8 Best Things to Do in Baileys Harbor, WI

By VI Staff on October 15, 2019

Once the site of a major logging camp, Baileys Harbor is the perfect vacation destination for travelers who enjoy interesting history, small-town charm, and taking part in an array of outdoor activities. It offers scenic views and a number of fun things to do throughout the year, especially because of its location near the shore of Lake Michigan. You can spend your time visiting local attractions and establishments, getting to know the people of Baileys Harbor, or partaking in activities such as hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and kayaking. No matter what you choose to do, you’re bound to have a memorable time with a visit to Baileys Harbor.

1.Ridges Sanctuary

Spanning over 1,600 acres, Ridges Sanctuary is a nature preserve that has been recognized as a U.S. National Natural Landmark, Wisconsin State Natural Area, and Important Bird Area. It was established in 1937 and has since then provided an amazing outdoor space for visitors of all ages to explore and enjoy. Start your visit with a stop at the Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center; the large LEED certified facility has several displays and exhibits on the preserve’s flora, fauna, topography, and history. Another unique site within the sanctuary is the Baileys Harbor Range Lights which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address: 8166 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, Phone: 920-839-2802

2.Cana Island Lighthouse

Presently active, the Cana Island Lighthouse is used as a navigational aid by the U.S. Coast Guard. Visitors will not only get to see how visually stunning the nearly 90 foot tower is but will also be able to tour the lighthouse and keeper’s quarters. The Cana Island Lighthouse, along with the Baileys Harbor Range Lights, were built in 1869; there were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. During the tour, you’ll get to learn all about the lighthouse, its history, and other interesting facts such as how the France-made Fresnel lens was originally fueled by lard, and then kerosene and acetylene, before eventually moving on to electricity.

Address: 8800 E Cana Island Rd, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, Phone: 920-743-5958

3.Door County Brewing Co.

Door County Brewing Co. is a family owned and operated craft brewery that has been serving the residents and visitors of Baileys Harbor since 2012. Their one-of-a-kind craft beers bring together the community, giving people the opportunity to meet up in a familiar place and enjoy good food and drinks. Their brews are influenced by American, French, and Belgian flavors and styles, with their most popular beers being their west coast IPA, WORS, the crisp hoppy wheat, Blank Range, and their session IPA, the Pallet Jack Cruiser. Visit them in their Taproom & Music Hall, where you can enjoy their wide selection of cold beers, live music all year long, and a beer garden showcasing locally-sourced cuisine that everyone will love.

Address: 8099 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, Phone: 920-839-1515

4.Kangaroo Lake Nature Preserve

The Kangaroo Lake Nature Preserve is one of the best places for families in Baileys Harbor to get some fresh air and explore the outdoors. Presently, the preserve spans over 700 acres and comprises an array of outdoor settings such as creeks, shores, farmlands, swamplands, boreal forests, and upland hardwood forests. You can spend your time hiking the designated trails up to the top of the ridge, having a fun-filled picnic while taking in the scenic views, or being on the lookout for the varied number of flora and fauna. Bird-watching aficionados are urged to bring along a pair of binoculars so they can see great blue herons, white egrets, bald eagles, and several other species of birds.

Address: 7912 N Maple Rd, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, Phone: 920-746-1359

5.Harbor Fish Market & Grille

Harbor Fish Market & Grille is one of the most distinctive waterfront dining establishments in Baileys Harbor. Its central location puts the restaurant right in the heart of the downtown area, making it a great spot for a delicious lunch with friends; the stunning views and authentic cuisine has made it the number one choice for a romantic dinner date with your significant other. A couple times a week, the restaurant hosts their traditional New England lobster boil - the popular three-course dinner includes creamy Maine lobster bisque, lobsters cooked in a wood-fired pot, baby red potatoes, fresh corn on the cob, steamed clams, New Zealand mussels, and a generous portion of their homemade Door County Cherry Bread Pudding.

Address: 8080 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, Phone: 920-839-9999

6.Baileys Harbor Cornerstone Pub

Baileys Harbor Cornerstone Pub truly is a cornerstone of the community. The structure was originally built in 1886 and was the Harbor’s very first hardware store; it was then used as a funeral parlor before being converted to Paul’s Glass Bar in the 1920s. Having gained prominence as a place for good friends to enjoy delicious food and a cold drink, the Cornerstone Pub continued many of the traditions started by the Glass Bar such as their famous Friday night fish fry. Today, patrons will not only get to eat the delicious cuisine, but they can also take in the lively atmosphere - the dining room displays an impressive collection of Green Bay Packer memorabilia that is so fun to look through.

Address: 8123 State Highway 57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, Phone: 920-839-9001

7.Florian II Lakeshore Supper Club

Since 1956, the Florian II Lakeshore Supper Club has been a staple in close-knit community of Baileys Harbor. Initially, the structure served as the Stage Coach Inn and later the Panther Hotel and Fishing Lodge, and then Mr. C Lodge & Restaurant. Though the original structure burned down, the now family-owned endeavor worked hard to rebuild it to its former glory. Patrons will see so much history in its walls as they feast on delicious dishes made from recipes which have been passed down several generations. Popular choices include the tender broiled pork chop, the roast Wisconsin duckling with glazed orange sauce, and their famous “fall off the bone: BBQ pork back ribs which is baked with their special hickory sauce.

Address: 8048 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, Phone: 920-839-2361

8.Stone's Throw Winery

Stone’s Throw Winery is an amazing place that gives visitors the opportunity to explore Baileys Harbor wine country - it’s just as stunning but much more peaceful and uncrowded compared to their faraway neighbor, Napa Valley. You’ll be able to sample some of their finest wines, all of which are made with premium California grapes and their traditional one-barrel-at-a-time method. Some of their finest wines are their 1996 zinfandel, their Big Mouth Red, and the Fat Chef zinfandel which is perfect with pizza and pasta. Let the professionals guide you through their extensive wine collection in their amazing Tasting Room; the Signature Series Tasting include five wines and a signature logo glass for you to keep.

Address: 3382 County Rd E, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, Phone: 920-839-9660