Door County Activities in July: Your Complete Guide

Door County transforms into Wisconsin's ultimate summer destination each July, offering perfect timing for cherry picking, lavender fields at peak bloom, warm swimming waters, and a packed calendar of festivals.

This 70-mile peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan delivers everything from world-class fishing and sea cave kayaking to outdoor theater under the stars and the region's famous ceremonial fish boils. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, cozy lodging or culinary exploration, July puts Door County at its absolute best.

Fireworks, folk dancing, and plein air painting

Independence Day celebrations span nearly every village along the peninsula, with Egg Harbor's July 3-4 celebration widely considered the best—fireworks launch from a barge in the harbor (voted Best of Door County), the beach stays open for viewing, and the UW Marching Band performs after the July 4th parade. Sister Bay hosts its Freedom Fest featuring fireworks over Green Bay, boat parades, and the Lions Club brat fry at the waterfront.

Baileys Harbor delivers a full-day celebration with a Fire Department pancake breakfast at 7:30am, arts and crafts fair, Strawberry Fest, and fireworks at dusk over Lake Michigan from Anclam Park. Sturgeon Bay, Fish Creek, Gills Rock, and Washington Island each host their own July 4th festivities with parades, live music, and evening fireworks.

The Door County Plein Air Festival brings 37 nationally renowned artists painting outdoors at scenic locations throughout the peninsula. The Quick Paint Competition on July 26 in Fish Creek features artists completing works in under two hours, followed by a live auction. The 46th Annual Door County Folk Festival (July 11-13, 2025) moves to MUSE of Sturgeon Bay, offering dance workshops, ethnic dance parties with live music, and social dancing from dawn to midnight.

Fish boils run nightly throughout July at iconic venues. White Gull Inn in Fish Creek has hosted the tradition since 1959—adults pay $27.75 for Lake Michigan whitefish, red potatoes, coleslaw, and cherry pie, with the theatrical kerosene "boilover" drawing crowds Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Pelletier's offers multiple seatings nightly at 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm. The Old Post Office in Ephraim and Waterfront Mary's in Sturgeon Bay round out the essential fish boil experiences.

Weekly farmers markets operate across the peninsula: Sturgeon Bay Saturdays (8am-noon) feature 80+ vendors—the largest in Door County. Baileys Harbor runs Sundays, Egg Harbor hosts Thursdays with live music, and Ephraim's Bondemarked on Mondays includes artisan vendors followed by harborside concerts.

Live music

Door County's summer concert scene spans free outdoor series to ticketed performances in converted barns and professional theaters.

Free outdoor concerts run weekly in every major village: Sister Bay Performance Pavilion hosts Wednesdays at 6pm (July highlights include Peoples Brothers Band, Brass Differential, and Modern Day Drifters); Egg Harbor's Peg Egan Performing Arts Center features Sunday concerts at 7pm with acts like Pure Prairie League (July 13) and Harry Manx (July 27); Fish Creek offers Friday concerts at 5pm; and Ephraim runs Monday evening performances at the Harborside Park gazebo.

Fishstock Music Series at the Concert Barn in Fish Creek presents Sunday evening shows at 7pm featuring folk, bluegrass, jazz, blues, and rock in a renovated 100-year-old barn with state-of-the-art sound. Tickets run $20-25. The Fiddler's Farm in Sturgeon Bay delivers Branson-style country, bluegrass, and Western swing in a restored 1800s barn—$20 cash at the door, $22 online.

Door County Brewing Co. Taproom in Baileys Harbor has become the region's premier brewery music venue, with live performances every Saturday from 3-7pm in the dog-friendly beer garden. Peach Barn Farmhouse & Brewery in Sister Bay is the only venue with live music daily from 3-6pm during summer, set in a whitewashed barn with fire pits and Adirondack chairs.

Professional theater thrives in July. Northern Sky Theater performs original musicals under the stars at the Peninsula State Park Amphitheater—dogs welcome, campfires before shows. Peninsula Players, America's oldest professional resident summer theater (90th season), presents Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the Park" through July 6 and Stephen King's "Misery" July 9-27 at their shoreline setting between Fish Creek and Egg Harbor. Tickets start at $49.

The Alpine Resort in Egg Harbor hosts free Wednesday concerts (6-9pm) in a tent, featuring jazz, bluegrass, rock, and swing, with Country Music Mondays added in July and August.

Salmon fishing

July is prime time for Chinook salmon, with fish ranging 5-35+ pounds caught in 70-170 feet of water. Wisconsin's state record 44-pound, 15-ounce Chinook was caught near Door County on July 19, 1994. Coho salmon, steelhead, lake trout, and brown trout round out July's catch possibilities.

Sturgeon Bay serves as the primary charter hub, with the famous "Bank Reef" nearby—Lake Michigan's top King Salmon spot.

Reel Action Charters operates one of the premier fleets with boats up to 48 feet. Five-hour charters on their flagship Viking yacht run $1,380 for up to 6 passengers. Hooked Up Sport Fishing Charters (920-495-5586) offers more budget-friendly options: 4-hour trips at $850, 5-hour trips at $950, and 6-hour trips at $1,050, all accommodating up to 6 anglers. They also offer package deals combining fishing with lodging starting at $195/person. Salmon Depot Charter Fishing runs 5-hour trips at $800 and 6-hour trips at $900.

Baileys Harbor offers shorter runs to fishing grounds with less time in no-wake zones. First Choice Charters operates the 37-foot "Fat Kat" at $900 for 5-hour private charters. Big Bite Adventures (920-883-7918), Google-ranked #1 fishing charter in Door County, targets Kings, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, and coho salmon, with fish cleaning available at Baileys Harbor Fish Company. Door County Charters with Captain Andy Stuth (920-559-2665) offers 3, 4, and 5-hour trips with 27+ years of Great Lakes experience.

Important note: Despite the name "Sturgeon Bay," sturgeon fishing is not available in Door County. Wisconsin's only sturgeon fishery operates on the Lake Winnebago System, 60 miles southwest, with winter ice-spearing only.

Book charters weeks to months in advance for July dates—peak season fills quickly. Morning and evening trips offer the best bite. Expect to pay $200-300 deposits and bring a valid Wisconsin fishing license with Great Lakes Trout & Salmon stamp. Gratuity of 10-20% is customary.

Sister Bay and Fish Creek

Door County's villages each have distinct personalities that dramatically affect your experience.

Sister Bay claims the peninsula's best bar scene, centered on the legendary "Barmuda Triangle"—three venues within walking distance that define Door County nightlife. Husby's Food & Spirits is the original sports bar with live music every summer weekend at the outdoor Garage Bar. Sister Bay Bowl combines Friday fish fry tradition with actual bowling lanes. JJ's La Puerta delivers Tex-Mex food and margaritas with a lively atmosphere. Beyond the triangle, Stabbur Beer Garden at Al Johnson's offers outdoor Scandinavian-style drinking, and Twelve Eleven Wine Bar provides a sophisticated option.

Fish Creek delivers the most walkable downtown, with shops staying open later in the evening than other villages—a unique advantage. The concentrated main street puts most dining within easy walking distance. Bayside Tavern serves as the beloved locals' watering hole ("as close to Cheers as you'll find"), while Junipers Gin Joint crafts cocktails. Fish Creek also serves as the gateway to Peninsula State Park.

Sturgeon Bay, the largest town with 9,600 year-round residents, offers the most dining variety and best value—restaurants and lodging cost less than northern villages. Nightingale Supper Club serves classic Wisconsin prime rib and fish fry since 1913. Greystone Castle has poured drinks since 1898. The downtown is walkable but more spread out, making it better for those with cars.

Egg Harbor works well for families and wine enthusiasts, with good dining variety but quieter evenings. Baileys Harbor offers an emerging farm-to-table culinary scene on the quieter Lake Michigan side, anchored by the excellent Door County Brewing Co. Taproom.

Ephraim deserves special warning: Wisconsin's last dry town only legalized beer and wine at restaurants in 2016—no liquor, no bars. While arguably the most photogenic village with stunning Eagle Harbor views, it "rolls up the sidewalks at night." Avoid if nightlife matters.

Fish boils and Swedish pancakes

Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay is Door County's most famous eatery—goats graze on the sod roof from late May through mid-October. The Swedish pancakes with lingonberries are legendary, along with Swedish meatballs and Pytt I Panna. Arrive early to avoid hour-plus waits. The adjacent Stabbur Beer Garden expands drinking options beyond the restaurant.

Wickman House in Ellison Bay earned James Beard Award semifinalist status for Outstanding Restaurant in 2023. The farm-to-table fine dining experience in a 100+ year-old home features ingredients from their on-site garden. Reservations essential—expect to pay $$$-$$$$ for deviled eggs, whitefish dip, and grass-fed beef. Currently for sale but still operating.

Chives Door County in Baileys Harbor draws Green Bay Packers players for its farm-to-table cuisine. The ribeye, mussels and frites, and Sunday brunch Eggs Benedict make this a destination worth the drive. Barringer's in Fish Creek from the same owner delivers modern supper club meets steakhouse. The Fireside in Egg Harbor offers Cajun/Creole-inspired comfort food—try the gator appetizer and fried cheesecake.

Donny's Glidden Lodge in Sturgeon Bay represents the classic Wisconsin supper club experience with Lake Michigan waterfront views. Prime rib reigns on Thursdays and Saturdays; German night is Wednesday. Request a window table at sunset.

For pizza, Wild Tomato operates locations in Fish Creek, Sister Bay, and Egg Harbor—consistently rated Door County's best, with hand-tossed crust and creative toppings like the "Fun Guy" mushroom and truffle oil creation.

Door County Brewing Co. Taproom in Baileys Harbor combines excellent craft beer with live music and locally-sourced food in the backyard beer garden. Peach Barn Farmhouse & Brewery in Sister Bay serves as Sister Bay's first microbrewery in a beautiful whitewashed barn with community tables, fire pits, and daily live music.

Door County Creamery in Sister Bay crafts artisan goat cheese from their own herd—the goat milk gelato is exceptional. Try the Chevre Torte sandwich and cheese boards with local wine.

Sea cave kayaking and Peninsula State Park

Cave Point County Park

Cave Point County Park offers Door County's most dramatic scenery—limestone sea caves carved by centuries of Lake Michigan waves, crystal-clear turquoise water, and dramatic cliff jumping. It's free admission (no park sticker required). Multiple outfitters offer guided kayak tours starting at $69/person for 2-hour experiences: Door County Kayak Tours (23 years operating), Lakeshore Adventures (clear-bottom kayaks available), and Peninsula Kayak Company. Book morning tours for calmest water and best clarity—92% of July sunset tours have clear visibility according to NOAA data.

Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek is Wisconsin's most complete park with over 1 million annual visitors across 3,776 acres. The Eagle Tower provides panoramic views from a 75-foot observation platform connected to an 850-foot accessible canopy walk rebuilt in 2021. The Eagle Trail (2.1 miles, difficult) traverses Niagara Escarpment cliffs and caves—wear sturdy footwear for slippery rocks. Nicolet Bay Beach offers swimming with snack bar and watercraft rentals. State park vehicle stickers cost $8/day for residents, $11/day for non-residents.

Whitefish Dunes State Park features Wisconsin's tallest sand dunes, including 93-foot "Old Baldy" with an observation platform. The 1.5 miles of sandy beach ranks among Door County's best, with rare "squeaky sand" that produces audible sounds when walked on. A trail connects to Cave Point for a combined full-day adventure.

Newport State Park in Ellison Bay is Wisconsin's only designated wilderness state park and an International Dark Sky Park—the best stargazing in Wisconsin. The 11 miles of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline and 30 miles of hiking trails offer true solitude.

Door County's 11 historic lighthouses represent one of the highest concentrations in the nation. Cana Island Lighthouse near Baileys Harbor is the most photographed—access the tower via stone causeway (wade or haywagon ride), then climb 97 steps for panoramic views. Nearby shipwrecks remain visible in clear water. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse inside Peninsula State Park offers tours May-October for $5 with period furnishings and tower climbs.

July brings peak lavender bloom and cherry

Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm on Washington Island is the Midwest's largest lavender operation with 20,000 plants. Mid-July marks peak bloom—the purple fields are harvested by mid-August, making July visitors perfectly timed. Le Café serves lavender-infused macarons, ice cream, and croissants. Pick-your-own lavender bouquets cost $5 entry fee mid-June through mid-August (under 12 free). Reach Washington Island via the 30-minute car ferry from Gills Rock.

Cherry picking peaks mid-July through mid-August—Door County's Montmorency tart cherry has been cultivated since 1858. Lautenbach's Orchard Country in Fish Creek offers U-pick cherries plus a bakery, wine tasting, and outdoor games—try their cherry mimosa. Seaquist Orchards in Sister Bay (800-732-8850) and Hyline Orchard in Fish Creek round out the best options. Call same-day to confirm availability since picking depends on weather and crop conditions.

The Door County Wine Trail connects 10 wineries specializing in fruit wines and traditional varietals. Door Peninsula Winery in Carlsville (est. 1974) offers free tours every hour from 10am-4pm with 70+ wine and spirit options. Door 44 in Sturgeon Bay has a 6-acre vineyard with $10 wine flights and build-your-own charcuterie boards. The Door County Trolley Premier Wine Tour visits 3 wineries with private tastings and chef-prepared lunch for $66.95 over 5 hours.

Water temperatures finally become comfortable for swimming in July—expect mid-60s to low 70s°F, with Green Bay's western shore slightly warmer than Lake Michigan's eastern beaches. Nicolet Bay Beach in Peninsula State Park offers calm, sandy conditions ideal for families. Schoolhouse Beach on Washington Island features unique limestone pebbles found in only 5 places worldwide—stunning for photography and snorkeling.

Planning your July visit

For nightlife seekers: Base in Sister Bay to access the Barmuda Triangle and waterfront bars within walking distance.

For walkability with dining variety: Stay in Fish Creek, where the concentrated downtown keeps shops open later than other villages.

For budget-conscious travelers: Choose Sturgeon Bay for lower lodging and dining costs with the most restaurant variety.

For quiet escapes: Baileys Harbor and the Lake Michigan side offer emerging culinary scenes with tranquil evenings.

Book in advance: Fishing charters require weeks of lead time for July dates. Popular kayak tours and trolley experiences fill quickly. Fine dining reservations (Wickman House, Chives, Donny's Glidden Lodge) are essential for weekend evenings. Fish boil seatings at White Gull Inn and Pelletier's should be reserved, especially for Saturday nights.

State park fees: Purchase Wisconsin park stickers ($8-11/day or $28-38/year) at park entrances or online. The sticker covers all 5 major parks on the peninsula.

July in Door County delivers the full Wisconsin summer experience—swimming beaches reach swimmable temperatures, orchards overflow with cherries, lavender fields hit peak purple, and every village buzzes with festivals, music, and the sweet smell of fish boiling over open fires. The peninsula's 300 miles of shoreline, 11 lighthouses, and endless dining options ensure that a week barely scratches the surface.