Door County is considered the Cape Cod of the Midwest, boasting a lively tourist scene. Its landscape creates a multitude of opportunities for visitors to engage with nature in the summer months. However, there are also many winter activities that allow guests to experience the unique aspects of the region.
1. Sledding and Tubing at Peninsula State Park Golf Course
9890 Shore Rd
Ephraim, WI 54211
Feel the rush of the cold air against your face as you fly down the hill of the number 17 fairway at the Peninsula State Park Golf Course. This favorite sledding spot provides a steep slope, so grab your sleds, disks and tubes (but no toboggans) and prepare to speed across the snow until you reach the bottom of the hill. A family friendly slope to the side of the larger hill allows you to enjoy this classic winter pastime with friends and family of all ages. Sledding and tubing at Peninsula State Park provides a free and fun alternative to staying inside during the cold winter months.
Creative Commons/Steven Depolo
2. Hands On Art Studio
3655 Peninsula Players Rd
Fish Creek, WI 54212
A little too cold to be outside? Stay warm and inspired at Hands On Art Studio. This walk-in art experience allows artists of all ages to choose from a huge variety of projects including fused glass, jewelry, metal sculpture, mosaics, spin art and a wide selection of wood, metal and ceramic pieces to paint. Visitors can stay the day, enjoy snacks and drinks and let the beautiful nature around them inspire their art. No previous experience is required but a love of animals is encouraged, as there are indoor-outdoor cats and friendly farm animals to pet throughout your visit.
Creative Commons/Robby Van Arsdale
3. Sister Bay Ice Rink
111 Autumn Ct
Sister Bay, WI 54234
Glide along the ice under the stars at Sister Bay’s Teresa K. Hilander Community Ice Rink. Serving as a local hub for ice skating, hockey and broomball, this outdoor rink engulfs you in the scene of family, friends and a community gathering to enjoy a wonderful winter day outside on the ice. Once the chill of the winter air becomes too much, you can sit around the small fire pit next to the rink or enter the warming house to grab a piping hot glass of hot chocolate.
Creative Commons/Benson Kua
4. Kurtz Corral
5712 Howard Ln
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Saddle up to trot across rolling fields, gallop through scenic forests or go on your first walk-along at Kurtz Corral. This premiere riding stable in Door County features a variety of horseback rides through their 500 acres of scenic, snow-covered trails. Family run since about 1961, Kurtz Corral stables about 52 horses and offers winter outings for riders of all skill levels. After the adventure, riders have a chance to warm up with hot cider in front of the Corral’s cozy fireplace.
Creative Commons/Ambassadeur I
5. Door County Wine Trail
Smell, swirl and sip the memorable fruit wines of the region at the eight exceptional wineries along the Door County Wine Trail. Composed of von Stiehl Winery, Red Oak Winery and Vineyard, Door 44 Winery, Door Peninsula Winery, Simon Creek Vineyard and Winery, Harbor Ridge Winery, Stone’s Throw Winery and Orchard Country Winery and Market, each stop allows visitors to savor the tastes and charms of Door County’s small towns. Well known for their cherry, apple and estate-grown grape wines, this trail provides warmth and flavor during the cold winter months. Spend a day or weekend exploring the trail and see where the journey takes you.
Creative Commons/Matthew Juzenas