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What is the history of Baileys Harbor?
- Baileys Harbor was once the site of a major logging camp.
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Why is Baileys Harbor a great vacation destination?
- It is perfect for travelers who enjoy interesting history, small-town charm, and a variety of outdoor activities.
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What makes Baileys Harbor special?
- The town offers scenic views and fun things to do throughout the year.
- Its location near the shore of Lake Michigan makes it a great spot for nature lovers.
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What activities can visitors enjoy in Baileys Harbor?
- Exploring local attractions and establishments.
- Getting to know the people of Baileys Harbor.
- Outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and kayaking.
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Why should visitors consider Baileys Harbor?
- No matter what you choose to do, a visit to Baileys Harbor promises a memorable experience.
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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: 920-412-7226
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
9. Toft Point State Natural Park
When it comes to the best things to do in Baileys Harbor, paying a visit to the Toft Point State Natural Park is definitely on the list. Bordered by two beautiful bodies of water, Moonlight Bay to the north and Baileys Harbor to the south, Toft Point is rich in diverse native plant communities as well as stunning and naturally formed features like its wave-cut dolomite cliffs. The park was designated a State Natural Area in 1967 but has been welcoming guests to stroll along its limestone cobble beach for much longer than that. Guests to Toft Point State Natural Park can look forward to a wooded tree line with hints of sugar maples, yellow birch, and balsam to rest under, and huge sedge meadow with lovely white cedars that welcome and shade visitors.
7950 Ridges Road, Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin 54202; Phone: 888-936-7463
10. Lakeshore Adventures Zipline
Lakeshore Adventures Zipline is located within the 1000-acre Ridges Sanctuary. This biologically stunning and diverse protected space, with its unique topography, is the setting of the county’s newest, longest, and most adrenaline-pumping zip line adventure. The entire adventure center spans 20 acres and will have visitors starting their tree-top adventure at the top of the 35-foot tower. Enjoy breathtaking views of Moonlight Bay and the surrounding sanctuary as you navigate rope bridges, zip line through the sky at crazy speeds, and climb several towers. Overall, participants will experience three exciting canopy ziplines and a dual zipline that bring the zip line length to over 2,000 feet of sheer adrenaline.
8113 Highway 57 Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin 54202; Phone: 920-839-2055
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Ideal for wildflower blooms and fewer crowds.
Gordon Lodge – A scenic lakeside retreat.
Explore The Ridges Sanctuary – A beautiful nature preserve with hiking trails.
Summer (June-August) – Peak season for outdoor activities and water sports.
Maxwelton Braes Lodge – A cozy and historic stay near golf courses.
Visit Cana Island Lighthouse – Walk the causeway and enjoy stunning views.
Fall (September-November) – Stunning autumn foliage and fewer tourists.
Beachfront Inn – A charming stay right on the waterfront.
Attend the Autumn Lighthouse Festival – Explore historic lighthouses in Door County.
Plan Your Trip
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