There are plenty of incredible places in which to see the vibrant hues of fall throughout the state of Wisconsin, but there is perhaps nothing more beautiful than Door Country fall colors. The Door County peninsula is located at the northeastern tip of Wisconsin. It's one of the most popular getaway destinations in Wisconsin and a frequent bucket-list destination for leaf-peeping enthusiasts.

Visitors to Door County will enjoy 300 pristine miles of shoreline, incredible orchards, wineries, and breweries, beautiful state parks, and a variety of historic lighthouses to visit, among other things. It also happens to be the perfect place to get away from all of the modern-day stress and noise many of us experience from day to day. Whether your days are spent adventuring in the beautiful outdoors, wine tasting, or relaxing at the area's charming Inns, it won't take you long to fall in love with beautiful Door County and to see why people return here year after year. 

From the southern jumping-off point of Green Bay north to Sturgeon Bay, there are a number of wonderful Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts to choose from, each one offering unique accommodations and exceptional hospitality. Our Inns are, after all, among the best places to stay in Wisconsin. Come enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Door County fall colors with us this fall. Browse our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts in northeastern Wisconsin, and book your getaway today!

10 Places to See Door County Fall Colors

Door County is best known for its access to an abundance of pristine nature, but it's also home to a rich arts and culture scene. This unique combination of leisure and adventure is what makes it such a great getaway destination from sunrise to sunset. Add to it fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow when Door County fall colors reach their peak, and you have a delightful recipe for an unforgettable getaway this fall. 

Door County fall colors are some of the best in the entire Midwest. Whether you'd prefer to see Door County fall colors from the warmth of your car, up close and personal on the trails, or even from the water, we have plenty of ideas to help you make the most of your trip this fall. The best time to see Door County fall colors is from late September through mid-October, though there's plenty to see throughout the entire fall season.

When you're ready to travel, here are 10 of the best ways to experience the breathtaking beauty of Door County fall colors: 

1. There are a lot of great scenic drives to take in Door County which perfectly showcase fiery autumnal hues. The most famous scenic drive is a 25-mile stretch of County Road 42, part of the Door County Coastal Byway. Door County's Department of Tourism has also put together several wonderful scenic drives to consider.
2. Get outside and take a hike!  Hiking is a great way to experience Door County fall colors up close and personal, and with 5 state parks and 28 state natural areas, there's definitely no shortage of trails to explore. One good choice is Potawatomie State Park in Sturgeon Bay, which gives hikers access to scenic stretches of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
3. Hit the water, and enjoy the many shades of red, orange, yellow, and green from the water.  With over 300 miles of shoreline to explore, there's no shortage of water-bound adventures to be had in Door County!
4. Enjoy Door County fall colors by bike! Bay Shore Drive on the western shore is a great choice for bikers, as is Washington Island.
5. Visit Peninsula State Park - it's truly a must for lovers of fall. You can enjoy a scenic drive through the park, or get out and enjoy the many hiking and biking trails, enjoy the views from lookout towers and lighthouses, and even enjoy some coastal kayaking from here.  It truly has it all!
6. Attend one of the many fall festivals in Door County, including the Harvest Festival in Sturgeon Bay.
7. Wine tasting might not be the first thing you think of when planning a trip to enjoy Door County fall colors, but the vineyards are spectacular in the fall - and who doesn't love a little wine tasting?  You'll love the Door County Wine Trail.
8. Take a ferry ride to Washington Island, at the very tip of Door County. It's home to beautiful beaches, great hiking and biking, local farms, and plenty of great views and adventures to enjoy.
9. Take in the sweeping views from Mount Baldy at Whitefish Dunes State Park. It's the state's tallest sand dune and offers great views in the fall of Lake Michigan and Clark Lake. 
10. Sunrises and sunsets are always special in Door County, but never more beautiful than when accompanied by the glow of Door County fall colors. Here's a great list of places to enjoy the start and end of a beautiful day in this incredible place. 

Fall is also apple season at Door County's orchards. If you're in the area to enjoy fall colors, don't miss the opportunity to visit a local orchard or two while you're here. Pick your own apples, celebrate the annual harvest, and otherwise enjoy this extraordinary place.

Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts in Door County

If you plan to see Door County fall colors this year, then you really should start planning your adventure now. Fall weekends can be busy, but you'll find fewer crowds on the roads and in the parks throughout the week. Apart from enjoying delicious breakfasts, welcoming hospitality, and an unparalleled getaway, our Innkeepers also serve as the perfect resource to help you enjoy all of the best hidden gems in Door County. It's one of the many reasons our Inns consistently ranks as the best places to stay in Wisconsin. 

There are three incredible Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts to choose from in Sturgeon Bay, a charming town centrally located on the Door County Peninsula. Coastal Living Magazine named Sturgeon Bay as one of the 10 Happiest Seaside Towns, which perfectly sums up what to expect on a getaway here this fall. With great sightseeing and fun activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, sailing, and more to enjoy in the area, you won't be bored for one second of your getaway. 

Where to stay: White Lace Inn, The Scofield House, Garden Gate Bed and Breakfast

We also have one member property in Green Bay, which is located just south of the Door County Peninsula, offering a larger city from which to base your adventures. Green Bay may be famous for its dedicated football fans, but it's also a vibrant city filled with beautiful parks, great restaurants and breweries, and so much more.  Basing your vacation from here would give you a wonderful mix of bigger-city amenities and stunning Northwoods beauty. 

Where to stay: Astor House Bed and Breakfast

Depending on what you're looking for in your getaway, we know one of these properties will feel like a place to come home to after a full day of adventure. Door County fall colors are waiting, and so, too, are the best places to stay in Wisconsin. Check regional availability, and then book your room at one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today!

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are two of the most popular winter sports in Wisconsin, and are both an extraordinary way to explore the state's exceptionally beautiful winter landscapes. Many of the best places for winter activities like these are Wisconsin's State Parks and forests. These protected lands are beautiful any time of year, but when the snows begin to fall, they take on an extra magical quality that simply must be enjoyed.

Some trails are single-track for traditional cross country skiing, while others are built for skate-style skiers, and still others are wide enough for both. Wherever you end up this winter, make sure one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts are at the heart of it all.

When it comes time to find the best places to stay in Wisconsin, you'd be hard-pressed to do better than our collection of Inns. Our member properties are located in all the best destinations around the state, ready to welcome you with the warm hospitality we've become known for. Find your special place this winter, and book a room at a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast today!

Cross Country Skiing in Wisconsin

With over 700 cross country skiing trails in the state (and even more ungroomed trails), it's impossible to list all of the wonderful places for cross country skiing in Wisconsin. But, we do have a few great recommendations to get you started, including some properties that have trails on their very property. Travel Wisconsin provides a great snow report tool that can help you time your trip to optimal conditions. 

1. Justin Trails Resort near Sparta has its very own network of groomed cross-country ski trails on their 200-acre property.  When you're ready to venture out for more, they are near Wildcat Mountain State Park, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, and the Black River State Forest, all excellent destinations for cross country skiing. 
2. Devils Lake State Park and Mirror Lake State Park near Baraboo both offer exceptional trails for cross country skiers. 
3. Nine Mile Forest and Sylvan Hill Park in Wausau are two of the most popular places for cross country skiing in Wisconsin
4. Getaway up north in Sturgeon Bay, and enjoy some wonderful winter recreation on the Ahnapee State Trail, at Whitefish Dunes State Park, where you can cross country ski along the bluffs of Lake Michigan.
5. Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay is the perfect place for Beginners to test out their stamina on cross country ski trails. 
6. The Lapham Peak portion of the Kettle Moraine State Forest is located near Waukesha and is a great place for cross country skiing. It offers one of the longest downhill portions of ski trails in the state. There's a warming hut along the trail, and both rentals and lighted night skiing are available. 
7. Mt. Ashwabay near Bayfield offers more than 40 km of cross country ski trails, and exceptional views of the area, including views of the Apostle Islands.
8. Hartman Creek State Park in Waupaca is a beautiful place to spend the day cross country skiing. The nearby Iola Winter Sports Club is also a great place to spend the day (or night!) on the 20+ km of trails. They also host a ski jump, if you feel so inclined.
9. Copper Falls State Park near Ashland offers multiple loops of classic and skate-groomed trails suitable for a variety of ability levels. Skiers will enjoy winding through mature hardwood forests and enjoying the scenic views of the Bad River.
10. Blue Mound State Park in Blue Mounds, home to the highest point in southern Wisconsin, features excellent cross country skiing opportunities for all abilities. 

Ski the Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski Event in 2020

The American Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski event is North America's largest and most prestigious X-C ski marathon. It's an extraordinary event that will take place from February 22, 2020. In total, 12,000 cross country skiers from around the world will participate in the Birkebeiner (50k Skate/55k Classic), the 29K Kortelopet, Prince Haakon 15K, the children's Barnebirkie, and Junior Birkie.

The 107-kilometer Birkie Trail system, located between Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, attracts a variety of athletes around the year but is never more spectacular than it is during the winter.

The Best Places to Stay in Wisconsin

At the end of a long day on Wisconsin's cross-country ski trails, we know you'll be ready for someplace warm to relax and unwind. That's why we recommend staying at our collection of Inns, rated as the best places to stay in Wisconsin. Make the most of these cold winter months, and enjoy getting out and exploring the beautiful state of Wisconsin! A great getaway isn't complete without exceptional lodging, which is exactly what you'll find at our member Bed and Breakfasts. 

Our Innkeepers invest a lot of time and energy into making sure they offer the best places to stay in Wisconsin, which starts with offering you accommodations as close to feeling like home as possible. Start your day off on the right food with an impeccably-prepared breakfast. Our innkeepers take incredible pride in their recipes and provide you with a delicious meal at the start of your day! We take time to make sure every detail of your stay has been thoughtfully tended to. Use our search tool to find the best places to stay in Wisconsin this winter!

We promised to pass along more innkeeper recommendations on nearby hiking trails and here they are! First we invite you to explore the trails close to the Eagle Harbor Inn, in Ephraim. Right in Ephraim there is a path that wanders through the town and up the bluff down small quiet back roads past all kinds of summer cottages and year around homes. The Bay of Green is never far from view. In fact at many places along the way it’s possible to dip your toes into that bay. There is a route that is mapped it takes a couple of hours. But, it is possible to walk small parts of the route at a time.   Also located close by is one of the best state parks in the state, Peninsula State Park. There are trails for all skill levels and they vary in length as well. The park is loaded with so much to see.  If those are trails too traveled for your taste there is Newport State Park a mere a 20 minute drive north. There you’ll find more secluded and rugged trails on the shores of Lake Michigan.  Also Whitefish Dunes State Park is located south of Jacksonport. Along with miles of trails over sand dunes and into the thickly wooded areas of the park, there are dunes along the shore for picnicking and sunning while you try to brave the icy cold waters of Lake Michigan.   A little further south in Appleton Judy Halma of the Franklin Street Inn shared with us that guests often enjoy hiking the Heckrodt Hiking Trail-76 acres of forested wetland, 3+ mile trail system allows access without getting your wet feet, located less than 5 miles from the inn.   Nearby in Oshkosh, Brayton B&B recommends The Wiouwash State Trail is a rail trail just a few short blocks from the inn. Its name is derived from the first two letters of the four counties it traverses: Winnebago, Outagamie, Waupaca, and Shawano. The trail is used by walkers, hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and snowmobilers during the winter months. The trail is split into two sections. The northern section runs from Aniwa to Split Rock. The southern section runs for 21 miles from Oshkosh northward to Hortonville and offers opportunities for biking, walking, jogging and bird-watching.  As it traverses the countryside, the southern section of the Wiouwash passes through a number of interesting natural habitats. Segments of the trail run through prairie and wetlands, attracting hundreds of species of birds, including sandhill cranes. The trail also crosses Dagget’s Creek, the Rat River and Black Otter Creek. It’s a scenic and relaxing journey, whether you’re on foot or two wheels.  That's all for now! Stay tuned for Part 3 for more hiking recommendations!   [caption id="attachment_1246" align="aligncenter" width="506"] Heckrodt Hiking Trail in Menasha offers great views of the diverse life in the wetlands.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1247" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Peninsula State Park[/caption]