Explore the quiet season on the peninsula
There’s no doubt that winter is a special time to visit Door County. Much different than the hustle and bustle of the summer and fall, winter on the peninsula is calm, serene — and of course, beautiful.
Even though it’s a quiet time of year in Door County, there’s still plenty of Door County activities in store for the winter months. Even though Ephraim Shores Resort is closed until May, we’re still encouraging you to take a winter getaway.
Here are just a few of our favorite winter Door County activities:
Immerse yourself in winter nature
We’re always talking about Peninsula State Park, and with good reason — the park is a four-season wonderland! Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts have their pick of Door County activities in winter, including six miles of snowshoe and hiking trails, 16 miles of groomed ski trails, and 17 miles of snowmobile trails.
If you want to embrace your inner kid, hike to the top of Hill 17 — the Park’s sledding hill located on the #17 fairway of the Park’s golf course — and head down with your sled or tube. A reminder for when you book your summer and fall vacations — Ephraim Shores Resort is a great option when it comes to Peninsula State Park hotels, as it’s 1.5 miles away from the Ephraim entrance, less than a mile and a half from the Park!
Find the fun in festivals
You’ll find plenty of Door County activities this winter that are all about showcasing the fun and creativity of the peninsula’s communities. Spend New Year’s Eve in Sister Bay, where you’ll enjoy fireworks and the Door County Cherry Drop — our version of a Times Square ball drop! The next day, head to Egg Harbor for their annual New Year’s Day parade — or if you’re feeling especially daring — to Jacksonport for the Polar Bear Plunge.
February brings Winterfest in Fish Creek, complete with fun winter games, great food, and live music — and Sturgeon Bay’s Fire & Ice Festival, where you’ll see novice and professional carvers alike turning ice and snow into works of art throughout the downtown.
Have a cozy restaurant experience
Winter is also a great time of year to settle into a good meal — so if your idea of Door County activities is trying a few new restaurants, you’re in luck. In Ephraim alone, there are several places to try, including Bad Moravian, who serves pizza, wine, and beer on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the off-season. Trixie’s, another Ephraim favorite, also is open on most winter weekends — be sure to check their website for actual hours!
Don’t forget to visit Sip — a cafe and eatery in North Ephraim that’s open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the winter. This newly remodeled and expanded restaurant is a great place to hang out with a group of friends — or solo with a good book — and enjoy a coffee drink. Our favorite? The one called “The Hug” with amaretto and oat milk.
After you’ve had a chance to experience Door County activities in the winter, you might just want to make an annual trip. However, don’t forget to make Ephraim Shores your Door County vacation destination when we open in May 2024!
Ephraim Shores Resort — a waterfront Door County resort for the whole family
Located in downtown Ephraim, Ephraim Shores is a family-friendly resort for groups of all sizes. From our private sundeck overlooking Eagle Harbor and our many room types to our beautiful waterfront location, Ephraim Shores has everything your family needs for the perfect vacation. Some of our amenities include an indoor pool and hot tub, an exercise room and game room, and bikes for our guests to use. To make your reservation, contact us at 877-854-2371 or visit our website at ephraimshores.com.
