Tour Door County: Ephraim

Ephraim embodies the classic small town with a bustling waterfront, iconic ice cream parlor and tons of locally owned shops. Driving through the streets of this quaint little town, you are taken back to simpler times.

The atmosphere embodies the American Summer Dream. People of all ages spend hours at the public beach, boats and jet skis zoom around the picturesque harbor and the sun shines off the clear blue waters. The harbor is surrounded by the pristine bluffs of Peninsula State Park.

Ephraim was settled in 1853 as the first religious colony in Door County. A group of Norwegian Moravians came across the ice and set up the first church and school on the peninsula. To this day, both the Norwegian and Moravian influences can be seen in even the newest architecture throughout town.

One of Ephraim’s best features is its great waterfront. At the heart of town, South Shore Pier is the place to go to start your aquatic adventure. The harbor may be pretty from shore, but there are other ways of taking in the scenery available only in Ephraim. Parasail rides are offered to get a bird’s eye view of Eagle Harbor and the surrounding waters of Lake Michigan. If you are afraid of heights or want an afternoon on the water instead of the air, boat rentals of all types are available at South Shore Pier.

After spending the whole day splashing around in the waves or shopping in the many popular shops, you know you’re going to be hungry.  The center of town is home to many places to eat. Ephraim is one of the only towns in Wisconsin that is dry. This means that there is no alcohol served or sold within the town limits. This is one of the many reasons Ephraim is considered very family friendly.  Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor has been in business since 1906 and is more popular than ever. With old fashion soda fountain and tons of ice cream flavors, it is sure to entertain people of all ages. Other restaurants in the area are places like the Old Post Office serving breakfast and fish boils daily.

The Peninsula State Park is just minutes away from downtown Ephraim, offering a great place to escape for the day or the weekend. All types of activities are available in the enormous state park sitting between Ephraim and Fish Creek. An 18-hole golf course, multiple beaches, miles of hiking trails and much more is waiting for you to discover. Climb the Eagle Tower to get a picturesque view of Ephraim’s harbor with historic landmarks clearly marked.  The park is open year round so it offers activities for all seasons.

Ephraim is a shopper’s dream come true. Its historic Water Street is a section of Highway 42 that’s lined with locally owned shops of all kinds. Looking for more shops? Just head downtown to find an even bigger shopping district.

Door County Lodging has some great members in Ephraim.

Eagle Harbor Inn is located in the heart of the shopping district and just steps from the public beach.

Ephraim Inn is a lovely B&B located just outside downtown.

Pine Grove Resort is just across the street from the water on the edge of the downtown district.

Four Seasons Barn House is a private guest house just outside of Ephraim. It’s great for family reunions or a weekend retreat for two.