Hey fellow photography enthusiasts! As a landscape photographer who’s spent countless sunrises and sunsets chasing light across the stunning landscapes of Wisconsin and Minnesota, I can confidently say that Door County in the summer is an absolute dream for capturing breathtaking images. This peninsula, jutting out into Lake Michigan, offers a diverse tapestry of dramatic cliffs, serene beaches, charming lighthouses, and lush forests, all bathed in the warm glow of the summer sun.
After a decade of exploring and photographing this region, I’ve compiled a list of 20+ must-see, publicly accessible locations that will ignite your creative spirit and fill your memory cards with unforgettable shots. So, grab your gear, pack your bug spray (trust me on this one!), and let’s dive into the photographic treasures of Door County in its summer glory.
1. Cave Point County Park (Sturgeon Bay)
- What’s Special: Dramatic limestone cliffs sculpted by the relentless power of Lake Michigan, sea caves (best viewed from above), and stunning turquoise waters.
- Photographer’s Notes: Be extremely cautious near the cliff edges. The light is magical during sunrise and sunset, casting long shadows and illuminating the textures of the rock. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscape and a neutral density filter for long exposures to smooth out the water.
- Best Time: Sunrise and golden hour.
2. Whitefish Dunes State Park (Sturgeon Bay)
- What’s Special: Wisconsin’s most extensive dunes system along Lake Michigan, offering sweeping views, diverse plant life, and the dramatic “Old Baldy” dune.
- Photographer’s Notes: Explore the various trails for different perspectives. Early morning and late afternoon light beautifully highlight the contours of the dunes. Look for interesting patterns in the sand and capture the contrast between the dunes and the blue of the lake.
- Best Time: Sunrise and sunset.
3. Cana Island Lighthouse (Baileys Harbor)
- What’s Special: Iconic white lighthouse perched on an island, accessible by wading through shallow water (ankle to knee deep, depending on lake levels) or a wagon ride when the causeway is submerged.
- Photographer’s Notes: Capture the lighthouse from various angles, including the causeway. Sunrise and sunset offer warm light on the white tower. Consider a wide-angle lens to include the surrounding landscape and the lake. Check lake levels beforehand if you plan to wade.
- Best Time: Sunrise and sunset.
4. Baileys Harbor Ridges State Natural Area (Baileys Harbor)
- What’s Special: A unique series of parallel limestone ridges and swales, home to diverse flora, including orchids.
- Photographer’s Notes: Explore the trails and focus on capturing the textures and patterns of the ridges and the delicate beauty of the wildflowers. Macro lenses can be fantastic here. The dappled light filtering through the trees can create beautiful effects.
- Best Time: Early morning and late afternoon for softer light.
5. Peninsula State Park (Fish Creek)
- What’s Special: A sprawling park with diverse landscapes, including towering bluffs, forests, a lighthouse (Eagle Bluff), and scenic overlooks like Sven’s Bluff.
- Photographer’s Notes: Allow ample time to explore different sections of the park. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse offers fantastic views of Green Bay, especially at sunset. Sven’s Bluff provides panoramic vistas. Hike the trails to discover hidden gems.
- Best Time: Sunrise and sunset for various locations within the park.
6. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse (Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek)
- What’s Special: Historic lighthouse with stunning views over Green Bay.
- Photographer’s Notes: Capture the lighthouse itself, as well as the expansive views from the bluff. Golden hour light paints the bay in warm hues. Consider including people in your shots for scale.
- Best Time: Sunset.
7. Sven’s Bluff (Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek)
- What’s Special: Offers panoramic views of Green Bay, especially beautiful during fall colors, but equally stunning in the lush summer.
- Photographer’s Notes: A wide-angle lens is ideal here to capture the vastness of the scene. Sunrise can be particularly dramatic with mist rising over the water.
- Best Time: Sunrise.
8. Newport State Park (Ellison Bay)
- What’s Special: Door County’s only formally designated wilderness park, offering rugged shoreline, dense forests, and dark night skies perfect for astrophotography.
- Photographer’s Notes: Explore the hiking trails for secluded coves and dramatic rock formations. Summer nights offer opportunities to photograph the Milky Way. Bring insect repellent!
- Best Time: Sunrise and nighttime.
9. Ellison Bluff State Natural Area (Ellison Bay)
- What’s Special: Impressive 100-foot limestone bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan, offering dramatic perspectives.
- Photographer’s Notes: Be cautious near the cliff edges. The light is beautiful during the golden hours, highlighting the textures of the bluffs and the vastness of the lake.
- Best Time: Sunrise and sunset.
10. Washington Island (Ferry from Northport)
- What’s Special: A tranquil island escape with diverse landscapes, including Schoolhouse Beach (famous for its smooth, white stones), rugged coastline, and Pottawatomie Lighthouse.
- Photographer’s Notes: Allow a full day to explore the island. Schoolhouse Beach offers unique foreground elements. Pottawatomie Lighthouse provides picturesque views. Check the ferry schedule in advance.
- Best Time: Various times depending on the specific location on the island. Sunrise and sunset are generally great.
11. Schoolhouse Beach (Washington Island)
- What’s Special: Unique beach composed entirely of smooth, white limestone pebbles.
- Photographer’s Notes: Capture the textures and patterns of the stones, especially when wet. Sunrise and sunset can create beautiful reflections on the water. It’s illegal to remove the stones, so photograph them instead!
- Best Time: Sunrise and sunset.
12. Pottawatomie Lighthouse (Rock Island State Park, accessible via ferry from Washington Island)
- What’s Special: Wisconsin’s oldest lighthouse, located on Rock Island, offering historical charm and scenic views.
- Photographer’s Notes: Capture the lighthouse against the backdrop of Lake Michigan. Explore the island for other photographic opportunities. Remember the additional ferry to Rock Island.
- Best Time: Golden hour.
13. Rowleys Bay (Ellison Bay Area)
- What’s Special: A scenic bay with calm waters, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset, often reflecting the surrounding trees and sky.
- Photographer’s Notes: Look for reflections on the still water. A long exposure can enhance the smoothness of the water. The surrounding shoreline offers opportunities for capturing the natural beauty.
- Best Time: Sunrise and sunset.
14. Sister Bay Waterfront (Sister Bay)
- What’s Special: A vibrant waterfront with a charming atmosphere, especially during summer events and sunsets over the bay.
- Photographer’s Notes: Capture the activity along the waterfront, as well as the beautiful sunsets over the water. Consider using a tripod for long exposures at dusk to capture the lights.
- Best Time: Sunset and during local events.
15. Sunset Park (Fish Creek)
- What’s Special: As the name suggests, this park offers fantastic, unobstructed views of the sunset over Green Bay.
- Photographer’s Notes: Arrive early to secure a good spot. Capture the changing colors of the sky and the silhouettes of boats on the water.
- Best Time: Sunset.
16. Anderson Dock (Ephraim)
- What’s Special: A historic dock in the picturesque village of Ephraim, often featuring the iconic Hardy Gallery building where visitors can add their names to the exterior.
- Photographer’s Notes: Capture the charm of the dock, the Hardy Gallery, and the surrounding boats. Golden hour light enhances the colors of the buildings and the water.
- Best Time: Golden hour.
17. Peninsula Players Theatre (Fish Creek Area)
- What’s Special: America’s oldest professional resident summer theatre, set in a beautiful waterfront location.
- Photographer’s Notes: Capture the rustic charm of the buildings and the scenic backdrop of the water, especially during the late afternoon light. Consider attending a performance for unique photo opportunities (with permission).
- Best Time: Late afternoon and early evening.
18. Orchards and Cherry Blossoms (Various Locations)
- What’s Special: During late spring/early summer (check local bloom reports), the orchards burst into a sea of white and pink blossoms, creating a magical scene. Later in the summer, capture the vibrant red of ripening cherries.
- Photographer’s Notes: Look for rows of trees in full bloom or with ripe fruit. Golden hour light enhances the colors. Focus on individual blossoms or wider shots of the orchards.
- Best Time: Golden hour.
19. Country Roads and Fields (Throughout Door County)
- What’s Special: Scenic country roads winding through rolling hills, past barns, and through fields of wildflowers in the summer.
- Photographer’s Notes: Drive around and explore. Look for interesting compositions with leading lines, old barns, and colorful wildflowers. Golden hour light adds warmth and depth.
- Best Time: Golden hour.
20. Ellison Bay Pottery (Ellison Bay)
- What’s Special: While not strictly nature, the beautiful pottery and the charming setting offer unique photographic opportunities.
- Photographer’s Notes: Capture the intricate details and vibrant colors of the pottery, as well as the rustic charm of the surroundings. Natural light works best.
- Best Time: Daytime with soft, natural light.
21. Sturgeon Bay Canal Lighthouse (Sturgeon Bay)
- What’s Special: A picturesque lighthouse at the end of a pier, marking the entrance to the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal. Offers classic lighthouse imagery.
- Photographer’s Notes: Capture the lighthouse from various angles, including from the shore and out on the pier (if accessible). Sunrise and sunset provide beautiful light on the lighthouse and create reflections on the water.
- Best Time: Sunrise and sunset.
22. Winding Road in Gills Rock
- What’s Special: A scenic, winding road (Highway 42) near Gills Rock that offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and the water. It’s particularly picturesque with the changing leaves in the fall, but it’s also lovely in the summer with lush greenery.
- Photographer’s Notes: Look for vantage points along the road where you can safely pull over (be mindful of traffic). The road itself can act as a leading line in your composition. Golden hour light adds warmth and highlights the curves of the road.
- Best Time: Golden hour.
Bonus Spots to Consider:
- Mink River Estuary State Natural Area (Ellison Bay): Kayak or hike to capture the serene beauty of the estuary.
- Europe Bay State Natural Area (Ellison Bay): Rugged shoreline and diverse birdlife.
- Cave of the Mounds (Blue Mounds – slightly outside Door County but worth a day trip): Underground geological formations (requires admission).
Remember, the best photography often comes from exploring and discovering your own unique perspectives. Don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path (safely and respectfully, of course!) and see what hidden gems you can find. Happy shooting in beautiful Door County!