Occupying a scenic stretch of land between Lake Michigan and Green Bay, Door County is beautiful year-round but truly comes alive in spring and summer. The area celebrates its Scandinavian roots in many ways, most notably with the annual Fyr Bal Festival in Ephraim, a revival of Swedish traditions that began in 1960. The festival traces its origins to Swedish immigrants from the 1800s and marks the arrival of summer with a dramatic ritual: a secretly elected chieftain is disguised, ferried across the water, and personally lights a towering bonfire to symbolically “burn away the winter.” The event also features wooden shoe carving, flower-crown workshops, ax-throwing (Viking costumes encouraged), Scandinavian dancing, and canoe trips on the water.
Start the day at Al Johnson’s in Sister Bay, where a Swedish-style breakfast—pancakes topped with tangy lingonberries—is served beneath a roof where goats graze. The restaurant embraces the quirky tradition with on-site goats and even offers a “goat cam” so visitors can check in after they leave.
© Destination Door County
Egg Harbor is another charming village full of Scandinavian touches. At Fika Bakery & Coffeehouse, Victoria Linstrom and her family honor the Swedish custom of the daily “fika” coffee break with pastries and dishes made from family recipes. The menu features cardamom rolls, Swedish meatballs, and flaky “ole” rolls filled with savory ingredients. The café’s bright décor includes authentic Scandi accents, such as hand-carved Dala horses, creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
For a classic diner experience, stop at Wilson’s in Ephraim for ice cream, sundaes, shakes, and sandwiches. Bring a few coins for the tabletop jukeboxes that add a retro soundtrack to your meal. Afterward, enjoy the outdoors at Peninsula State Park: hike up Eagle Tower for panoramic views and visit Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. In the evening, experience a traditional fish boil at The Old Post Office Restaurant, where your host prepares the meal in a large cauldron of boiling water over open flames while guests watch from surrounding seats, then dine in the restaurant’s warm, comfortable dining room.
© Destination Door County
Door County’s orchards and farms offer more to explore. Seaquist Orchards welcomes visitors for tours and shopping, while Lautenbach Orchard is known for cherry wine tastings and a wide selection of local products. Both locations feature large gift shops filled with cherry jams, sauces, ciders, syrups, and handcrafted gifts—perfect for taking home a taste of the region. A short ferry ride to Washington Island rewards visitors with Stavkirke, a traditional Norse stave church that houses an illustrated Jerusalem Bible.
In Ellison Bay, Osteria Tre Tassi provides a refined dining option where chef Robin Brown uses herbs and vegetables from his own farm to ensure fresh, flavorful dishes. The seasonal menu pairs well with an extensive wine list; standout dishes include Filetto Alla Umbra, Branzino Alla Mediterrane, and Rigatoni All Tasso. Don’t skip dessert, and plan to stay up late enough for skywatching: Newport State Park in Ellison Bay is an International Dark-Sky Park, and under the right conditions you may even catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.