Guide to what to do in Door County in March, including the best Door County spring events and activities
With the melting of winter snow and milder temperatures, there are various things to do in Door County in March.
This makes it one of the best places to visit if you travel to Wisconsin during this time of the year.
While the region is best known for outdoor activities, you can also learn about significant maritime history or have a wine tasting in one of the best wineries in the Midwest.
So, are you planning to visit Door County, Wisconsin, in March? Here are some of my favorite things to do in Door County in spring!
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Overview: Best Things to do in Door County in March
- Hike through the Ridges Sanctuary
- Attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Sturgeon Bay
- Bike Rides through the Peninsula State Park
1. Visit the Door County Lighthouses
Door County is home to so many historical lighthouses of Wisconsin, making it one of the best things to do in Door County in March.
Although not all of these lighthouses are open to the public, you can still visit and admire these Door County lighthouses from afar.
If you’re not sure what to do in Door County in March, I’d recommend joining some lighthouse tours available in the area.
My favorite is the Sturgeon Bay Canal North Pierhead Lighthouse, the iconic red lighthouse situated on the peninsula.
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2. Bike Rides through the Peninsula State Park
One of the best Door County activities in March for those who love the outdoors is strolling through the bike trails at the Peninsula State Park.
With the 20 miles of mountain bike trails, you’ll be spoiled by scenic landscapes while strolling around the Green Bay shoreline, making it one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin in March.
Door County in spring is unbelievably charming, and riding bikes through the Peninsula State Park can be the best way to make the most of your time in the city.
One of my favorite Door County bike trails is located at the Peninsula State Park.
You can take the Sunset Bike Trail, which will take you through the scenic view of White Cedar Forest to the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. It is hands down the best way to spend your Door County in March!
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3. Go camping at Newport State Park
Only a 30-minute drive from the city center with over 2,300 acres of forest, Newport State Park is also one of the best Door County March attractions.
Home to 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and 17 backpack campsites, you can also go camping for a night or two at Newport State Park.
With the milder weather in Door Country, spring is definitely one of the best periods to go camping in the area!
For the best experience, you can also reserve a campsite near the waterfront to explore one of the best state parks in Wisconsin.
Camping is easily one of the best things to do in Door County, WI in March for families.
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4. Hike through the Ridges Sanctuary
Looking for Wisconsin vacation ideas? No matter which part of the Badger State you’re planning to go to, you won’t run out of outdoor activities to choose from.
Hiking is one of the best Door County March activities, as some hiking trails that are usually closed during the winter will reopen during this time of the year.
The Ridges Sanctuary has some of the most popular hiking trails in Door County in the spring.
On top of that, you can take some trails like Appel’s Bluff or Family Discovery Trail, which are usually closed throughout the winter.
With a total of five miles through thousands of acres of boreal forest, you can enjoy some picturesque stroll around the most diverse natural areas in Door County.
March is the best time to go to this area, so make sure to add this to your plan for spring break in Wisconsin!
Buy the best hiking guides for Wisconsin
5. Explore the Door County Maritime Museum
Among many places around the city, visiting the Door County Maritime Museum is one of the best things to do in Sturgeon Bay.
Learning the rich maritime history of the region is something you should include in your Door County things to do in March, as it will give you some context about the significant exhibitions around the museum.
I’d recommend adding Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower when visiting the museum to get the best experience.
You can climb to the top floor to enjoy the birds-eye view of Sturgeon Bay from above while learning more about the county’s maritime development via the Great Lakes in the region.
Book the best tours around Door County
6. Go kayaking at Cave Point County Park
Known for its stunning shoreline of Lake Michigan with the underwater caves in its surroundings, visiting Cave Point County Park is definitely one of the best things to do in Door County in March.
March is considered the shoulder season in many tourist destinations, including Cave Point County Park.
It means you can expect fewer visitors in the area, which will allow you to enjoy the natural beauty in a more peaceful and serene setting.
While you can do the typical outdoor activities like hiking, you can also book kayaking at Cave Point to stroll around the area while admiring the stunning limestone ledges around the county park.
Depending on the weather, March in Door County can also be a great time for scuba diving, as you can explore the underwater shipwrecks in Lake Michigan.
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7. Get on the Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tour
With its beautiful shoreline, charming villages, and direct access to the waters of Green Bay, you can join a boat tour in Fish Creek to enjoy the breathtaking views around Door County.
Many boat tours in Door County provide informative guides to share some insights into the region’s history and geological formations.
As a bonus, you can also enjoy the scenery that offers some excellent spots for photography.
There are a few options for the Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tour that you can choose accordingly based on your budget and preference.
I find the sunset boat tour to be the best value one, as you can explore the main highlights of Door County, including Eagle Bluff Lighthouse and the Strawberry Islands.
As a bonus, you can also enjoy the live music while cruising the area, which makes it one of the best Door County spring events you shouldn’t miss out on!
Book the best tours around Door County
8. Go to Winter Open Day at the Open Door Bird Sanctuary
One of the best Door County events in March is the Winter Open Day hosted by the Open Door Bird Sanctuary.
Held annually in Door County, you can get a chance to see some birds of prey in the sanctuary while exploring the hiking trails in the surroundings.
You can also join the bonfire while learning more about the bird species.
If you’re lucky, you may also get a chance to feed the raptors and other birds in the sanctuary!
Buy the best hiking guides for Wisconsin
9. Attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Sturgeon Bay
St. Patrick’s Day parade is one of the best Door County March events you should add to your itinerary, especially if you plan to visit the city during the holiday.
Line up to enjoy the parade and performances around the streets of Sturgeon Bay to celebrate.
And don’t forget to stop by Stone Harbor Resort, where they offer green beer and special drinks to enjoy some of the best things to do in Door County in March!
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10. Wine sampling at Stone’s Throw Winery
There are some top-notch wineries in Door County; a few open daily, including one that has been operating for over 20 years: Stone’s Throw Winery.
Nestled around the beautiful landscape of Baileys Harbor, wine tasting is definitely one of the best things to do in Door County in March.
You can sample all wine varieties made from premium California grapes to get a taste of Napa Valley in the Midwest.
If you plan to travel to Door County frequently, I’d recommend signing up for their Wine Club for the best experience!
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Looking for the best time to visit Door County? Spring in Door County is perfect, especially if you want to escape the crowd while being able to do various outdoor activities.
From visiting museums to kayaking, what are your favorite things to do in Door County in March?
FAQs About Best Things to do in Door County in March
Is March a good time to visit Door County?
March in Door County is a great time to visit as weather-wise you get to experience both the end of winter and the start of spring, which offers many options for activities.
Is there snow in Wisconsin in March?
While snow is not guaranteed, it is often a possibility during March in Door County.
What is the weather like during March in Door County?
Although it is spring, Door County in March can still be relatively cold with averages of 33°F to 45°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! 🌍🚀
