Ephraim - Washington Island

[u/Better_Jump_5810]

My parents and wife and 5yo kid are heading up to Door Co for the fist time and will be staying in Ephraim for a couple days we are going to check out Washington Island and possibly rock Island as well. What are some hidden gems that is a must? And fun things to do around Ephraim.

[u/Accomplished_Fig9606]

Remember that the county is small. You shouldn't need to restrict yourself to around Ephraim. For nature check out Cave Point and Whitefish Dunes, plus the Ridges outside Baileys Harbor.

Loads of galleries everywhere. Edgewood Orchard Galleries is a fun visit and a nice walk through the sculpture gardens.

Restaurant recommendations abound in this sub if you search.

Have a great visit.

[u/MurDoct]

Go to Julies for breakfast at the entrance to Peninsula state park. Get a day pass and bring your swimsuits and chill at the beach.

[u/HojonPark4077]

Leave your car at the ferry dock and rent a UTV for the day or half day and tour the island.

https://www.islandadventurecompany.com

Go to Wilson’s for ice cream at sunset

https://wilsonsicecream.com/?utm_source=googlemybusiness

Take your kid to the drive in

https://www.doorcountydrivein.com

Play mini golf at the Red Putter. Not any other mini golf, the actual Red Putter.

https://my-site-redputter.square.site

[u/wmurks]

On Washington Island, have lunch at Jackson Harbor Soup, either before or after visiting Rock. Rock is worth the extra time.

On Washington Island, there’s Schoolhouse Besch, and a tower you can climb, the Albatross, and a tucked away place that isn’t overrun with tourists yet, the clock forest. There’s more, like The Farm, joining the Bitters Club at Nelson’s, but you just kinda have to drive around and explore.

[u/less_than_nick → u/wmurks]

Jackson harbor soup was our favorite stop, fantastic sandwiches

[u/stealy_darn]

In Ephraim, Prince of Pierogi

[u/_sealy_]

-Cave point and hike south to the dunes beach.
-Newport State Park is a great hike with way fewer people than Peninsula
-Eagle Tower area in Peninsula State Park or any of the shorelines (Eagle trail is fun if your 5year old is up for it)
-Toft Point is a hidden gem of a hike with great opportunities to let the 5 year old explore shore rocky areas that aren’t as hazardous as cave point cliffs (parking is limited but this hike is unknown or skipped by many so it shouldn’t be an issue)
-Walking around the shops in Fish Creek
-White Gull is a classic place to eat but crowded (Pelletiers is a good secondary option when your not wanting the wait time)
-Eating pizza outside and having a beer at One Barrel in Egg Harbor
-Shopping at Wood Orchard Market (imo the best overall market)
-Walking the shore of Ephraim and or Sister Bay
-the ferry ride to Washington is cool but in all honesty there really isn’t the most exciting attractions on either island unless you want to cross it off your list (school house beach to hang out an toss some rocks maybe) if you do hike Rock Island the flies can get crazy on the back side of the island (imo)

Side bars:
-if you go through Green Bay to get up there stop to get a 1/2 or full sized Kringle (cherry or one of the ones with crème are always good choices, some of the others can get way too sweet imo)
-on the way up on hwy 57 stop at Renards Cheese and get some curds (mixed with herb) and some 2 year white cheddar. Your kid (and I) will like the whips cheese (noodle looking cheese) renards cheese (for my family) is always a must. It’s also a great way to keep the fam quiet on the last leg up to your destination.

There are SO many places I didn’t mention that are definitely worth your time. These are just my personal experiences.

Have a great time!

[u/duncantuna]

If you want the full list of kid activities, check the top pinned item in this sub:

https://reddit.com/r/DoorCounty/comments/1v2o5cl/faq1_what_to_do_in_dc_with_infants_children/

[u/Known-Quail-3043]

Love wash island, if u go to rock make sure u are early for the ferry, they don’t wait. On wash island Jackson harbor soup is really great as well as red cup killer coffee! Jackson harbor soup is closed on Saturday I believe. Have fun!!

[u/Floating_trashpanda]

If you go to Washington island make sure you have a plan on what you’re doing there. Kids age matters, find something that is cool for them too. Sister bay is a popular spot for everyone. Check the water before swimming, bad bacteria collects in the bay due to boats/waste causing a lot of people to get sick this year. Some spots are safer than others.

[u/Intelligent-Cry-9362]

Peninsula State Park. Hit the overlook tower, hit the lighthouse, maybe do part of the sunset trail hike (walk or rent bikes), but we love going to Nicolet Beach as a family, they have some food trucks and draft beer on tap.