KAYAK GUIDE JUSTIN

Welcome to Door County, Wisconsin—a place where rugged cliffs meet the rolling waves of Lake Michigan, where ancient history is etched into limestone bluffs, and where nature puts on a show in every season. Whether you're a curious explorer, a history buff, or just someone who loves a good sunset over the water, Door County has something special for you!

A Land Shaped by Time

Let’s start with the geology—because Door County’s landscape is seriously cool. The backbone of the peninsula is the Niagara Escarpment, a massive limestone formation that stretches from Wisconsin all the way to Niagara Falls. Yep, that same rock that helps create one of the world's most famous waterfalls also forms Door County’s signature cliffs and caves! Over millions of years, wind, waves, and glaciers have carved out dramatic shorelines, hidden sea caves, and rugged rock formations like those found at Cave Point County Park.

An Ecological Wonderland

Door County is an outdoor paradise, boasting over 300 miles of shoreline, five state parks, and a mix of boreal forest, wetlands, and inland lakes. It’s a prime spot for spotting rare orchids, migrating birds, and even the occasional fox or white-tailed deer. In the spring and summer, monarch butterflies drift lazily across fields of wild lupine, while in autumn, the peninsula explodes in fiery reds and golds as the maples and oaks put on their annual display. And let’s not forget winter—when the landscape transforms into a snow-covered wonderland perfect for cross-country skiing and silent, snowy hikes.

A Rich and Storied Past

Long before Door County became a vacationer’s dream, it was home to the Potawatomi people, who lived off the land and waters here for centuries. French explorers arrived in the 1600s, and by the 19th century, hardy Scandinavian settlers were making a life here, farming, fishing, and building the iconic cherry orchards that are still famous today. But the peninsula’s history isn’t all sunshine and cherries—its waters are also home to over 250 shipwrecks, and offer a glimpse into Door County's past.

Come See It for Yourself!

From the towering cliffs of Door Bluff to the tranquil waters of Baileys Harbor, from the quirky maritime history of Sturgeon Bay to the charming villages dotting the coast, Door County is a place where nature and history come together in unforgettable ways. Whether you’re hiking through the forest, paddling along the shore, or just enjoying a classic fish boil under the stars, one thing’s for sure—you’ll want to come back again and again. Ready to explore?