Door County is home to one of the most beautiful scenic fall drives in the Midwest. Crisp air, apple orchards, waterfront towns, and some of the most vibrant Wisconsin fall colors you’ll find anywhere all come together in this one narrow peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. When the leaves turn, Door County becomes a haven for scenic drives, cozy cafes, and cool-weather hikes, and there’s no better way to take it all in than on the Door County Coastal Byway. It’s the kind of drive where you’ll find yourself pulling over often for photo ops, local markets, or just to take in the view.
The Door County Coastal Byway is a 66-mile loop that starts in Sturgeon Bay and winds its way through charming communities like Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay, and Baileys Harbor. Along the way, you’ll hug the shoreline, drive under canopies of golden maples, and pass lighthouses, rocky cliffs, and farmland dotted with pumpkins. Some of the best places to visit in Door County are just off the byway, from Peninsula State Park to the Cana Island Lighthouse.
Of course, this scenic drive is just one of the many ways to enjoy Door County fall colors. There are plenty more things to do in Wisconsin this fall, especially in Door County. Regardless of what brings you to Door County, take it slow, follow the curves, and don’t rush the ride. Hike to the top of Eagle Tower for panoramic views of Wisconsin fall foliage, browse local art galleries, or stop into a winery for a glass of something crisp and local. Pick apples, catch a fish boil, or explore the shoreline on a kayak.
When you’re ready to relax for the night, unwind at one of the best places to stay in the Midwest. Our collection of Bed and Breakfasts in Wisconsin’s Door County offers the kind of upscale comfort and thoughtful hospitality that fits perfectly with a fall getaway. You’ll be just steps from the water and minutes from everything this colorful peninsula has to offer. Book your stay today!
Drive the Door County Coastal Byway in Wisconsin
The Door County Coastal Byway is one of the most scenic drives in the Midwest, especially during the fall when the colors are at their peak. The route forms a loop that runs along both sides of the Door Peninsula, beginning in Sturgeon Bay and following Highway 42 north up the Green Bay side, then looping back south along Highway 57 on the Lake Michigan side. The full loop of the Door County Coastal Byway stretches about 66 miles, offering a mix of wooded landscapes, open shoreline, quaint harbor towns, and sweeping lake views that feel like they belong in a storybook.
Whether you do the entire loop in one day or break it up across a long weekend, the drive invites you to slow down and take it all in. As you head north from Sturgeon Bay on Highway 42, you’ll pass through Egg Harbor, where you can stop for fresh apple cider, local boutiques, and waterfront views. Next up is Fish Creek, a great place to stretch your legs with a stroll through Peninsula State Park or climb the new Eagle Tower for a bird’s eye view of Door County fall colors.
From there, continue north through Ephraim, a charming whitewashed village with Scandinavian roots, and on to Sister Bay, where a lakefront walk and a stop for lunch at one of the outdoor restaurants is always a good idea. At the top of the loop, the road narrows and twists through the woods past Ellison Bay and Gills Rock, where you’ll feel completely immersed in the seasonal color and coastal beauty of this part of the Door County Coastal Byway.
Once you swing around to the Lake Michigan side of the Door County Coastal Byway on Highway 57, the pace quiets a bit. This stretch is known for its lighthouses, rocky beaches, and fewer crowds. Don’t miss the Cana Island Lighthouse, accessible by a causeway that’s sometimes covered in water depending on the day’s conditions, or Newport State Park, a unique park that’s notable as an International Dark Sky Park (which means it’s a great place to visit after dark!). Baileys Harbor is a great spot to grab a coffee, visit the Ridges Sanctuary for a fall hike, or simply sit by the lake and enjoy the view.
The destination is less the point on the Door County Coastal Byway. As you meander down these winding roads, you’ll find scenic overlooks, roadside farm stands, and plenty of opportunities to pull off the road for photos or a spontaneous stop. Fall in Wisconsin doesn’t get much better than this.
More Ways to Enjoy Door County Fall Colors
Fall in Door County is more than just a pretty drive along the Door County Coastal Byway. It’s a full-on seasonal experience. The peninsula comes alive with harvest festivals, outdoor adventures, and quiet shoreline moments that make autumn here feel extra special.
Whether you’re watching the sunrise over Lake Michigan or ending your day with a sunset over Green Bay, the crisp air and brilliant foliage bring an energy that’s both refreshing and calming. There are myriad ways to enjoy Door County fall colors, but we’ve curated a list of some of our favorite fall experiences in this unique part of Wisconsin below.Â
More Things to Do in Door County This Fall
- Hike through the forests and bluffs of Peninsula State Park.
- Sample wines, ciders, and meads along the Door County Wine Trail.
- Attend a local fall festival, like the Pumpkin Patch Festival in Egg Harbor or the Sister Bay Fall Fest.
- Kayak along the shoreline to see sea caves and fall colors from the water.
- Pick apples or pumpkins at one of the local orchards or farm markets.
- Explore the Ridges Sanctuary for guided nature walks and wildlife viewing.
- Visit the Door County Maritime Museum to learn about the area’s shipping history.
- Catch a live show at Northern Sky Theater or Peninsula Players Theater when you need a break from the outdoors.Â
- Browse local galleries and shops for art, crafts, and seasonal treats.
- Drive from one Door County lighthouse to the next, taking in the coastal beauty of these important beacons of light.Â
After a full day of exploring, there’s nothing better than returning to a place that feels warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully curated. The Midwest Association of Independent Inns features some of the best places to stay in Door County Wisconsin, offering a level of hospitality that matches the charm of the region. Whether you’re staying in a historic bed and breakfast, a cozy waterfront inn, or a stylish boutique property, you’ll find comfort and local insight that elevates your fall getaway. Book your stay today!
