In Northeastern Wisconsin, there is a very famous peninsula jutting out into Lake Michigan that makes up Door County. There is something so magical about this area. It’s home to 5 state parks, charming small towns, extensive lakeshore, lots of lighthouses, and amazing dining options. I truly think that this is a destination that has something for everyone.
On our most recent trip to Door County, we brought one of our pups along for the adventures! This Wisconsin destination has so many trails, patios, breweries, wineries, and accommodations ready to welcome your pup. Check it out: A Dog-Friendly Guide to Door County, where we will highlight all of our doggy recommendations.
This post is brought to you in part by Wisco Hosts, but all opinions are my own.
DOG-FRIENDLY GOOGLE MAP
For your dog-friendly travels across Wisconsin, check out our free Dog-Friendly Google Map. This map has over 200 dog-friendly places that Hayden and I have been to and recommend! These recommendations are color coded for lodging, dogs allowed inside, and dogs allowed on the patio. The best part—as we explore more with our dogs, we will add more recommendations to the map!
Table of Contents - Click to skip to a specific section
This is your friendly reminder to always bring waste bags, a water bowl, and water with you everywhere you go when traveling with your pups. Be sure to pick up after your pet and keep them on a leash at all times in public spaces to keep areas dog-friendly.
Where to stay with your pup: A Dog-Friendly Guide to Door County
4123 Main St, Fish Creek, WI 54212
This newly renovated boutique motel is about to open for their first season! It’s located right in Downtown Fish Creek. They have the cutest rooms that have private balconies that look out at the water and have views of Peninsula State Park. Select rooms are dog-friendly, so make sure you book a room that will allow you to bring your pup. A stay with your pet will require a $50 pet fee.
Northwoods Farmstead (or other Wisco Hosts properties)
10392 Northwoods Dr, Sister Bay, WI 54234
This beautiful dog-friendly, 3 bedroom 3 bathroom rental lies right in the heart of Door County! This is one of the multiple dog-friendly and fully stocked rentals Wisco Hosts offers in the iconic peninsula. We loved Northwoods Farmstead’s amazing yard/fire pit, outdoor bar, cozy living space, full coffee bar, ping pong table, and the fact that it was only a 2 minute drive to Downtown Sister Bay. Another awesome perk? No lengthy check out chores! They tell you to just pack your bags and they’ll take care of the rest. How awesome is that?!
Where to grab a drink with your pup: A Dog-Friendly Guide to Door County
129 N Madison Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
This makes for a great “first stop” as you get into Door County and is one of my favorite dog-friendly taprooms! Your dog is allowed inside the taproom, but make sure you enter on the ground level. There is a restaurant called Sonny’s on the upper level, where your dog cannot go, but you can order take out and enjoy it in the taproom. I recommend entering through the door facing the bay, where they have a nice waterfront patio. I enjoyed the High-Knee Cream Ale and Hayden liked the Stubborn Sturgeon IPA. Highly recommend a pit stop at Bridge Up for good views and good brews!
9197 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212
This winery is so charming and allows your pup to join you for your tasting and in the shop. They offer small tastings for $5 and large tastings for $10. After you sample, you can buy a bottle or glass and sip as you shop their lovely market. They have all sorts of local products, tasty treats, and cute Door County souvenirs. I enjoyed their dry wines!
4633 Market St, Egg Harbor, WI 54209
One Barrel has a very large dog-friendly patio and their walk-up window allows you to order your beer/beverage from outside with your dog. If you're hungry, they also offer wood fired pizza, but you will need to order inside, and then they can bring it to you on the patio. There is great merch and even some doggy merch!
2450 S Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI 54234
This is a That Wisconsin Couple favorite! They have the cutest dog-friendly taproom, so your pup can join you inside as well as on their unique grassy patio. Not only is the space cool, but they also have awesome beers. I loved their sours and there were 4 to choose from! Hayden and I both did flights and we thought it was a bargain–we each got 4 pours for only $15!
10640 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI 54234
This is another fun outdoor bar, and it’s directly across the street from The Garage at Husby’s. They have a good variety of cocktails on the menu, and there are a few tables and a small bar to sit at. The Alley is connected to Sister Bay Bowl Supper Club–a supper club with an old school bowling alley. Sister Bay Bowl is not dog-friendly, but at the Alley they will allow you to order appetizers and pizzas from inside.
10647 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI 54234
This fun outdoor bar is part of Husby’s, a popular Door County restaurant. Husby’s is not dog-friendly, not even their deck patio. But, The Garage is right next door to Husby’s and allows dogs! You can walk up to the outdoor bar to place your order, so your dog can be by your side the whole time. They often have live music, serve all sorts of fun cocktails, and offer some light food options like tacos, nachos, and sliders.
10339 WI-57, Sister Bay, WI 54234
If you’re staying at Northwoods Farmstead, this wine bar is within walking distance! They have their own wine label, which I highly recommend, as well as a selection of California wines. In addition to wine, they also serve beer and cider, have a cute little boutique, and offer charcuterie boards. Your pup can’t go in the tasting room, so someone will need to go in to place your order, but you can head out to the back patio where they have heaters and fire pits to relax around while you sip your wine. Heads up–the owner's dog is often relaxing out front. There is also a full restaurant on the same property called Thyme. (See their recommendation under Where to eat with your pup)
10698 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI 54234
Al Johsnon’s is an iconic Door County restaurant, well known for the remarkable Swedish pancakes and the goats on their roof. Yes, the restaurant has a sod roof and they have a group of goats that hang out up there during the day! Their massive beer garden is dog-friendly with great goat views. You order at the outdoor bar and your pup can be by your side the whole time. The workers are often happy to see pups and sometimes pass out dog treats and pets. There are yard games, but minimal shade. We spent a long time here and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Where dine with your pup: A Dog-Friendly Guide to Door County
9322 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
This bar was recommended to us by AJ Dillon. Okay, I’m kind of kidding. If you didn’t know, the beloved Green Bay Packer running back holds the key to Door County. AJ and his wife, Gabrielle, run a food blog, Dining with the Dillons. They are always sharing Door County dining recommendations. AJ stated that he is a chicken wing connoisseur and is hooked on the wings at AC Tap. They say the parmesan garlic wings are some of the best you will ever have, and I will not disagree–I really thought they were the best wings I’ve ever had! I thought they had the most delicious crispy skin, and Hayden was also very impressed and also loved the dry rub wings. AC Tap is best described as a dive bar. We have been told it is a local favorite and can see why! There is an outdoor covered patio that is dog-friendly, but you will need to go in and order at the bar. They will deliver your food to your table if you let them know you're seated outside. A very important thing to note: AC TAP IS CASH ONLY!
777 Main Rd, Washington, WI 54246
If you find yourself on Washington Island, you are bound to pass The Albatross Drive-In on your way to or from the ferry.* I love a good drive-in, especially when traveling with the pups. You order at a walk up window and then can grab a seat at one of their picnic tables as you wait for your food. Your pup will be able to be by your side the whole time, but heads up–this is a very busy establishment. I highly recommend a sundae or rootbeer float!
*The Washington Island Ferry allows dogs to ride for free. Your pet may ride in the car or can join you on the main deck as long as they are on a leash.
4113 Main St, Fish Creek, WI 54212
If you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or just a really good sandwich in Fish Creek, I recommend Blue Horse Beach Cafe. They have a hearty breakfast burrito that Hayden loved! You need to go in and order at the counter, but your dog can join you at their tables outside in the yard. If you are staying at Fresh Coast Motel, this is right next door and a perfect way to start your day!
3026 County Rd E, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
When I told my boss I was heading to Door County, she recommended that we go to Coyote Roadhouse for a quesadilla. I found this to be the most random recommendation I had ever received, but it completely lived up to the hype! Right on their menu it says “Our Famous Quesadillas!” We also really enjoyed their “French Fried Onion Rings,” which was really a loaf of delicious fried onions. We got a small, and it was easily enough for four people. This place is really cool and is located near Kangaroo Lake, has a sand volleyball court, and allows you to dine outside with your pup. They will provide table service on the patio if staffing allows, otherwise you can order with the bartender inside.
611 Jefferson St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
This cozy wine bar offers a unique menu, has a large dog-friendly patio outside, and has ever-changing local art hanging inside. They have a fun craft beer selection alongside their great wines. If you’re looking for food, they offer some small plates and pizzas to share.
9820 Brookside Ln, Ephraim, WI 54211
Our favorite spot for breakfast in Door County is definitely Good Eggs! They are located in Ephraim and are an easy stop before hiking or golfing in Peninsula State Park. They make massive breakfast burritos that we absolutely love (but recommend sharing), and are usually very busy on weekends, so we recommend getting their app ‘Good Eggs’ to place your order ahead of time and cut down your wait time.
1904 Indian Point Rd, Washington, WI 54246
When we were on Washington Island the last time, we did not have our dogs with us, and we rented a UTV to get around the island and had the absolute best time exploring. I don’t know if the UTV rentals are actually dog-friendly, but we did see a few with pups in back seats. During our explorations, we came across Jackson Harbor Soup. It’s on the far side of the island, and it was awesome! They have a dog-friendly backyard on the waterfront with lots of tables to dine at, but someone will need to go in and order at the counter. They offer a variety of soups and sandwiches, and everything we had was amazing! Highly recommend lunch here if you’re going to be on Washington Island.
10627 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI 54234
This is one of our favorite restaurants in Door County, and everything we get is always delicious. They offer a variety of seafood and sushi. Hayden loved the Shrimp Tempura Roll, and I thought the Tuna Nachos were phenomenal–ahi tuna served over crispy fried wontons with a yummy mango salsa and other toppings. They allow pups on their patio but recommend you call ahead or make a reservation to ensure you can get a spot out there, as it’s definitely a busy place in the summer. (If you find yourself in Sister Bay without your pup, be sure to hit up their amazing Happy Hour. It’s served daily only at the bar.)
10678 N Bay Shore Dr Building #2, Sister Bay, WI 54234
Skip Stone offers a limited breakfast menu with just a few sandwiches, but they have the most delicious pastries. The chocolate croissant was the best I have ever had! You need to go in to order and wait for your food, but they do offer pup cups and have a few outside tables you and your pup can dine at.
10339 WI-57, Sister Bay, WI 54234
Thyme is located right next to Twelve Eleven Wine Bar and walking distance for those staying at Northwoods Farmstead. You may be greeted by their golden retriever who often hangs out out front. They have outdoor seating with table service. We only had a few appetizers, but we loved both the whitefish dip and whipped ricotta. Next time, I'd love to go back for dinner!
10677 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI 54234 & 4023 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212
They have two locations for some yummy wood fired pizza, and they both have dog-friendly patios with table service. Wild Tomato is well known for offering unique pizza creations and delicious salads. If you dine at the Sister Bay location, you might need to wait for a table, as the patio and views of the bay are highly desired.
Where to hike with your pup: A Dog-Friendly Guide to Door County
9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212
Peninsula is the second most visited State Park in Wisconsin…and for good reason! There is a golf course, large beach, lighthouse, and lots of campsites. It can be accessed from highway 42, the main road in Door County, drawing large crowds in the summer. There is a universally accessible view point, Eagle Tower, that provides incredible views of the water. My favorite trail in the park is Eagle Trail. It’s a loop trail that is just over 2 miles long. It’s rated difficult, but I think that has more to do with the rocky and rooted footings you see consistently throughout the trail, rather than the steepness of the trail. You will need to look down a lot during this hike to make sure you don’t trip, but it is definitely worth it! Enjoy great views, walk along the shore, and see the remarkable 150 foot rock cliffs and their caves.
3275 Clarks Lake Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
You might have heard of Cave Point County Park, a small park with hiking trails with views of the limestone shores and caves on Lake Michigan. Well, Cave Point County Park is located within Whitefish Dunes State Park. The shore line is beautiful and definitely worth a visit! The water was so clear and a beautiful shade of green. We recommend the Black Trail so that you can see the shoreline within the state park and the county park.
475 County Rd NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
I was so impressed by this park! The beautiful beach and calm, blue water of Newport Bay was so relaxing. There are 30+ miles of trails that take you along the shoreline and through the woods. I recommend parking in lot 2, taking the Ridge Trail out towards the backpacking sites, and coming back past Sand Cove and Duck Bay for beautiful views of the lake. Newport is one of 18 designated Dark Parks in the United States. This means it is one of the best places to stargaze! I would love to go back, hike out to a campsite, watch the sunset, and stay up late to stargaze. There are 17 backpacking campsites available. We hiked past a few, and they look like absolute dream locations!
3740 Park Dr, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Potawatomi State Park is home to some amazing trails including the Eastern Terminus of the Ice Age Trail. I recommend hiking the 2.8 mile stretch of Ice Age Trail that is located within the park. You will walk along the shoreline and see beautiful views. There is a camp store, bike rentals, and a boat launch available.
Soon… Rock Island State Park
1924 Indian Point Rd, Washington, WI 54246
Early this summer, I will be camping in Rock Island State Park. Rock Island is located one ferry ride further than Washington Island and does not allow bikes or cars on the island. I can’t wait to explore this iconic park!
2501 Canal Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
I love lighthouses, and this stunning red lighthouse is no exception! You can walk the seawall out pretty far to get a closer view of its beauty. I highly recommend the stop for this iconic Wisconsin photo op!
Did we miss your favorite place in Door County? Comment below. I can confidently say that I will never be done exploring Door County. I love all of these charming small towns and the incredible hiking. Plus, I still need to experience an iconic fish boil!
