Photographing Door County’s “Goats-on-the-Roof” Landmark
There’s something magical about rounding the bend on Highway 42 into Sister Bay and catching your first glimpse of Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik. The iconic sod roof topped with grazing goats has become Door County’s most photographed landmark, instantly recognizable and utterly unique. As the morning light catches on the grass-covered slope or the evening sun casts long shadows across the weathered logs, photographers find themselves instinctively reaching for their cameras. This Swedish restaurant with its Nordic charm and quirky rooftop residents isn’t just a place to eat traditional Swedish pancakes—it’s a visual feast that captures the essence of Door County’s blend of European heritage, natural beauty, and whimsical character.
The History Behind the Goats on the Roof
Al Johnson’s story begins in 1949 when Al and his wife Ingert opened a small diner in Sister Bay. What transformed this restaurant into an iconic landmark was the 1973 addition of the authentic Norwegian goat barn, complete with a sod roof. The building was a gift from Al’s friend Wink Larson, who had it dismantled in Norway and shipped piece by piece to Wisconsin. When a friend humorously placed a goat on the newly installed sod roof as a prank, a Door County tradition was born.
Today, the goats typically make their appearance from late May through mid-October, weather permitting. They’re brought up each morning and taken down each evening, creating a daily ritual that visitors often gather to witness. The restaurant has become so famous for this unique feature that a webcam (the “Goat Cam”) allows people worldwide to watch the goats grazing on the roof.
What Makes Al Johnson’s a Photographer’s Dream
What draws photographers to Al Johnson’s goes beyond novelty. The structural elements create a compelling visual narrative—the contrast between the rough-hewn Norwegian logs and the lush green sod roof, the charming European styling against Wisconsin’s blue skies, and of course, the goats themselves, which add living, unpredictable elements to your composition.
The building offers multiple angles to explore, from street-level perspectives that emphasize the Scandinavian architecture to wider landscape shots that place the restaurant within the context of Sister Bay’s picturesque waterfront setting. Throughout the day, changing light conditions transform the mood and character of this landmark, keeping photographers coming back for different interpretations.
Best Time of Year for Photography
Each season offers distinct photographic opportunities at Al Johnson’s:
Summer (Late May to September) is prime time, as the goats are reliably on the roof every day (weather permitting), the sod roof is lush and green, and the restaurant is bustling with activity. The contrast between the vibrant green roof and the weathered wood is at its peak. Summer also offers the longest shooting hours with extended daylight.
Fall (Late September to mid-October) provides spectacular color contrasts as Door County’s famous autumn foliage creates a backdrop of reds, oranges, and yellows against the still-green roof. The goats are usually still present until mid-October, though on a more weather-dependent schedule.
Winter transforms Al Johnson’s into a quieter, more contemplative subject. Though the goats are absent, the snow-covered sod roof against the dark wooden structure creates dramatic monochromatic opportunities, especially after a fresh snowfall.
Spring catches the building during its transition, with the roof shifting from brown to green as new growth emerges. While the goats typically aren’t on the roof until late May, this season offers a less crowded experience with interesting textural elements.
Best Time of Day to Photograph
Early Morning (7-9 AM) provides soft, directional light that accentuates the texture of the logs and sod roof. The restaurant’s east-facing front catches beautiful morning light, and you might capture the goats being brought up for the day. An added bonus: fewer people to work around in your compositions.
Golden Hour and Sunset cast a warm glow on the western-facing side of the building. In summer months, the evening light bathes the structure in rich golden tones, creating a postcard-perfect scene, especially when shot from across the street or from an elevated position.
Midday is typically challenging for photography due to harsh overhead light, but can work well on slightly overcast days when the diffused light evenly illuminates the building and reduces harsh shadows. This is often when the goats are most active, providing better wildlife shots.
Tips for First-Time Photographers
- Be patient with the goats – They move according to their own schedule and whims. Allow yourself plenty of time to capture them in interesting positions or groupings.
- Work the angles – Don’t settle for the standard frontal shot everyone takes. Walk around the property, shoot from across the street, try different elevations, and look for unique perspectives.
- Include people for scale – The restaurant and goats take on new dimension when you incorporate visitors looking up in wonder or pointing at the roof.
- Check the weather forecast – The goats typically don’t come out in rain or strong winds, so plan accordingly.
- Respect the business – Remember this is a working restaurant. Be mindful not to block entrances or interfere with customers while shooting.
- Visit during shoulder seasons – Early June or late September offer the goats on the roof with significantly smaller crowds.
Recommended Equipment
For capturing Al Johnson’s in all its glory, consider bringing:
- A versatile zoom lens (24-70mm or similar) for street-level shots and architectural details
- A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) to capture the entire building in context with its surroundings
- A telephoto lens (70-200mm) for close-up shots of the goats without distortion
- A polarizing filter to manage reflections and enhance the blue sky against the green roof
- A tripod for low-light conditions or for creating long exposures of the street scene
- Graduated ND filters can be helpful when balancing bright sky with the darker building
Don’t overthink equipment though—even a smartphone can capture memorable images of this photogenic landmark. The best camera is the one you have with you when the goats are perfectly positioned and the light is just right!
Beyond the Snapshot: Creative Approaches
What separates an ordinary tourist snapshot from a compelling photograph is often the photographer’s willingness to explore beyond the obvious. Consider these creative approaches:
- Focus on details – The handcrafted Norwegian woodwork, the texture of the sod roof, the decorative elements that highlight the Swedish heritage
- Juxtaposition shots – Capture the contrast between the old-world architecture and modern visitors
- Silhouettes – Position yourself to shoot the goats in silhouette against a bright sky
- Reflections – On rainy days, look for reflections of the building in puddles or the adjacent bay
- Night photography – Though the goats won’t be present, the lit-up restaurant against a dark sky creates a cozy, inviting scene
The Call of the Goats
As you pack up your camera gear and prepare to leave Al Johnson’s, you’ll likely find yourself already planning a return visit. Perhaps next time you’ll catch the goats in perfect formation against a sunset sky, or maybe the morning light will reveal architectural details you missed before. That’s the enduring appeal of this Door County landmark—it’s never quite the same twice, always rewarding those who return with fresh eyes and a sense of wonder.
Door County has many photographic treasures, but none quite capture its unique character like Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik. Whether you’re documenting your family vacation or creating fine art images, this Swedish gem with its grass-munching residents offers endless creative possibilities. So keep your camera ready, your patience handy, and your sense of humor intact—you never know when the goats might strike the perfect pose.