A Guide to the Best Picnic Spots Along the Shoreline
Explore Door County’s Hidden Gems with Shoreline Boat Tours
There’s something undeniably magical about a picnic on the shoreline — the sound of waves lapping against the coast and the indulgence of great food and wine shared with those you love. In Door County, Wisconsin, that magic reaches a whole new level.
Whether you’re embarking on a narrated scenic cruise with Shoreline Boat Tours or exploring the peninsula on your own, packing a picnic is a tradition that pairs perfectly with time on the water. With scenic bluffs, secluded beaches, and charming picnic-ready destinations, Door County offers some of the Midwest’s most memorable outdoor dining spots.
We’ve curated this guide to help you plan the ultimate picnic adventure. And don’t worry — we’ve done the hard work of finding all the best spots, including a few local secrets. We’ve even got your picnic essentials covered, thanks to The Ginger House, Door County’s premier seasonal wine and picnic boutique.
Image courtesy of The Ginger House
First Stop: Pack Your Picnic with Style and Purpose at The Ginger House
📍 9114 Hwy 42, Fish Creek, WI
Before you head to the water, make a stop at one of Door County’s most charming seasonal shops — The Ginger House in Fish Creek. This boutique isn’t just a store — it’s a celebration of beautiful, thoughtfully curated pieces that make life feel a little more special while supporting meaningful connections with artisans across the world. From summer wine selections to artistic home goods, it’s the perfect place to add a touch of charm and intention to your picnic experience.
Among the store’s signature pieces are handwoven baskets from Ghana, each telling a story of craftsmanship passed down through generations. These baskets are not only perfect for holding your picnic essentials but also support local communities in Ghana. With every purchase, a portion of the proceeds goes directly to providing essential books, art materials, and hygiene products for children and mothers in the communities the boutique collaborates with.
Much like Shoreline Boat Tours, The Ginger House values community-driven work, where beauty and purpose intersect. Supporting The Ginger House means supporting meaningful change and celebrating beauty in all its forms. Pick up a bottle of something crisp and summery, load up your woven basket with a few favorite treats, and let the Door County breeze do the rest.
1. Peninsula State Park – Classic Door County Picnic Perfection
No guide would be complete without Peninsula State Park — a crown jewel of Door County and a picnic lover’s paradise. With eight miles of Green Bay shoreline, it offers a stunning backdrop for any outdoor meal.
Top picnic areas within the park include:
- Nicolet Beach: Lively and family-friendly with picnic tables, grills, and kayak rentals.
- Eagle Bluff Overlook: A breathtaking place for a more romantic or scenic picnic. Take a hike or bike up to this lookout and enjoy a peaceful meal with a view.
- Welcker’s Point: A quieter area near the Nature Center with shaded picnic spots and trails.
2. Schoolhouse Beach – A Geological Wonder and Peaceful Picnic Spot
Located on Washington Island, Schoolhouse Beach is one of the most unique picnic destinations in the entire Midwest. This striking, limestone-covered beach is known for its incredibly smooth stones and impossibly clear blue water. It’s so special that removing the stones is illegal!
Accessible by ferry or private boat, this beach is the perfect reward for those seeking a serene, off-the-beaten-path experience. Bring your Ginger House picnic basket, find a quiet spot near the water, and take in the pristine beauty of this rare shoreline.
Bonus: The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for mindfulness or journaling, and kids love skipping the smooth stones into the water.
3. Baileys Harbor Ridges Park & Beach – Quiet and Underrated
The Baileys Harbor shoreline offers a more peaceful and wild side of Door County, with fewer crowds and a strong connection to nature. Just a short walk or drive from Shoreline’s Baileys Harbor dock is Ridges Beach, located at the entrance to the Ridges Sanctuary, Wisconsin’s oldest private nature preserve.
Pack your picnic basket and enjoy a serene afternoon among dune grasses and gentle lake breezes. You’ll find picnic tables and open space to spread out your blanket — all with the calming soundtrack of Lake Michigan in the background.
Pro tip: After your picnic, stroll the Ridges Boardwalk Trail and watch for orchids, dragonflies, and even sandhill cranes in summer.
4. Anderson Dock – Art, History, and a Harbor View
In Ephraim, Anderson Dock is a can’t-miss picnic location that combines history, art, and unbeatable harbor views. This historic dock — covered in boaters’ hand-painted names and messages — is a well-loved spot for watching the sunset, snapping photos, and enjoying a snack with a story.
After a Shoreline Boat Tour or a visit to Peninsula State Park, visit Anderson Dock, where picnic tables and benches are ready for your basket. Nearby shops and galleries offer a fun bonus stroll before or after your meal.
It’s the kind of place where a bottle of crisp white wine and a wedge of local cheese feel absolutely at home.
Photo credit Dan Eggert
5. Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Picnic Area – Lighthouse Views & Lake Vibes
If you’re joining one of our popular Shoreline Boat Tours from Sturgeon Bay, you’ll see firsthand the majestic Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal — and both the Canal North Pierhead Lighthouse and the Coast Guard Station Lighthouse, up close and personal. We’re the only scenic narrated boat tour that showcases these historic beacons from the water.
After your tour, extend your adventure by visiting the Ship Canal Picnic Area, just south of the pier. It’s an open, grassy area with picnic tables and views of the shipping channel. Watch freighters glide past, breathe in the fresh air, and savor a post-tour meal in one of the most unique picnic locations in the county.
6. Sister Bay Waterfront Park – People-Watching and Something for Everyone
If you like a bit more activity with your picnic, Sister Bay’s Waterfront Park is a lively location with beautiful green space, a sandy beach, and a view of the marina. It’s one of the most accessible spots to dock your boat, take a swim, and then roll out your picnic blanket for a casual afternoon.
The park is often home to music performances, art fairs, and paddleboard rentals — perfect if you’re looking to combine your lunch with local culture or light recreation.
7. Cave Point County Park – Dramatic Cliffs and Crashing Waves
We had to include Cave Point County Park for the drama alone. Located near Whitefish Dunes State Park, this rugged park features dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise water, and crashing waves — a picnic spot for the adventurer at heart.
Bring a portable picnic and hike along the bluff trails until you find a scenic perch. There are picnic tables at the parking lot, but the real magic happens when you find your own private spot along the cliffs.
For safety, keep an eye on weather and wave conditions — but if it’s calm, this is one of the most striking places to enjoy a meal.
Plan Your Shoreline Adventure with Us
At Shoreline Boat Tours, we offer unforgettable narrated cruises from both Sturgeon Bay and Baileys Harbor, showcasing lighthouses, shipwrecks, historic landmarks, and natural wonders — all from the water.
And with our large-screen monitors, you’ll get a fully immersive experience with visuals from past and present to match the narration, making your tour both scenic and educational.
Whether you’re pairing your tour with a post-cruise picnic or planning a full day of shoreline hopping, Door County is full of culinary and scenic delights. And with help from The Ginger House, your picnic will feel anything but ordinary.
Ready to Picnic Like a Local?
- Start at The Ginger House – 9114 Hwy 42, Fish Creek
- Join a Shoreline Boat Tour – Book your cruise in Sturgeon Bay or Baileys Harbor
- Pick your picnic spot – You can’t go wrong with any on this list!
- Relax, eat, sip, and repeat – You’re in Door County now. Let the shoreline set the pace.
