Guide to what to do in Door County in February, including top Door County winter attractions and activities
The end of fall and the start of winter sees the trees lose their stunning color, replaced by even more beautiful snowy landscapes.
The county remains popular throughout the winter, and there are plenty of things to do in Door County in February to enjoy the winter wonderland.
Whether you are looking for things to do in Door County in the winter alone, with your partner, or with your family, there is something for everyone to do and enjoy.
This blog post will help you decide how to fill your Door County February vacation when you next travel Wisconsin.
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Overview: Top 3 Things to Do in Door County in February
- Fish Creek Winter Festival
- Book a stay at Hillside Waterfront Hotel
- Go Exploring on a Snowmobile
1. Fish Creek Winter Festival
The most famous of the Door County events in February is the Fish Creek Winter Festival.
This fantastic event is fun for all the family, with live music, games, food from the “Smokin’ Hot” Cook-Off, and a fireworks display. You can also challenge your family to the Stumpf Fiddle Contest.
While popular with families, Fish Creek Winter Festival also comes with candlelit cross-country skiing, one of the best romantic things to do in Door County.
Please note: this event date changes every year, but often falls during the first week of February.
Book the best vacation rentals in Fish Creek
2. Fire & Ice Festival
Next on my list of things to do in Door County in February comes a close second to the Fish Creek Winter Festival.
The Fire & Ice Festival in Sturgeon Bay is a full weekend of fun Door County February activities and a must if visiting Sturgeon Bay in winter. It’s one of the most popular winter events in Wisconsin.
It starts with a candlelit ski and high at Big Creek Nature Preserve. Then, during the weekend, you can watch some of the best ice carvers in the country create masterpieces.
Ending with the “Winter on the Water” fireworks show, this festival makes for one of the best February weekend trips in Wisconsin.
Be sure to enjoy all the other amazing things to do in Sturgeon Bay while you’re here.
Book the best vacation rentals in Sturgeon Bay
3. Valentine’s Day at Bay Point Inn
February in Door County is a great time to visit for couples. In fact, Valentine’s Day in Door County is always unforgettable.
There are plenty of cozy romantic places in Door County to cuddle up with your loved one, enjoy great food and drink, and marvel at the stunning views.
Bay Point Inn always puts an effort in for the couples staying in their villas for Valentine’s Day. They start with the rooms, decorating them with chocolate-covered strawberries, candles, and rose petals.
Bay Point Inn then firmly places itself among the best romantic getaways in Door County with a five-course French meal served at their Glacier Ledge restaurant. Champagne is included.
During your stay, don’t forget to enjoy all the romantic things to do in Door County in February, such as candlelit dinners, hikes and so much more.
4. Try Ice Fishing
Among the most unique Door County winter attractions is ice fishing, a traditional pastime in the tundra where you drill a hole in the ice and fish through it.
It is one of the best things to do in Door County in February because of the great variety of fish you can catch, including whitefish, trophy walleye, and trout.
While locals have been doing this for decades, it is only recently that novice visitors have been able to enjoy Door County ice fishing.
Lots of charter companies now run ice fishing tours, providing you with the equipment and expertise you need to catch a fish.
Book the best lake cabins in Door County for ice fishing
5. Go Exploring on a Snowmobile
Exploring the frozen landscape is one of the best Door County winter activities.
Hikes in Door County are always popular, but you can cover much more ground on a snowmobile.
The county currently has around 250 miles of club and state trails ready for you to explore, and the snowfall will still be extensive in February.
Once you have arranged your snowmobile hire, it is time to work out what trail system you want to explore. You’ll find some of the best snowmobile trails in Wisconsin here.
The most popular in Door County in February are Ahnapee State Trail, Potawatomi State Park, and the trail from Baileys Harbor to Sister Bay.
Snowmobiling is one of the top things to do in Wisconsin in winter, so don’t miss out when you visit!
Buy the best trail guides for Wisconsin
6. Go Zipling
You will see even more of Door County’s beauty if you see it from above, so speeding through the snow-covered trees on a zipline is one of the amazing things to do in Door County in February.
The most popular ziplining spot is the Door County Adventure Center. The zipline is 40 feet above the ground and over 750 feet long.
You are then welcome to join the zipline team for a cup of hot chocolate after you admire the view.
Ziplining is one of my favorite outdoor activities in Wisconsin, and experiencing it in winter is extra magical.
Book the best tours and activities in Door County
7. Try Cross-Country Skiing
Fitness buffs will want a more physical way to explore the tundra. Among the best things to do in Door County in February for these people is cross-country skiing.
Newport State Park is a popular Door County cross-country skiing destination and one of the best state parks in Wisconsin.
They have over 26 miles of beautiful and fully marked trails to explore. Make sure that you always follow the trails so that you don’t get lost.
Buy the best trail guides for Wisconsin
8. Go Sledding with the Family
You don’t need any such skill to go sledding with your family, which is undeniably one of the most fun things to do in Door County in February.
The most extreme sledding option is Big Hill Park and its “Incinerator Hill.” This is a steep hill with two drop-offs.
Meanwhile, families with young children should head over to Peninsula State Park to enjoy a calmer sledding experience.
Buy the ultimate Wisconsin road trip itinerary
9. Stay in a Boutique Hotel
One of the best things to do in Door County for couples is to stay at a romantic hotel. Boutique hotels form the majority of the romantic places to stay in Door County.
The best resorts in Door County offer delightful log cabins where you can get cozy in front of the fire with your partner.
Among the best hotels for your Door County Valentine’s Day is the Hillside Waterfront Hotel, which is available on weekends throughout winter.
It was built in 1863 and has been popular for romantic trips for decades.
Book a stay at Hillside Waterfront Hotel
10. Visit Wineries in Door County
Even though the vines don’t grow in the winter, Door County still boasts plenty of wineries where you can try some of the best wines in the country.
Door Peninsula Winery is the most popular, famous for its grape blends, which add mango, blackberry, pear, and more to its wines.
You might want a drink that will warm the belly a little more during your winter in Door County.
Door County Distillery, nine miles north of Sturgeon Bay, is the perfect destination and one of the top wineries in Door County. They make their own vodka, gin, whiskey and brandy.
Book the best vacation rentals in Door County
11. Try Cheese Curds
No trip to Wisconsin is complete without cheese curds, and they are incredibly popular in Door County during February.
This warm melted cheese is a delicious Midwestern delicacy that is perfect as a winter snack.
The best way to try all the varieties of cheese curds is to go on the Cheese Curd Tour. This is held in Sister Bay and takes you to all of the best restaurants in the city serving cheese curds.
Book the best food tours in Door County
12. Door County Pond Hockey Tournament
This list of things to do in Door County in February ends with one of the Midwest’s most popular sports.
There are lots of Door County February events for ice hockey lovers, but the Door County Pond Hockey Tournament is the pick of the bunch.
This event takes place on Lake Kangaroo on February 9th. The frozen lake is divided into 15 rinks, and the tournament attracts over 300 players.
Therefore, this is among the Door County February activities that are great whether you are playing or spectating.
Buy the ultimate Wisconsin road trip itinerary
Working out what to do in Door County in February, it’s no surprise that this season is almost as popular as the summer.
There are scores of things to do in Door County in winter, regardless of whether you are visiting alone, with your family, or on a romantic vacation.
However you decide to travel, please read through my list of things to do in Door County in February so that you can have an unforgettable trip.
FAQs About Things to Do in Door County in February
Is Door County a romantic place to visit?
Door County is a great place for couples looking for a romantic getaway. There are many romantic activities to enjoy while here.
Is Door County worth it in the winter?
Door County in winter is not only a magical time to visit, but there are many fun winter events and activities to enjoy, including festivals and winter sports.
How cold does Door County get in the winter?
Door County winter day temperatures tend to be between 33˚F and 39˚F, while nights can get down to 19˚F.
What to pack for your Fall or Winter trip
- Warm Clothing: Bring a heavy winter coat, gloves, scarf, hat, thermal socks, and layered clothing.
- Footwear: Wear waterproof and insulated boots with good traction.
- Snow Gear: Pack snow pants or insulated trousers and snowshoes or crampons.
- Winter Driving Essentials: Include an ice scraper, snow brush, and emergency car kit.
- Travel Documents: Don’t forget your passport/ID, travel insurance, itinerary, and maps.
- Electronics: Bring a portable charger and camera for capturing memories. I love my GoPro!
- Health and Safety: Carry prescription meds and a basic first-aid kit.
- Sunscreen is key! I always take with me my eco-friendly sunscreen by Thinksport.
- I always carry a light rain jacket, just in case.
- Travel insurance: If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, travel is protected against all odds with HeyMondo.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
