Door County Coastal Byway

For the Door County Peninsula in northeastern Wisconsin, a combination of geology, two major bodies of water, and geography create an ecosystem that is globally, nationally, and regionally recognized for its diversity and many rare and endangered species of plants and animals. These natural features provide travelers a wide array of active recreational options, from fishing and water-based activities to hiking and landlubber activities. Activities for all are available year around – just ask a generational resident – referred to as "locals."

For those wishing a slower pace, there are leisurely drives, relaxing in a park enjoying the water views, or touring many historic structures. Travelers experience and explore the byway loop via Wisconsin Highways, WIS 42 and WIS 57, a formally designated Wisconsin Scenic Byway route. Visitors can access and enjoy the more than 25 state and local nature preserves plus the three state parks, ten county and numerous local parks that are found along the byway. Charming coastal communities offer a wide array of visitor amenities all along the byway. The 400 -million-year-old Niagara Escarpment Bluffs become visible upon entering the Village of Egg Harbor. The Niagara Escarpment is an international geologic formation – a 1,000 mile-long cliff beginning near Niagara Falls NY, then traveling through Canada, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin. The Escarpment and surrounding waters contribute to our unique terrain, climate and ecology.

A must see is the 60' tall observation tower in Peninsula State Park which is ADA accessible with a 850' ramp and unobstructed wheelchair accessible overlooks as it winds through the tree canopy to the top, or take the 95 steps to the top! Spectacular views of Green Bay waters and islands reward your efforts!

Fall colors are spectacular throughout the entire byway. Ephraim, is popular with visitors who want to recreate by admiring the water views of Eagle Harbor and the stellar views of the 250' Niagara Escarpment bluffs. Sister Bay features over one-fourth mile of waterfront access, including a boardwalk with universal access, park, beach, and numerous water activities, boat tours, shopping and dining. Three natural features of national or state importance have highway access points between Ephraim and Sister Bay: the Mink River Estuary, the largest pristine freshwater estuary in the U.S., the WisDNR Boreal Forests, and the Three Springs Nature Preserve. The Grandview Overlook and Park. Newport Beach State Park is the only International Dark Sky designated area in Wisconsin and the only wilderness park in the state. At the tip of the peninsula at either Gills Rock or Northport cross Death's Door via ferry to Washington Island. The curvy part of WIS 42 always surprises and enchants visitors and is popular with recreational drivers

The Door County Coastal Byway forms a nearly continuous 66-mile elliptical loop on Wisconsin Highways 42 and 57 beginning at the intersection of these two highways just north of the Sturgeon Bay city limits in the Town of Sevastopol. The byway travels northerly on WIS 42 for 40 miles on the Green Bay side of the peninsula until its terminus at the Northport Ferry Dock . Traveling back south on WIS 42 through Sister Bay on your way up the "Sister Bay Hill" you take a left turn onto WIS 57 and head southerly down the Lake Michigan eastern side of the peninsula for 27 miles to Sturgeon Bay.