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.
T
he 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.
Spring Wildflowers are blooming in Door County!
The Festival of Blossoms is about to begin in Door County. With over 45 native orchid species and many different wildflowers blooming from April to the end of August, Door County is recognized as a natural haven for many endangered species.
Daffodils by Brynn Swanson
Many of the more common wildflowers can be seen from just about any road on the peninsula. You will see daffodils, trilliums, Lady’s slippers and many of the others by simply driving on either of the two main highways. Take a detour down roads like Ridges Rd in Baileys Harbor or many of the county roads in the Northern end of the peninsula to get an up close look at some of the less common blooms.
Every year, thousands of people flock to Door County to see the cherry blossoms blooming in the dozens of orchards dotting the landscape. Always a favorite, the Cherry Blossoms usually bloom around May 22 but have come three weeks early this year. Seaquist’s Orchards, just north of Sister Bay on Hwy 42, has it down to a science. Dale Seaquist can predict, to the day, when the cherries will bloom. They blossom for a few weeks and then begin to grow into cherries, one of Door County’s largest industries. Our area is actually the fourth largest cherry producing region in the nation. There is approximately 2,200 acres of cherry orchards, many of which are visible from the highways. Some can also be found on back roads like Cty E and Cty EE between Egg Harbor and Baileys Harbor.
Cherry Blossoms by Brynn Swanson
Some of the rarest flowers in the nation are found in the Ridges Sanctuary, a 1600 acre wildflower preserve in Baileys Harbor. Ridges Sanctuary is one of the largest concentrations of rare plants in the Midwest. On any given day after mid-April, one can find a variety of native wildflower species by simply walking down Ridges Rd or trekking the trails within the Sanctuary.
Door County’s Wildflower Blooming Schedule:
Starting in April- Daffodils, Hepatica, & Rock Cress
Starting in May- Dwarf Lake Iris (only for the month of May), Clintonia, Trilliums, Mayflowers, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Wild Columbine, Yellow Lady’s Slipper Orchids, Starflower, Bunchberry, Canada Anemone, Starry Solomon’s Plume, Coralroot, Apple & Cherry Blossoms, Wild Strawberry, Red-Osier Dogwood, Sarsaparilla
Starting in June-Blue-Flag Wild Iris, Pink-Flowered Pyrola, Thimbleberry, Swamp Buttercup, Spreading Dogbane, Twin Flower, Evening Primrose, St.-John’s-Wort, Black Eyed Susan, Bluebell
Starting in July- Marsh Five-Fingers & Goldenrods
Starting in August- Purple Gerardia
Baileys Harbor to host 22nd Annual Brown Trout Tournament April 16-18 in Door County
Brown fishing is hot right now and only getting better. The cloudy conditions make for great fishing due to the low visibility.
Jason Peggar and Cameron Isaacson
Harbors and Bays on Lake Michigan have been clear for weeks. The Bayside is wide open and the fishing is hot! Fishing in Egg Harbor and northern bays on the Bayside has been increasing over the past few days. Local anglers predict a very good catch for the tournament as well as a good turnout.
Fishing in the tournament can be done all over Door County but the registration station is at the Baileys Harbor Fire Station. The grand prize package is valued at $1500 for the heaviest fish. This includes a discounted price on mounting the monster brown, $600 in cash, a two night stay for four at the beautiful Baileys Harbor Yacht Club, 18 holes of golf for four at Idlewild Golf Course in Egg Harbor as well as gift certificates for other fine establishments in Baileys Harbor. Tickets are only $25 to enter and are available all over the county. Prizes are awarded by weight and pay out to 60th place, so there is plenty of prize money to go around.
For a great place to stay, check out some of our members’ Spring specials .
Door County hosts tons of great running events!
Door County is a great place to get out and enjoy nature through physical activity. With miles of trails in our countless state parks, there is no shortage of undiscovered terrain for all skill levels. Check out our lodging specials for participants!
Running for fun is great but for those looking for a little challenge, there are plenty of events for you to partake in.
The Door County Half Marathon & Nicolet Bay 5K event is the first of the year. Taking place May 1st this year, it is the kick off of the competitive running circuit up here. There are a limited number of spots open so make your plans quickly. The Half Marathon has a limit of 1,200 participants and the 5K only has 400 openings.
The Blossom Run in Egg Harbor takes place on May 8th. It is a 5 mile run, 2 mile run/walk, or 1 mile youth run.
Jacksonport is hosting the Maifest Run starting from Lakeside Park on May 30th.
Come out for “Running Green for Crossroads” on June 26th at 9am. The 2K-5K-10K walk/run to help support the general fund for Crossroads at Big Creek’s Environmental Learning Center, promote cross-generational recreation, and increase awareness of ‘green’ living in our community.
Fish Creek celebrates Independence Day right by hosting the 5K Hairpin Run to benefit Gibraltar Area School. Starting bright and early at 8:30 am in Fish Creek, this is one of the most popular events Door County offers.
Next up on the roster is the Door County Triathlon which takes place July 17-18th this year. It features both a sprint and half iron man. Egg Harbor’s Murphy’s Park turns into the headquarters for this very popular event. With a motto like “Can’t Bluff the Bluff”, who can turn down the challenge? Do you have what it takes? Be one of the thousand entries to prove that you do.
Looking for a room for the Triathlon weekend? Check out these Door County Lodging Members for available rooms!
Beachfront Inn is a pet friendly hotel on the shores of Lake Michigan in Baileys Harbor. There is two hotel rooms available as well as a Condo Suite for the weekend.
Nordic Lodge located at the north end of Ephraim’s art district has a few rooms available.
Coachlite Inn centrally located between Sister Bay and Ephraim has rooms available.
Country House Resort has one room left at this adult retreat located on the water just south of Sister Bay.
Egg Harbor Lodge sits atop the bluff overlooking the waters of Green Bay. They have vacancies for water view suites this weekend.
Ephraim Motel has the convenience of being on Highway 42 on the North Side of Ephraim, but has the relaxing country setting you are craving.
Glidden Lodge has suites available for the weekend. This resort is found south of Jacksonport on the beach.
Washington Island gets their turn to host the Rec Run on July 25th. There is a 2 or 5K walk/run and a 10K run for participants. The race begins at 10am. Tour Washington Island the healthy way.
Algoma Shanty Days happens on August 14th. Join in the 5K run/walk around the quiet lake side town of Algoma.
The YMCA hosts a Duathalon & Labor Day Run every year. The run/bike & 5K starts at 9:30 the Saturday of Labor Day weekend.
Potawatomie State Park has the Run Wild on October 2nd. This 3 mile or 5K run takes place in one of the prettiest of the state parks.
The Fall 50 is the longest event in Door County’s circuit. It follows the back roads from the tip of the peninsula to Sturgeon Bay covering a whopping 50 miles. Starting at 7am, this team or single competition comes around on October 23rd.
Sevastopol School District hosts the Turkey Trot in early November featuring a .5, 1, 2, or 4 mile race.
No matter what length trip you are looking for, there is something in Door County’s circuit for everyone. Running can be competitive or just for fun. With miles of trails and back roads, there is no end to the possibilities!
Ladies’ Rock Island Rendezvous! A Door County Weekend of Sea Kayaking, Hiking and Companionship
Looking for a new twist on Girls’ Night Out? Check out the Rock Island Rendezvous June 24 - 27.
Join the Team Leadership Center paddling team for a weekend of sea kayaking, hiking and companionship. There is a 12-person limit and space is filling up fast so make your reservations today. The cost of the weekend is $475 a person which includes sea kayak instructions and gear, camping permits and gear and prepared gourmet meals on the trail. For more information, check out Team Leadership Center or email adventures@teamleadership.com.
Toft’s Point: A Door County Nature Preserve
Located on the quiet side in Baileys Harbor, you can go for a walk in a place where time stands still at Toft’s Point Nature Preserve.
Toft’s Point is a nature preserve bought in 1967 by The Nature Conservancy and donated to UWGB in 1968. The preserve spans almost 750 acres of the most pristine natural beauty and rarest of wildlife. Three endangered species call Toft’s Point home. Baileys Harbor is home to three major preservation areas: Ridges Sanctuary, Mud Lake State Wildlife Area & Toft’s Point which make up one of the most significant natural areas in the Great Lakes Basin.
Toft’s Point in the winter is especially magical. The snow falling among the cedars is so silent; you can hear the waves crashing long before you see the water. The walk out to the end of the path brings you to a beautiful view of North Bay. The rocks are caked in thick ice from the constant crashing of waves. This truly is one of the last places to remain untouched by time and technology.
Toft’s Point is named after the family that settled the area in the 1870’s. Thomas Toft brought his family to live on the Point just outside Baileys Harbor. After Thomas died in 1919, Emma, one of his seven children, returned home to live with her mother. She opened up a summer resort which consisted of the five small cabins located on the property. The buildings are for the most part still completely intact.
It is actually very easy to reach this time capsule tucked away on the shore in Baileys Harbor. Simply take Ridges Rd (look for the Sandpiper Restaurant) out towards the end. You will pass Ridges Sanctuary and Ridges beach and travel farther down the road.
Right before the road splits, there is a small unmarked road leading off to your left. The only way to get back to the sanctuary is to turn on this road, simply marked Toft Point Rd. Follow this road back and you will find a small parking area at the gate.
For more pictures, check out Door County Lodging on Facebook.
Plan your Door County Getaway with Birchwood Lodge!
Conveniently located just minutes from downtown Sister Bay, you are within walking distance of great shopping and dining.
Spend your days exploring our many state parks or just lounging by the pool. With six inches of fresh snow, there are endless possibilities. Door County awaits so make your plans now.
Winter Wonderland
Stay one night from Sunday till Thursday in one of our Premier Suites and get 50% off the second night. *In order to receive the special pricing it needs to be mentioned at the time of making reservation.
Midweek Special
Stay three week nights from Sunday till Thursday in one of our Premier Suites and the third night is free. Stay three week nights from Sunday till Thursday in any other type of room and the third night is 50% off.*In order to receive the special pricing it needs to be mentioned at the time of making reservation
These specials are available until April 30th, 2010.
Fire and Ice Festival Feb 12-14
The streets of Sturgeon Bay come alive this weekend as the Fire and Ice Festival comes to town.
Both local and professional ice sculptures will be in town to show off their best works. Beginning Saturday at 9 am, the artists will be carving up their ice blocks across the city. Food and drinks will be served up at Sawyer Park by the Pioneer Fire Dept. For more information on the festivities, check out Door County Style.
The Fish Creek Winter Festival Celebrates Winter in Door County
The streets of Fish Creek are once again hopping as the Winter Games begin. Feb. 5-7, 2010
After lying dormant for three months, the streets will fill with people from all over the Midwest, shaking off those winter blues. Another year of shenanigans rolls out for locals and tourists alike, as we celebrate the mere fact that it’s cold, snowing and we are all equally bored by the doldrums of long Wisconsin winters.
People of all ages flock to Fish Creek to eat, drink and spend the weekend participating in some of the wackiest adventures you’ve ever seen.
- Friday- All Day Ice Carving
- 6:30-10pm- Rock & Roll Art Night w/ Big Mouth @ Hands On Art Studio (21+)
- Sat- 7-10am- Pancake Show @ Gibraltar Fire Dept.
- 9-10am- Make your own kite for kids @ YMCA
- 10-5pm- Winter Wine & Cherry Fest @ Orchard Country Winery
- 10-4pm- Kites over the Bay
- 10:30am- PARADE
- 11-5pm- Winter Fest in the tent @ Clark Park
- 11-3pm- “Soup!” benefit @ Pen. Art School
- 11:30am- Kids Treasure Hunt Top of the Hill Shops
- 11:30-3:30- Free Trolley Rides thru town
- 3-5pm- Chili Cook-off @ the Tent
- 5:30-8pm- Candlelight Ski @ Pen Park
- 7-9pm- Door County Idol @ DCA
- 9-12am- Big Mouth @ Alexander’s
- Sun-Stay for the Super Bowl! Many businesses will be open!
This year’s Chili Cook Off is being hosted by the Gibraltar Grill. Bring your crock pot full of your best chili between 2-3pm to the main tent to vie for the $250 Grand Prize. Judging by locals & celebrities alike begins at 3pm using five categories: aroma, consistency, color, heat & aftertaste. You can get in on the judging as well by purchasing a $5 ticket to sample all entries and vote on the People’s Choice awards.
Door County Bluegrass Camp
Wagon Trail Resort is hosting the Door County Blue Grass Camp on August 1st through the 6th.
Join in the fun for five days packed full of jams, workshops and classes. Instructors include both local headliners and nationally known musicians such as Eric Lewis, Julian Hagen, Tommy Burroughs and many more. Classes such as harmony singing, instrument repair, yodeling and storytelling with music are on the roster. Jam Sessions will be done nightly to show off what you learned and swap stories and songs with your peers and teachers. Summer in Door County is not complete without great music around a campfire so sign up today!
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