The Best Places to See the Most Beautiful Door County Fall Colors

Fall is right around the corner, meaning the time is now to start making your autumn getaway plans. If you’re looking for a destination rich in vibrant fall colors and seasonal festivities, you’ll hardly do better than Door County, WI. The air is crisp and invigorating and the weather is bright and welcoming, making it the perfect time of year to sit outside a local cafe while enjoying the gorgeous scenery. During your fall break at The Ashbrooke, check out these lookout points for picture-perfect views of the Door County fall colors.

Enjoy the lovely Door County fall colors and more this autumn when you request your free copy of our Vacation Guide! This handy planning tool helps you find only the best recommendations for local entertainment, attractions, dining, and more for the ultimate fall getaway!

9 Places to See the Best Door County Fall Colors

1. Newport State Park

For an all-natural and undisturbed experience, Newport State Park is the only designated wilderness park in Wisconsin. With 2,373 acres stretching along 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, it is a quiet and peaceful alternative to the bustling Door County towns. The park is also a popular camping, fishing, and hunting location, but the gorgeous fall scenery attracts many visitors for sightseeing in autumn.

2. Potawatomi State Park Observation Tower

Potawatomi State Park is a utopia for outdoor activity and provides visitors with plenty of opportunities to explore Door County’s natural beauty. During the fall, one of our favorite things to do is trek down the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and climb the 75-foot observation tower. At the top, you’ll be greeted with awe-inspiring views of Green Bay and Door County fall foliage.

3. Door County Trolley Tour

If you want to hit multiple outlook points, we suggest taking the Narrated Scenic Tour aboard a Door County Trolley. This journey takes you to breathtaking vistas and bluffs overlooking the islands, providing jaw-dropping views of the autumn scenery. Don’t forget to take advantage of our “First Time in Door County” package to receive two free tickets for this trolley tour!  

4. Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tour

Experience Door County fall colors from a new vantage point! Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours offers picturesque trips through Millionaire’s Row, the West Islands, Peninsula Park, and Ephraim. You can also take a romantic Sunset Live Music Cruise. Embark on a new kind of adventure that introduces you to Door County and it’s beautiful autumn landscape.

5. Baileys Harbor

Beautiful natural landscapes, such as woodlands, shorelines, and state parks surround Baileys Harbor. These areas burst with red, orange, and gold colors during autumn. Some popular places to see the fall foliage are the Ridges Sanctuary, with its unique ridges and swale landscape, and Cana Island Lighthouse, which provides stunning views of Lake Michigan surrounded by autumn colors.

6. Sister Bay

You can enjoy these beautiful views of red, orange, and yellow hues from the maple, oak, and birch trees of Sister Bay by taking a walk along the waterfront or hiking on Door County Land Trust’s scenic trails. And let’s not forget the annual Sister Bay Fall Festival. At this festival, you can experience the height of the fall season while enjoying music, food, and fun. Additionally, Sister Bay’s charming downtown area, with its cozy shops and restaurants, provides a wonderful place to enjoy the crisp autumn air and the beauty of fall in Door County.

7. Washington Island

During the fall, Washington Island is a beautiful place to see the colorful autumn leaves. The island’s mix of hardwoods and conifers creates a vibrant display of red, orange, and yellow hues. You can explore the fall foliage on the island’s trails, such as those at the Washington Island Farm Museum and the scenic paths around Jackson Harbor. The island’s rural charm and coastal views enhance the season’s beauty.

8. Peninsula State Park

The overlooks in Peninsula State Park offer great views of the colorful fall foliage. The park covers over 3,700 acres and provides stunning vistas of the bright autumn colors. Popular spots like Sven’s Bluff and Eagle Tower offer wide views of the foliage with Green Bay in the background. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and picnicking while surrounded by the seasonal beauty, making Peninsula State Park a must-visit for fall foliage fans.

9. Fall Color Drives

Door County, Wisconsin, is famous for its stunning fall foliage, offering some of the best scenic drives in the region. Here are a few top routes to experience the vibrant autumn colors:

• Scenic Byway (Highway 42/57): This 70-mile route stretches from the northern tip of the Door Peninsula down to Sturgeon Bay. It passes through charming towns like Fish Creek, Ephraim, and Sister Bay, showcasing forests, waterfronts, and picturesque landscapes.
• Northern Door County Loop: Starting in Fish Creek, this loop takes you through scenic towns like Ephraim and Sister Bay. You’ll enjoy views of colorful trees and serene waterscapes along the way.
• Jacksonport to Cave Point County Park: This route offers stunning coastal views and vibrant foliage. Cave Point County Park, in particular, provides dramatic cliffside vistas framed by fall colors.
• County Road A and County Road I: These roads run through the heart of Door County, providing access to beautiful rural landscapes and wooded areas.
• Door County Coastal Byway: This scenic drive runs along the eastern shoreline of the peninsula, offering breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and colorful forests.

Each drive highlights Door County’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes, making it perfect for a leisurely fall road trip.

Spend Your Fall Holiday at The Ashbrooke

Located in the heart of Door County, you’ll never be far from all the fun and everything there is to experience in this beautiful region. Our laid-back adults-only hotel creates uninterrupted bliss that is perfect for the relaxing getaway you’ve been craving.

Return to your cozy and luxurious guest room after your Door County adventures or enjoy our hotel’s unique features and amenities such as an indoor swimming pool and fire table. Guests will also have the opportunity to take advantage of our exclusive specials that make a vacation in Door County even more affordable!

Find your perfect room with us today or request a free Vacation Guide to find out more about us and Door County.