Plan A Door County Bike Tour This Year

By Christine Fisher


Planning a vacation usually starts months in advance for most people. Many decisions have to be made before they feel comfortable that everything will fall safely into place when they get to their chosen destination. The same is true if you decide to embark on a Door County bike tour. While some may be comfortable cycling here and there without any particular goal or plan, others will be much happier deciding in detail when and where they want to go.

This is a great part of the country and many people enjoy visiting it each year. There are lots of sights to see and things to do here. The weather however, is something that has to be taken into consideration. This is especially true if you intend to travel outside all day long. Winter and fall months are probably not going to be the best times to try this type of travel. The middle of the summer seems just right for such a venture though.

You might want to start your tour in Sturgeon Bay, a charming town with plenty of history, art galleries, a maritime museum and great shoreline where you can cycle, fish, tramp the hiking trails, or just rest and relax. It could become your home base as you bicycle through the other parts of the county.

Cana Island Lighthouse is located in Bailey's Harbor just to the north of Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor. Once you have cycled up there you can treat yourself to a good look around if you are willing to climb the spiral stairs to the gallery deck. A spectacular view of Lake Michigan and Door Peninsula will make the trek worth it. Apparently water boots are sometimes needed. It would be best to call ahead to find out exactly what the conditions are like.

Bailey's Harbor is also home to Kangaroo Lake, the biggest one in Door. The views around the area are staggering and the wildlife trails unmatched. You should be aware that the preserve does not cater to its visitors when it comes to toilets, trash cans, or water refills. You have to come prepared to handle these items yourself. The lake is a paradise for photographers so you might want to bring a camera along with you.

Once you are on the northern end of the peninsula, Newport State Park is a must see. It is located at Ellison's Bay on the very tip of Door. Being the only park in Wisconsin that is officially wilderness designated makes this a very special visit. You can go off road cycling on any number of trails, but you need to find out in advance which ones are accessible to bikes.

The county is known for its cherries and mid-summer is perfect cherry picking time. There are plenty of orchards happy to allow you to gather all of the cherries you can. They provide the pails. You provide the labor. Once again, it is a good idea to call ahead just to make you are not disappointed when you get to a particular orchard.

If you decide to take a cycling vacation, you could not choose a better place than Door County, Wisconsin. The natural beauty of the area impresses everyone lucky enough to visit. The people are friendly and welcoming, and there is so much to see and do that you will not have time for it all. A return trip certainly seems inviting.




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