I love sharing this beautiful peninsula that I call home with guests and visitors. It brings me great joy to direct folks towards amazing dining experiences, down shady hiking trails, into incredibly curated galleries, and to some of Door County’s other hidden gems. It’s one of the simple pleasures of working at the Blacksmith Inn on the Shore. One common request, however, has always thrown me for a loop:
“What’s the one thing we shouldn’t miss while we’re here?”
There are simply too many good answers to that question! I could recommend that you climb to the top of Eagle Tower to take in the panoramic view of the bluffs, or head over to Al Johnson’s for the iconic goats-on-the-roof experience, or perhaps take a leisurely drive to the tip of the peninsula to experience the twists and turns of architect Jens Jensen’s famous curvy road. While these are all great options, after much careful consideration I think I may have finally figured out the single best possible answer:
“Just get out on the water!”
Door County is beautiful from the road, and charming from our small-town sidewalks, but it is truly unforgettable from the lake. Whether you're an experienced boater, been on a paddleboard once or twice, or are just climbing into a kayak for the very first time, there's something magical about seeing our shoreline and towering bluffs from the water. Here are some of the best ways to do so.
Take Ours!
The easiest way to get afloat is to take out our kayaks or stand-up paddleboards at the Blacksmith Inn on the Shore! We have single kayaks, double kayaks, and SUPs available for guest use in the harbor any time during the warmer months. No need to reserve, just grab a paddle and go! The harbor that the inn sits on has several shallow water shipwrecks that are viewable on clear days, and two lovely sand beaches that are no more than a 10 minute paddle away. If you’re just looking to dip your toe in, so to speak, it doesn’t get any easier than this.
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Kayak Tours
Looking to adventure a little further afield? There are several local kayak tour companies that can help get you there such as Lakeshore Adventures or Door County Kayak Tours. Learn about the waters of the county with a seasoned guide who can tell you all about the history, geology, and maritime character of the place you’re visiting. Explore the flooded caves of Cave Point County Park, the sheer bluffs of the Door Headlands, or the shipwrecks of Porte Des Morts, the infamous Death’s Door strait.
Sailing
If you’re after a more leisurely experience, perhaps a sailing tour might be the right fit. Offering day cruises, sunset sails, private charters, and more, Sail Door County is your one stop shop for all things wind powered. We particularly recommend a sunset cruise aboard the tall ship Edith M Becker out of Sister Bay!
Fishing
It would be remiss of me if I didn’t mention the excellent fishing available in Door County. Shore fishing is always an option, whether from the marina just a block away from the Inn, or the idyllic causeway that crosses Kangaroo Lake, but diehard anglers will want to charter a fishing boat. Hunt for that trophy lake trout or salmon from the deck of a well equipped vessel from Silver Strike, Lakeshore Adventures, or Big Bite Adventures.
There’s no wrong way to leave the shore behind and experience the county from its best angle: Lake Michigan. Whether you’re paddling, sailing, fishing, or just swimming, there’s something magical about the waters of the lake that make this a place like no other. So slather on the sunscreen, grab some shades, and get ready to let the lapping waves help you relax into your Door County vacation.
Sam - Innkeeper