If you’re looking for a great place to drive, hike, bike, taste, and relax your way through an autumnal paradise, Wisconsin’s Door County is it. Door County is home to some of the best Wisconsin fall colors, which paint the landscape in brilliant red, orange, and yellow hues every September and October. There are plenty of great places to enjoy fall colors in Door County, but Newport State Park is one of the area’s hidden gems.
The best time to visit Door County for fall colors is typically in late September through mid-October, while areas in southern Wisconsin and other parts of the Midwest tend to peak a little later in the season. In addition to being a colorful masterpiece, fall is a time when the cool, crisp air invites us to get outside and immerse ourselves in Mother Nature’s splendor. From scenic drives along the county’s coastal byways, which offer stunning views of Lake Michigan’s colorful forests and sparkling waters, to exhilarating hikes at parks like Newport State Park, there are so many wonderful things to do in Door County this fall.
Enjoy quintessential fall activities like apple picking at local orchards, attend harvest festivals, and explore the sights and sounds of Door County’s charming towns, Fish Creek, Ephraim, and Sturgeon Bay. Door County truly does offer some of the best of fall in Wisconsin. The only thing that can make your fall getaway better is choosing lodging from among the top Bed and Breakfasts, Inns, and boutique hotels in the area. You’ll find the best accommodations in the Midwest in our lodging association – including those in Door County.
Enjoy a cozy fall getaway filled with everything that makes this transitional season so special. Book your room at one of the leading places to stay in Door County today!
Fall at Newport State Park in Door County, Wisconsin
Though there are plenty of great things to do in Door County, especially in the fall, one of our underrated favorites is visiting Newport State Park. This magnificent park is found on the northeastern part of the Door County Peninsula, encompassing over 2,000 acres and 11 miles of protected Lake Michigan shoreline. It’s the only wilderness-designated park in Wisconsin, which means it offers a pristine and untouched spot to explore fall beauty in this unique part of the state.
Newport State Park features hundreds of acres of hardwood boreal forests, wetlands, and upland meadows in addition to the evergreen trees. It’s beautiful any time of year, but when the trees in the hardwood forest, in particular, change color in the fall, this park becomes a breathtaking spot to enjoy hiking. Newport State Park boasts over 30 miles of hiking trails that meander through diverse landscapes, including hardwood forests, meadows, and along the rugged shores of Lake Michigan.
Hiking isn’t the only thing you can enjoy at Newport State Park this fall, though. Many of the hiking trails are also suitable for biking. The park also offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities, not to mention a chance to explore the wild and untouched coastline of Lake Michigan. Perhaps even better than the opportunity to interact with Newport State Park during daylight hours is experiencing the magic of this park when the sun goes down.
Newport State Park is designated as a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association. This prestigious recognition, given to only 18 parks in the United States and just the second in the Midwest, highlights Wisconsin’s commitment to preserving the night sky. Visitors to the park in the fall can take advantage of the clear, crisp nights to stargaze in an environment free from light pollution. Gaze up at the Milky Way stretching across the sky, identify constellations, and enjoy an awe-inspiring evening in this beautiful, remote part of the world.
More Things to Do in Door County, Wisconsin This Fall
Beyond the captivating Newport State Park, Door County offers various activities that make the fall season truly special. This picturesque region, renowned for its stunning fall foliage and charming towns, invites visitors for an unforgettable Midwest getaway. From apple picking to savoring local cuisine, there are plenty of things to do in Door County this fall.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking and biking trails, while those interested in culture can attend vibrant fall festivals and visit historical sites. Below are some of our favorite things to do in Door County in the fall.
- As wonderful as Newport State Park is, it’s just one of the many fantastic Wisconsin State Parks worth visiting while you’re in Door County this fall. Other parks to consider include Peninsula State Park, home to the historic Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Potawatomi State Park, and Whitefish Dunes State Park.
- Aside from visiting these gorgeous state parks, one of our favorite things to do in Door County in the fall is to take scenic drives on the Door County Coastal Byway. This picturesque route winds through quaint towns and offers spectacular views of fall foliage, dramatic coastal bluffs, and the sparkling waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan.
- While exploring the area, don’t miss the chance to tour the Door County Lighthouses, including Cana Island Lighthouse and Baileys Harbor Range Lights.
- Get a taste of quintessential fall and go apple picking at one of the area’s orchards, like Lautenbach’s Orchard. It’s one of our favorite things to do in Door County – especially if you love all things apple!
- Enjoy Wine Tasting on the Door County Wine Trail. Make stops at top-tier destinations like Door Peninsula Winery and Stone’s Throw Winery, set against the backdrop of autumn vineyards, and you’ll see why it’s one of our favorite things to do in Door County each fall.
- Another lesser-known adventure in Door County to enjoy this fall is visiting The Ridges Sanctuary: Explore this protected natural area known for its diverse ecosystems, unique plant species, and beautiful fall colors.
- One of the most popular things to do in Door County is hop on a ferry and ride to secluded Washington Island. This island is known for its beautiful beaches and the striking Stavkirke Church. The trip over is positively stunning in the fall, too.
- Finally, don’t miss one of Door County’s fun, festive fall events, such as Fall Fest in Sister Bay. Join this lively festival featuring parades, arts and crafts, live music, and delicious local food, celebrating the best of Door County in autumn.
A memorable fall getaway in the Midwest is at your fingertips. Explore our Door County Bed and Breakfasts, Inns, and boutique hotels, and book your fall getaway today!
