Fall on the peninsula is a season not to be missed!
While Door County lovers might good-naturedly disagree on which restaurant has the best fish fry, or what little town or village is the best, we can all agree on one thing: Autumn on the peninsula is a truly magical time.
It could be the crisp fall air, or the fact that Door County’s robust apple season is in full swing. But if we truly had to say what makes Door County the favorite season of both visitors and residents alike, it would be the Door County peak fall colors.
Plan your trip to see Door County peak fall colors
The vibrant orange, yellow, and red-hued trees the peninsula is known for typically start to peek out around the end of September, typically peaking by mid-October. And, while the Door County peak fall colors can be seen no matter which end of the peninsula you’re visiting, there’s something special about the views in Ephraim — and staying at Ephraim Shores Resort gives you a front-row seat to the beauty.
To make the most of your fall visit, and to find the best fall foliage in Door County, we first recommend tracking the progress of the Door County peak fall colors by using Destination Door County’s Interactive Fall Report. This tool allows you to follow the changing leaves as they start in the southern end of Door County and move north.
Best places in Ephraim to see Door County peak fall colors
Here are some of our favorite spots in Ephraim — and beyond — to see the fall colors:
- Ephraim Shores Resort Beach & Private Sundeck: Ephraim Shores Resort is right across the street from Eagle Harbor, so you can spend the day lounging on the private sundeck, admiring the fall vista from the comfort of the resort. Many of our rooms have waterfront views and private balconies, so you may not even have to leave your room to see the Door County peak fall colors!
After you enjoy a bit of time on the sundeck, take a walk throughout the village of Ephraim, where the fall colors are visible as you pop into shops, grab a bite to eat, and check out Ephraim’s museums and galleries.
- Highway 42 from Sister Bay to Northport: Door County meets the deep blues of Lake Michigan on this route that will take you to the tip of the peninsula. On your way up, be sure to stop at Ellison Bay Bluff County Park, where a wooden boardwalk and short trail leads you to the edge of 100-foot limestone cliffs overlooking Lake Michigan. There’s even an enclosed catwalk that extends over the bluffs if you want to get as close to the colorful trees as possible!
As you drive north, be on the lookout for one of the most famous stretches of road in the Midwest, where Highway 42 dips and curves several times as it nears Northport and the Washington Island Ferry dock.
- Peninsula State Park: Located just minutes away from Ephraim Shores Resort, the park covers over 3,700 acres and provides stunning views of the vibrant fall colors. A few of our favorite places to view include Sven’s Bluff, Eagle Tower, and Eagle Terrace.
Fall: A great time to visit Door County
In addition to the Door County peak fall colors, there are plenty of other reasons to visit the peninsula during the fall months. There’s still plenty of great shopping, outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, performing arts events, art and galleries to admire, and much more. (Don’t forget about wine tasting in Door County — another great activity to do during the fall!)
No matter what you like to do during the fall, Door County has something for you — and Ephraim Shores Resort can be your homebase!
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.
