Looking for the best things to do in Door County in October? October is arguably one of the best months to visit northern Door thanks to its jaw-dropping fall foliage, iconic orchards and epic seasonal events. From the best DoCo spots to see fall colors to the peninsula’s quintessential fall festivities like corn mazes, apple picking, ghost tours and more, here are the 15 best things to do in Door County in October.
Sister Bay Fall Fest
Fall Fest in Sister Bay is, by far, the most popular thing to do in Door County in October. The weekend-long annual festival welcomes visitors with nonstop live music and entertainment, loads of local food vendors, ferris wheel rides, parades, and so much more. With the crowds come very limited parking, so I highly recommend taking the shuttle bus when it is operating. Read more about Sister Bay Fall Fest here.
Fall Foliage At Eagle Tower
Not a fan of crowds? Understood! Trade the downtown hustle and bustle for the great outdoors at Peninsula State Park. From entrance to exit, you’ll be engulfed in vibrant fall colors, especially during the middle to end of October. For a bird’s eye view of the fall foliage, head to Eagle Tower inside the park. This 76-foot observation tower, which was originally built in 1914 as a fire tower, is fully accessible by ramp. Or, you can opt to climb 108 stairs to the top. Either route, you’re rewarded with impressive views of the state park’s fall foliage as well as Lake Michigan’s Green Bay waters.
Hiking Peninsula State Park
If you enjoy hiking, Peninsula State Park is also home to some of the best hikes in Door County, namely Eagle Trail. Eagle Trail is a moderate 2.1 mile loop trail with 190 feet of elevation gain. The trailhead is located near Eagle Tower and leads you down below the tower to the shore of Lake Michigan. You’ll see plenty of mature trees, fall colors, as well as towering natural bluffs from their base.
Tip: Check Peak Fall Foliage
Peak fall foliage is typically between the second and third week of October in Door County. A difference in just one week can make or break whether you see fall foliage! If you want to see the most vibrant colors possible, book your trip in mid-October. Check Travel Wisconsin’s fall foliage map to track real-time fall color reports.
Fall Foliage At Ellison Bluff Overlook
Another spectacular place to see fall foliage in Door County is the Ellison Bluff Overlook in Ellison Bluff County Park. Rivaling the well-known Eagle Tower at Peninsula State Park, Ellison Bluff Overlook is much quieter and more under-the-radar while still offering beautiful views of Ellison Bluff, fall colors and the Green Bay. Plus, unlike the state park, this county park and overlook are both completely free to visit. This is one of our personal favorite Door County hidden gems. We usually only see one or two other people here maximum.
Door County Trolley Ghost Tour
If you really what to dive into spooky season while in Door County in October, considering booking the Door County Trolley Ghost Tour: Trolley Of The Doomed. On the tour, you’ll learn about the peninsula’s haunted past while driving trolley-style to all of the alleged ghosts’ birthplaces — and resting places. You’ll hear legends of shipwrecks, phantom mariners, historic lighthouses, a local cemetery and even a haunted Door County building. Learn more about the Trolley Of The Doomed tour and book your tickets here.
Stay In A Cozy A-Frame Cabin
Alternatively, if you’re like me and prefer cozy fall Octobers to scary stories, book a stay in a cozy A-frame cabin, like our very own Fjord & Frame, for quintessential fall feels. You’ll also have access to an entire mile of your own private fall hiking trails here. Plus, you can enjoy the chilly fall weather from the warmth of your private outdoor hot tub or custom sauna. This cabin is perfect for a window cracked, candle lit, blanket on, book open kind of day. Book your stay here.
waitlist
Be the first to know when fall bookings open.
Red Barn Corn Maze
In addition, there are a couple of corn mazes you can quest in Door County in fall, such as Red Barn Corn Maze or DENN Corn Maze. What we love about the Red Barn Corn Maze is that the maze designs from an aerial view are always really well thought out and extremely impressive. They operate a haunted maze, too, if you like an adrenaline rush. Otherwise, the DENN Corn Maze is unique because guests are immersed in a spin off of the Life board game as they make their way through the maze. Note, both of these corn mazes are located in southern Door, south of Sturgeon Bay, but could be a great addition to your itinerary on your arrival or departure day from northern Door.
Apple Picking & Pumpkin Patch
A quintessential October isn’t complete without a visit to a local apple orchard or pumpkin patch. Luckily, Door County is widely known for its orchards. In summer, you can pick your own Door County cherries. In fall, you can pick your own apples! Seaquist Orchards is one of our favorite apple orchards. It has a lovely orchard store straight out of a Hallmark movie, as well as child-friendly attractions like a playground and fall activities. Plus, it’s in Sister Bay — only five minutes away from our Fjord & Frame cabin.
The Ultimate Door County Bucket List
Want to know all of the most iconic things to do in Door County? We’re Northeast Wisconsin born and raised, which means we truly know the best of Door County. Make trip planning easy and download our free Door County bucket list.
Similarly, there are various pumpkin patches you can visit in Door County. Both DENN Door County and Red Barn Corn Maze have pick-your-own pumpkin patches, which would be a great addition to your corn maze activity. Better yet, if you’re staying at Fjord & Frame or elsewhere in northern Door, Door County Wildwood Market sells a large variety of pumpkins just down the street in Sister Bay!
Jens Jensen Curvy Road
One of the most famous photo spots in Door County is Jens Jensen Curvy Road, and it’s especially photogenic in the October. Jens Jensen, the landscape architect behind Highway 42’s curvy road, designed the road with the intention of forcing drivers to slow down and enjoy the view. This photo spot is very busy during the day, so we recommend stopping by just after sunrise for the best chance at a photo without people in the background. Moreover, here’s a photography tip from our travel blogger founder, Indigo: zoom in and back up. This will make the background (the road) of your photo look a lot bigger and more epic.
Zip Line Through Fall Colors
Next, what better way to experience Door County’s fall colors than to quite literally flying through the trees? The Lakeshore Adventures zip line in Bailey’s Harbor features Door County’s longest and most exciting treetop canopy tour, a water feature, a side-by-side race line, and a stunning suspension bridge.
Boutique Shopping In Founder’s Square
Founder’s Square in Fish Creek debatably offers the best boutique shopping on the peninsula. In October, Founder’s Square is dressed up for fall in dozens of pumpkins, mums, scarecrows and festive autumnal decor. If you love boutique shopping but still want a dose of fall serotonin during your October Door County trip, definitely spend an afternoon in Founder’s Square.
Night Hiking At The Ridges
On the hunt for subtle thrills and chills? This next best thing to do in Door County in October might send shivers down your spine. The Ridges Sanctuary is home to over 1700 acres of protected Door County land for preservation, hiking and outdoor exploration. Guides hikes are a regular occurrence here. But, in October, you can take a guided night hike through The Ridges for a chance to witness Door County’s wildlife by night — bats, owls and more.
Halloween Trick-Or-Treat Parties
Furthermore, when visiting Door County on Halloween, your kids don’t need to miss out on treat-or-treating. Although neighbors are quite spread out in many parts of the peninsula, most towns host downtown trick-or-treat parties in which local businesses hand out candy, hold costume contests, mask making crafts and more. Here are a few of the fun trick-or-treat parties you can attend with links to learn more.
Trick-Or-Treating
Ephraim: Pumpkin walk
Fish creek: Jack o’Lantern Days
Sturgeon Bay: Thrills And Chills
Bailey’s Harbor: Spooktacular Halloween Celebration
Egg Harbor: Trick-or-treat Egg Harbor
Egg Harbor Pumpkin Patch Festival
The Egg Harbor Pumpkin Patch Festival is basically Egg Harbor’s version of Fall Fest, complete with carnival rides, fair food, face painting, entertainment, raffles and more. Bonus? The event admission is free! Read more about the Egg Harbor Pumpkin Patch Festival here.
Ellison Bay Arts Fall Art Crawl
Lastly, if you’re artsy, you will love the Ellison Bay Arts Fall Art Crawl. Ellison Bay is comprised of dozens of local artists, including potters, painters, crafters, coffee roasters and brewers. In ode to the rich art culture, the town hosts a fall art crawl where visitors can participate in a self-guided tour to meet the artists, watch demonstrations and add unique pieces to their art collection. Learn more about the Ellison Bay Arts Fall Art Crawl here.
More Things To Do In Door County
The Ultimate Door County Bucket List
Save For Later
Save these best things to do in Door County in October for later by sharing to your socials.
