Door County Labor Day Weekend: Family Activity Guide
August 30 - September 1, 2025
Welcome to one of Wisconsin's most beloved family destinations! Door County offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, maritime heritage, and family-friendly fun for your Labor Day weekend getaway.
Quick Planning Tips
Best Time to Visit: Labor Day weekend is less crowded than peak July 4th season but still offers great weather and activities
Getting Around: Free parking is available throughout most areas, though popular beach lots may fill up on nice days
Service Note: Many college workers return to school, so be patient with restaurant service
Book Ahead: Make dinner reservations at popular restaurants and consider booking tours in advance
Special Labor Day Weekend 2025 Events
Marina Fest 🎪
When: August 30-31, 2025
Where: Sister Bay Marina, Downtown Sister Bay
What to Expect: Celebrate Labor Day weekend with live entertainment, food, beverages, and fireworks. The festival offers fun for all ages in a beautiful waterfront setting.
Family Highlights: Wooden boat show, kids' carnival and boat-building, pedal tractor pulls, live music, and a great fireworks display. Food and drink vendors line the waterfront, while community groups raise funds for local causes in this great family-friendly weekend on the waterfront.
Gills Rock Art Fest 🎨
When: August 31, 2025
Where: Top of the Thumb Gift Shop, Gills Rock
What to Expect: Explore works from local artists in various mediums at this charming coastal village. The festival features live music, food vendors, and interactive art demonstrations.
Labor Day Gala at Björklunden 🎼
When: September 1, 2025, 3:00 PM
Where: Björklunden
What to Expect: César Franck Piano Quintet... Flutist Heather Zinninger returns to perform Amy Beach's colorful and evocative Theme and Variations with strings. This program will close our season at our annual Labor Day Gala at Björklunden.
Must-Do Family Activities
Lighthouse Adventures 🗼
Explore the 11 famous Wisconsin lighthouses in Door County, WI. Find great photo opportunities, take guided tours, and get a taste of local maritime history.
Top Family-Friendly Lighthouses:
Cana Island Lighthouse: Cross the spit to the island on foot (wear shoes that can get wet) or by complimentary haywagon, then climb the steps to the top of the lookout tower for a sweeping view of the lake.
Eagle Bluff Lighthouse: Located in Peninsula State Park with museum exhibits
Sturgeon Bay Canal Lighthouse: Easily accessible with great photo opportunities
Beach & Water Fun 🏖️
Door County is home to a variety of beaches, from the sandy spots along Lake Michigan and Green Bay to the rare Schoolhouse Beach, which is one of just five limestone beaches in the world.
Best Family Beaches:
Peninsula State Park Beach: Kids will find soft sand and calm shallow water. There are plenty of amenities here too; rentals, bathrooms, and a snack bar.
Schoolhouse Beach (Washington Island): Unique limestone pebble beach
Cave Point County Park: Stunning rocky coastline perfect for exploration
Ellison Bay Community Park: Escape the crowds the further north you travel. We were the only ones at Ellison Bay's Community Park and Beach.
Washington Island Ferry Adventure ⛴️
Sometimes the journey is the reward. Kids will love going aboard the Washington Island Ferry to cross Death's Door for a getaway to the island. After the 30-minute crossing, grab ice cream, explore the island, and stop at Schoolhouse Beach for a dip in pristine waters.
Island Activities:
Schoolhouse Beach (limestone pebbles!)
Lavender farm visits
Biking or UTV rentals
Wide-open spaces for exploration
State Parks & Nature
Peninsula State Park 🌲
Peninsula State Park, a jewel in Wisconsin's park system, is a place where memories are made under the expansive sky... The views from Eagle Tower are breathtaking, revealing a tapestry of forest and water that stretches to the horizon.
Family Activities:
Eagle Tower climb (accessible ramp available)
Vita Course trail - an easy trail with 11 "fitness station" stops to break up the walk
Biking trails
Beach access
Camping facilities
Cave Point County Park 🏔️
Take the kids to Cave Point County Park near Sturgeon Bay. This stunning geological wonder will wow them — and you — and offer a stunning backdrop for a family photo or two.
The Ridges Sanctuary 🦅
Explore The Ridges Sanctuary and explore the many trails, including the Family Discovery Trail. This naturalist-guided hike is suitable for all ages and lasts about 2 hours, offering an interactive way to learn about the Sanctuary.
Family-Friendly Attractions
The Farm in Door County 🐐
Hours: They are open daily, 9am-5pm in the summer and 10am-4pm after Labor Day. Each child gets two bottles of milk to feed the baby goats or sheep. You can also purchase corn feed for the adult animals for 25 cents. Rates: Adults (13 and over) $8.50, children (3-12) $5.00, and children 2 and under are free.
Boat Tours & Water Activities 🚤
Shoreline Boat Tours. The Sturgeon Bay Day tour provides a look into the area's rich maritime roots. If shipwrecks and lighthouses are more your style, the Baileys Harbor Day package visits multiple shipwrecks sites. On both excursions, your children can participate in their First Mate educational program to earn their very own First Mate certificate.
Water Activity Options:
Rent a few kayaks and explore the shoreline, opt for a pontoon boat for a relaxing ride on the lake, or feed your need for speed with a speedboat and tubing gear
Stand-up paddleboarding
Fishing charters
Scenic boat tours
Biking Adventures 🚴
One of the best ways to see Door County in all its splendor is with two wheels and a set of handlebars. Whether casually ambling through town or seeking a high-adrenaline challenge, you can get your biking fix up here... Through a state park, along a scenic backroad, or across town to the candy store, wherever you venture, biking is the perfect way to experience Door County while keeping the energy levels high.
Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Lodging
Fish Creek Area 🏨
Best for: Walking to restaurants and shops
Harbor Guest House: Quiet location on side street
Homestead Suites: Features indoor and outdoor pools, suites with kitchenettes
Gibraltar Grill nearby for dining
Sister Bay Area 🏨
Best for: Marina Fest activities and dining scene
Pheasant Park: Two and three-bedroom suites, walking distance to shops and marina
Egg Harbor Area 🏨
Best for: Quieter alternative with great views
Newport Resort: Indoor heated and outdoor pools, children's play areas
Egg Harbor Lodge: Great lake views
The Ashbrooke: Adult-oriented, quieter setting
Dining Guide
Must-Try Door County Experiences 🍽️
Traditional Fish Boil: Famously fiery fish boils are an integral part of Door County tradition and have been one of the area's most alluring attractions for more than 70 years.
Local Cherry Products: Door County is famous for cherries - try cherry pie, cherry wine, or cherry ice cream
Wisconsin Supper Clubs: Experience classic Midwest dining tradition
Family-Friendly Restaurant Areas
Sister Bay: Sister Bay has gained a reputation for being the food, dining, and beverage hub of the county. Options include supper clubs, pubs and taverns, waterfront dining, seafood, bakeries, pizza, craft beer, breakfast spots, and way, way more.
Fish Creek: Central location with many restaurant options
Egg Harbor: Good variety with less crowding
Shopping & Treats
Local Specialties 🛍️
Each roadside market has a variety of options and brands to choose from. Have your kids select a Door County treat to bring home for Grandma and Grandpa.
Cherry products and preserves
Local pottery and crafts
Maritime-themed souvenirs
Shopping Areas
Fish Creek: Much better for shops. There are more and they are open late... shops in Fish Creek stay open later so it is more conducive to walking around.
Sister Bay: Great selection with walkable downtown
Sturgeon Bay: Sturgeon Bay has the only Target you'll find in the county. Support local where you can, but some essentials are best to stock up here before starting your adventures in Door County with kids.
Practical Tips for Families
Weather & Packing 🌤️
Expected Weather: Pleasant late summer conditions
Pack: Light layers, comfortable walking shoes, water shoes for rocky beaches
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hats - lots of outdoor time!
Getting Around 🚗
Traffic: Labor Day is nowhere near as busy as the 4th of July... "Crazy busy" and "overly crowded" are relative terms. You might have a backup of a couple minutes in the middle of the popular tourist villages
Parking: Generally free throughout Door County, though beach lots may fill up
Driving Distance: Towns are close together - easy to explore multiple communities
Seasonal Fruit Picking 🍎
Strawberry, Apple, Pumpkin, but especially Cherry picking are quintessential experiences while in Door County with kids.
Budget-Friendly Activities
Beach days (free!)
Hiking trails (free!)
Free. For more information, please visit www.writeondoorcounty.org - various community events
Lighthouse viewing from outside (many are free to view)
Downtown walking and window shopping
Sample Family Itinerary
Saturday, August 30
Morning: Arrive and check in to accommodations
Afternoon: Marina Fest in Sister Bay - kids' carnival activities
Evening: Family dinner and Marina Fest live entertainment
Sunday, August 31
Morning: Washington Island Ferry adventure
Afternoon: Return and visit Gills Rock Art Fest
Evening: Beach time and sunset viewing
Monday, September 1
Morning: Peninsula State Park - Eagle Tower climb and beach time
Afternoon: Classical music at Björklunden Labor Day Gala (optional) or Cave Point exploration
Evening: Traditional Door County fish boil dinner
Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend in beautiful Door County! 🌊
Remember to check individual attraction websites for the most current hours and any special holiday schedules.
