County in the spring has this unique blend of vibrant green landscapes, colorful flowers, and a tranquil ambiance that’s just so captivating.
And let me tell you, there are countless fun things you can do this spring and the best part is the crowds are far fewer than in the summer months.
From the breathtaking spectacle of the cherry spring blossom to the Lighthouse Festival, I guarantee your time here will be well spent.
Here are some of the things to do in Door County WI once the spring arrives.
My Spring In Door County Top 10 List
- Admire The Cherry Blossoms
- Enjoy The Lighthouse Festival
- Take A Shipyard Tour
- Take A Hike at The Ridges
- Follow The Wine Trail
- Visit the Farmer’s Markets
- See Birds of Prey
- Experience Spring In The Door County State Parks
- Buy Something Unique
- Have Fun At The Beer Festival
So grab a chair, get yourself a drink, and let’s dive a little more into the top 10 things to do in Door County during Spring.
Admire The Cherry Blossom
I don’t know about you but I love cherry blossoms. There is something so magical about it.
Door County’s blossoms, unlike the crowded Cherry Blossom displays in some parts of the country, are a less well-known treasure.
These pink and white flowers make their appearance by mid-May, but their stay is fleeting, usually lasting about a fortnight.
You can enjoy the spring blossom on foot, in the car, or on the famous Spring Blossom Trolly Tour.
The blossoms are not difficult to find, if you get on Highway 42 and drive north you will see them from Sturgeon Bay to Ellison Bay.
Some of the more popular locations are Seaquist Orchards and Sorens Valhalla Orchards.
The trees blossom anywhere from mid-May to mid-June, the Cherry Blossom Report will keep you posted.
No spring tour in Door County would be complete without seeing the spring blossom and tasting the cherry blossom wine.
Enjoy The Lighthouse Festival
Summer throws the spotlight on Door County Wisconsin lighthouses, but spring lets you enjoy an intimate experience without the throng of tourists.
The Lighthouse Festival is a unique event that allows you to climb up these historic structures and soak in panoramic views of the county.
Make sure to bring your camera; you won’t want to miss these picturesque moments.
There are 11 historic Door County Wisconsin lighthouses scattered across the peninsula, and spring is the perfect time to see them.
Ordinarily, only a few of them are open but during The Lighthouse Festival, they all open their doors to visitors.
In my opinion, Door County lighthouses are some of the best in the country so grab yourself a ticket. The festival takes place the first week of June. This is one of the best things to do in the spring.
Stay At The Scofield House B&B
Take a Shipyard Tour
If you are looking for things to do in Sturgeon Bay and are interested in the shipbuilding and restoration then the Door County Spring event for you is the Shipyard Tours.
Every year in May there is an annual Sturgeon Bay Rotary – Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding Tour. This is a once-in-a-year opportunity to go behind the scenes at the shipyard.
This is one of the fun things to do this spring and tickets sell out fast. All the money goes to charity and the locals look forward to this event every year.
It takes place in early May and if you want to go, I suggest you get a ticket as soon as you can.
It is also a perfect opportunity to see some of the Door County Wisconsin lighthouses, there are three in this area.
Take A Hike at The Ridges To See Door County In The Spring
If you’re looking for things to do in Door County WI in the spring, guided hikes at The Ridges Sanctuary are a must.
This 1,600-acre preserve is home to early 500 different species of plants, including 25 native species of orchids.
Known as one of the most beautiful natural spectacles in Door County, the guided spring hike gives you the chance to explore the sanctuary’s flora and fauna.
An experienced guide will lead you through trails carpeted with the vibrant hues of wildflowers.
If you are here to see nature at its best I don’t think there’s any better way to experience Door County in the spring. It’s one of the best things to do in Baileys Harbor.
Follow the Wine Trail
Spring is arguably the best time to visit Door County if you’re a wine enthusiast. To me, the Wine Trail is an unforgettable journey through some of the most respected wineries in Door County.
Here, you can try the region’s famed cherry blossom wine – an enjoyable way to get a taste of spring.
There are nine unique wineries on the trail each offering something different.
Renowned for their fruit wines, particularly cherry and apple, the Door County peninsula also hosts sprawling vineyards bred for cold climates.
Many wineries now crafting their estate-grown grape wines.
And the bonus here is that the trail takes you through some of Door County’s most charming small towns.
One of the fun things to do this spring if you are heading this way.
Stay At The Church House Gourmet Retreat
Visit the Farmer’s Markets
Door County is renowned for its thriving local produce.
Door County’s largest market Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market has over 70 vendors, you’ll find everything from locally sourced meat, cheese, and produce to freshly baked goods.
Sister Bay Farmers Market is perfect for finding healthy, local food items such as eggs, meat, and sauces.
In addition, you can explore an assortment of crafts including handmade jewelry and art, created by talented local artists. The market also treats its visitors to live music performances.
I love exploring local Farmer’s Markets I feel like they give you a real flavour of what a destination is all about. You will love the markets in Door County.
Stay At Westwood Shores Waterfront Resort
See Birds of Prey at the Open Door Bird Sanctuary
If you’re wondering what to do in Door County, the Open Door Bird Sanctuary is the place for you.
They host an Open Day in March offering a unique opportunity to learn more about these fascinating creatures.
Whether you’re a bird lover or simply a nature enthusiast, this is something you should not miss. The Sanctuary looks after birds that can’t be released into the wild and aims to educate and inform.
There are picnic areas and walking trails but this is Wisconsin so in March it could be spring, or it could be winter, Never the less if you arrive in early Spring try and visit if you can.
If you are looking for things to do in Jacksonport in the spring I can highly recommend a trip here.
Stay At Brand New-Close to Dunes Cave Point and Clark Lake-Dog Friendly
Do Some Springtime Shopping
Door County bustles with quaint boutiques, art galleries, and antique stores that are a delight to explore.
Whether you’re searching for unique memorabilia, browsing for the perfect piece of art, or just window shopping, you’re bound to have a good time. I mean who doesn’t love a bit of shopping, I know I do.
Barn Door Quilts, O’Meara’s Irish House, Plum Bottom Gallery, and Within Things are some of my personal favorites. However everywhere you go in Door County you will find something unique.
Spring in Door County State Parks
If you prefer nature-based things to do in Door County, the spring is the ideal time to explore the state parks. Each park offers different yet stunning views of wildflowers, waterfalls, and birdlife.
The Door County state parks become a paradise for bird watchers. You’ll spot rare birds like red-necked grebes, tundra swans, and even the occasional Bald Eagle.
While you can enjoy a tranquil drive within some of these parks, I believe the best way to genuinely appreciate their charm is by stepping out of the car.
Newport State Park a dark sky park is perfect for stargazing, Peninsula State Park is a perfect place to take the family and Whitefish Dunes State Park offers something entirely different.
Thanks to the five distinctive state parks, along with plentiful county parks and nature preserves in the region, Door County in spring is a nature lover’s paradise.
Beer Festival
When pondering what to do in Door County, many wouldn’t necessarily think of a beer festival, but they are not me.
For me, one of the real treats of visiting Door County in the spring is the Door County Beer Festival.
The festival takes place in early June, and it is still spring in my eyes. This beloved event offers a chance to sample an assortment of craft beers from local breweries.
It’s also a great way to mingle with the locals and fellow visitors, one of the fun things to do this spring for sure.
It isn’t just about beer. It comes with the bonus of great food and live music.
The Door County Beer Festival is a testament to the consistently growing craft beer culture in Door County, and it’s not to be missed when you travel to Door County Wisconsin in spring.
This is one of the best things to do in Baileys Harbor in the spring.
Packing List When Visiting Door County In Spring
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to Door County, here are some of my best tips on how to pack lightly.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone as I have. And wow is it fast!
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures clean drinking water when you want it.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc…. No matter the time of day or evening.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
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