Door County has no shortage of breathtaking views. Around every curve in the road there’s another bluff, lighthouse, or stretch of shoreline that stops you in your tracks. Some views are classic, others a little hidden, but all are worth seeking out. Here are a few of our favorites… that require a little bit of climbing!
Peninsula State Park – Fish Creek
We’ll start with the granddaddy of them all, Eagle Tower inside Peninsula State Park. It’s one of Door County’s most popular destinations for a reason. Unlike some of the other towers you’ll read about in this blog, Eagle Tower has an 850-foot, fully-accessible canopy walk to the top of the tower. For this writer, who is afraid of heights, it made the trek up and down a little less frightening. And the trek to the top is always worth it.
Even on the gloomy day we were there, with rain clouds threatening in the distance, the views were breathtaking. On clear days, you can spot islands on the horizon, and sailboats cruising by. We were there last fall, and we were literally walking through the treetops ablaze in reds and golds. You’ll need a state park pass, daily or yearly, to enter the park. You can then access the tower by hiking, biking or driving there.
Potawatomi State Park – Sturgeon Bay
If you’re looking for a less crowded alternative to the very popular Eagle Tower, try the observation tower in Potowatomi State Park, just outside of Sturgeon Bay. The tower recently opened in Spring of 2025 after being closed for several years.
The view from the newly restored tower offers stunning views of the water below, as well as several houses on their own mini islands, and a slim stretch of land lined with cottages. It makes you want to kayak around the shoreline and see everything up close, though the birds-eye view is gorgeous on its own. You can access Potowatomi State Park with the annual state park pass.
Maritime Museum – Sturgeon Bay
As long as you’re in Sturgeon Bay, and if you’re looking for more Door County views, stop by the Door County Maritime Museum. The 10th floor has an enclosed observation deck offering views of Sturgeon Bay’s working waterfront. From boat building in the distance, to a busy marina and the famed steel bridge below, this view is definitely one of a kind.
Cana Island Lighthouse – Baileys Harbor
If you’ve ever seen a Door County postcard, chances are you’ve seen Cana Island Lighthouse. The walk across the rocky causeway (sometimes ankle-deep in water depending on the day!) is part of the fun. The landmark also offers a complimentary tractor and haywagon ride to shuttle you over to the island. Once you’ve made it to the lighthouse, climb the 97 steps to the top where an outside deck offers a unique view of Lake Michigan. Open May to October.
Ellison Bluff County Park – Ellison Bay
The next two scenic views are like secret gems of Northern Door. Starting with the view from Ellison Bluff County Park. The drive in is gorgeous, especially in the fall, but the real showstopper is the overlook. You’re literally standing at the edge of a 100-foot bluff, looking out across Green Bay. There are very “do-able” trails here, too. As you can see, we also visit here in the winter. Breathtaking in more ways than one!
Door Bluff Headlands County Park – Near Gills Rock
It took us years to discover Door Bluff Headlands County Park, and we had a blast exploring it. Our first time was during Covid. The state had just shut down, and we on Spring Break with suddenly not much to do. The trails here are a little rugged, but they lead you to incredible, wide-open views over Green Bay. Just be careful you don’t trip over the roots!
Cave Point County Park – North of Sturgeon Bay
Famous for its caves and crashing waves, Cave Point has a beauty that’s sometimes dramatic and ever-changing. On clear days, enjoy the view of the turquoise water below. On windy days, the waves thunder against the rocks, spraying mist high into the air. That’s our favorite. Especially in the winter, when that mist seems to freeze on impact! There’s a lovely little path you can hike and outcroppings of limestone to explore. Never disappointed in a trip to Cave Point. One of these days we want to kayak here to see the view from a different vantage point.
Mountain Park Lookout Tower – Washington Island
If you’re up for an adventure, take the ferry to Washington Island. It’s a beautiful ride in itself, as you travel past Detroit and Plum Islands. Once you disembark, head to the Mountain Park Lookout Tower. We climbed the 186 steps to the top to enjoy the birds-eye view of the island’s forests and farmland, and the waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. As long as you made the trip there, be sure to visit some of our other island favorites.
Enjoy the scenic views from your Northern Door Vacation rental
Sometimes the views from home are the most memorable. Northern Door Vacation rental properties offer some of the best views! For spectacular sunrise views, head to the Lake Michigan side. (DiSalvo Lakehouse) For sunsets, it doesn’t get better than being on the Bay. May we suggest booking Marina Luxe at Sister Bay Marina. Here you can enjoy watching the sunsets from the balcony of this second-floor unit in the heart of downtown Sister Bay with the marina just steps away.
For waterfront homes, cozy cottages, or modern condos, see how we can make your Door County vacations come true.
