Beaches
Ellison Bay
Ellison Bay Community Park & Beach
“Still popular, but calmer than the marquee beaches — the one we pick when we want room to spread out. Playground and courts keep restless kids…”
FreeKid Approved Dogs: partly
Ellison Bay
Bluff views, dark skies, and the trailheads we love most. Bring proper footwear.
10 places we go
Beaches
Ellison Bay · between Ellison Bay and Gills Rock
Newport State Beach
“Rustic, off the beaten path, and gorgeous. The beach we choose for a slow picnic afternoon — and the dog gets to come.”
Dogs: yes
Beaches
Ellison Bay · just south of Rowleys Bay
Sand Bay Town Park
“The quiet one. Beautiful, more private, and so shallow that kids can walk out forever. Pack a picnic and your own floaties; there are no rentals…”
FreeKid Approved
Coffee
Ellison Bay · in a re-purposed church on Mink River Road
Kick Ash Coffee
“Coffee roasted and poured in an old country church at the top of the peninsula — plus a gluten-free bakery and their own Door County Love granola…”
Date Night
Ellison Bay
White Pine at The Ellison Inn
“Where nostalgic Door County supper-club charm meets Nordic cooking: clean flavors, seasonal ingredients, comforting and refined at once. The…”
Family Dining
Ellison Bay
Mink River Basin
“The casual Ellison Bay standby — steaks, local whitefish, burgers, and a Friday fish fry, with a giant arcade room that buys the grown-ups a…”
Kid Approved
Learning & Classes
Ellison Bay
The Clearing Folk School
“A folk school in the woods above Green Bay, teaching writing, woodworking, painting, and more the slow way. Even a walk through the grounds resets…”
Parks & Hikes
Ellison Bay · just past Ellison Bay
Door Bluff Headlands County Park
“One of our favorite hikes anywhere, and the best bluff-top water views on the peninsula. The first stretch is steep and rooty, then it settles…”
Hickey PickFreeSunset Spot Dogs: yes
Parks & Hikes
Ellison Bay · past Ellison Bay, toward Gills Rock
Newport State Park
“Where we go to lose the crowds. Quiet forest trails, miles of empty shoreline, and skies dark enough that the park is certified for stargazing.…”
Wine, Beer & Cider
Ellison Bay
Island Orchard Cider
“French Normandy-style hard cider made from apples grown on Washington Island and ferried across Death’s Door. Tastings and flights in the Ellison…”
Dogs: partly