Biking, Pizza, & Wine - Door County in 24 Hours

Peninsula State Park - Door County Sunset

If you live in Wisconsin, I hope you’ve had the chance to experience the magic of Door County. Even if you only have a day, it’s absolutely worth the trip. There’s something about the way the lake cradles one side, the bay hugs the other, and nature weaves itself into every storefront and trail. The area radiates a respect for the land, a deep sense of community, and a nostalgic charm that keeps drawing us back.

This May, we found ourselves with a free Saturday, so we made the four-hour drive Friday so we would be fresh in the morning for a full day of Door County! We’ve stayed in Egg Harbor, Ephraim, and Fish Creek over the years and have had great experiences in each. I’ve linked some of our favorites below!

For this quick getaway, Fish Creek was our destination. Its proximity to Peninsula State Park makes it the perfect location for biking, browsing local shops, and—most importantly—grabbing a meal at our all-time favorite: Wild Tomato Pizza.

We packed as much as possible into our 24-hour escape.

Friday Night: A Stop in Sheboygan Falls

On the way up, we stopped for dinner at Sonny’s Italian Kitchen & Pizzaria in Sheboygan Falls—one of our go-to places. With generous portions, classic Italian dishes, and a lovely view, it’s always a great choice. This time we went for the linguine with mussels and the Friday night perch special. Past favorites include their pizzas and Chicken Marsala. So much left to try!

We arrived at Peninsula State Park just in time for one of Door County’s signature sunsets. The sky exploded in hues of orange, blue, and purple—each moment a reminder of why we came. Though the trip was short, this sunset reminded us to slow down, breathe, and fully awaken our senses. In the next 24 hours, we would savor it all: the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors. While it is far from home, Door County always makes us feel welcome.

Saturday: A Chilly Spring Day, Perfect for Exploring

Visiting before Memorial Day has its pros and cons—not everything is open, and the air still carries a bite—but the upside? No crowds, and this time, luck was on our side. The sun was out, our favorite places were open, and we had the trails nearly to ourselves.

We started with a visit to Wood Orchard Market, where we picked up our must-have cherry salsa and discovered a new favorite: cherry donuts. The nautical decor adds to its charm—this shop easily makes my top ten Door County destinations.

Next, we wandered over to Founders Square, where we browsed through local artisan shops like the Apothecary Store, Door County Rock & Gem, and several quaint clothing boutiques. If you're looking for something special, this is the place to find it. Pelletier's Restaurant offers an impressive fish boil that’s as much a performance as it is a meal, and their food never disappoints.

Time to Ride

By late morning, the sun had warmed things just enough for our bike ride. We parked behind the local chamber building, which offers ample long-term parking—perfect for tourists, campers, and boaters. Inside, we met Karen, a fellow author and passionate cyclist who’s logged over 24,000 miles in 24 years. I’ve just passed 2,000 myself, and talking with her gave us a burst of inspiration for the day.

Our biking route took us through the peaceful woods of Peninsula State Park, bound for Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. No trip to Door County is complete without visiting one of its iconic lighthouses. While Cana Island remains my favorite, Eagle Bluff is a close second. Along the Shoreline Trail, we glimpsed wild turkeys and listened to the songs of the birds overhead. Wind whipped across the water, kicking up whitecaps as we pedaled alongside the bay.

When we arrived, we found the lighthouse under construction—new structures were being added to restore the site’s historical appearance. While the additions may block part of the view, I’ll always remember the lighthouse in its classic beauty thanks to the dozens of photos we’ve taken over the years.

The Main Event: Wild Tomato Pizza

After biking, it was finally time for lunch—and for us, that always means Wild Tomato Pizza. This place is a staple on every trip and sometimes the main reason for the visit. In peak summer, you can enjoy your meal on the patio surrounded by fresh herbs and tomato plants. Their wood-fired pizzas are packed with responsibly sourced, inventive ingredients.

This time, we ordered the Mediterranean Pizza and our beloved bread basket. The breads have changed, but the dips remain: herb mascarpone, balsamic dipping oil, and their classic marinara—each perfectly matched to its bread. I’ve lost count of how many people I’ve sent there, and I’ve joked that I deserve a free pizza for all the referrals! If you’ve been, comment below with your favorite. And if you go after reading this—let me know what you think!

Planning the Next Visit Already

After lunch, we rode through the campgrounds to scout out spots for our next trip. That’s the thing about Door County—you’re already planning your return before you even leave. Maybe it’s the lighthouses. Maybe the pizza. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, the water, the wine—or all of it together.

Speaking of wine…

Final Stop: Door Peninsula Winery

On our way home, we made time for a tasting at Door Peninsula Winery. Our sommelier’s palate matched mine perfectly, so narrowing it down to just five wines was nearly impossible. I found a new favorite: Blackberry Citrus Buzz. Whether you prefer sweet or dry, you’ll find something to love here. Between the wines, oils, spirits, and warm ambiance—it’s always a treat.

I’m still amazed by how much we fit into our 24-hour express visit. We created another batch of memories to hold us over until next time.

This day reminded me just how much there is to be grateful for.

The towering white cedars that shaded our trail.The bay that cradles this unique Wisconsin oasis.And especially, the people—artists, shopkeepers, winemakers, and chefs—who make Door County feel like home while honoring the land that sustains it.

Thank you, Door County. We’ll be back.

Some of our favorite places to stay:

Edgewater Cottages, in Fish Creek. These quant little cabins are nestled right on the water, and the owners Judy and Steve go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable. They have a dock, so we have even been able to bring our pontoon boat up for a longer stay.

Edgewater Cottages

Parkwood Lodge, in Fish Creek was one of our favorites as a young family. Beautiful location, well kept rooms. It's been a few years since we stayed there but when we drive by, I always have fond memories.

The Shallows, in Egg Harbor is the first place we stayed in Door County. We were still newlyweds then. After 30 years of marriage, we decided to go back for another trip and loved the location. Sitting by the fire, looking out the lake, it's a wonderful place to stay.