We’ve given you dozens, if not hundreds, of reasons to love Door County. Wintertime is no different! The frosty months in the peninsula are magical. They can also be a blast, especially if you visit during Fish Creek Winterfest. The air is crisp, the bonfires are cozy, the games are zany and the atmosphere is festive. While this is known as the quiet or slow season in Door County, for a couple of days in early February, that is definitely not the case. Tourists and locals flock to the big white tent in Clark Park, just along the frozen waters. And here are a few reasons why:
1. The Games
“Who doesn’t love a good toilet seat toss?!” The games are what make Fish Creek Winterfest truly one-of-a-kind. Where else can you find folks tossing toilet seats next to others spinning the wheel of meat? Or watch tiny toddlers ice bowling next to burly men tossing bikes onto the frozen Fish Creek Harbor? And those are just the games that take place outside the tent. Inside, the minnow races are a highlight! Our kids always lined up to see if their little fish would swim the fastest. And they always went home with a few prizes. Most memorable, the big, fuzzy, animal hats. Who are we kidding… the adults love the minnow races, too!
2. The Glögg
Inside the warm(ish) tent is where you’ll find the food and drinks. Let’s focus on the drink. Beer, as always in Wisconsin, is an option. But wintertime in Fish Creek, on this weekend, it’s all about the Swedish “Glögg.” Don’t ask us how it’s different from the German “Glühwein” we enjoyed at the Sister Bay Christkindlmrkt. Either way, it’s warm, spiced wine with a kick. And we are here for it. We usually get it in the fun and refillable souvenir cup. For everyone else there’s usually soda, water, hard seltzer and hot chocolate.
3. The Bonfires
Speaking of chocolate, a local school group often sells s’mores as a fundraiser. It’s perfect, because you can toast the marshmallows over the many bonfires set up around the big tent. This is where we meet up with our friends, and also strike up conversations with strangers. Especially if those strangers brought their dogs. Some years, our kids have been lucky enough to meet the sled dogs there to give the little ones rides across the ice.
4. The Stumpf Fiddle contest
Part of Fish Creek Winterfest’s long standing traditions, is the annual stumpf fiddle contest. Partipants enter by making their own instrument – a stumpf fiddle – crafted with anything that will make noise! We’ve seen stumpf fiddles made with pans, washboards, horns and bells. Everyone gathers inside the tent for the delightfully silly contest that ends with bragging rights for the winners. Live music follows until the evening is capped off with fireworks over the ice.
5. The Location
What’s not to love about Fish Creek in the wintertime? Outside of the crowds that gather at the big tent for Winterfest, the town is relatively quiet. It’s a great time to enjoy the charm of the restaurants and shops, without the hustle and bustle of the summer season. Enjoy the famous, and very boozy, Bayside Flaming Coffee. (There’s a reason it’s $21!) Just make sure someone else has the keys. If fitness is more your style, don’t miss Winterfest’s final event of the weekend: The Fruit Loop Run on Sunday morning.
Click here to see a full list of events for Fish Creek Winterfest 2025.
If Winterfest seems like a good idea for making memories with your family, we invite you to book a stay at one of our luxury vacation rentals!
