The 7 Most Popular Things To Do In Sister Bay, Wisconsin (2024)

Sister Bay in Door County is a popular Midwest Weekend getaway. This stunning little village has a population of close to 800 and tourism opportunities close to many. Sister Bay is all about water, thanks to its beautiful share of Lake Michigan. This Northern Door of Wisconsin opens up several ways for outdoor recreation, both usual and unusual. Upon your visit here, you can have endless water fun. Though at the same time, the village vibes here will make you observe goats grazing on the roof of Al Johnson’s restaurant.

The village life of Sisters Bay revolves around art galleries, exceptional restaurants and eateries, green spaces, a lively marina, and beaches. It is also the last real village in the region, giving authentic vibes for hanging around water. The rest of Door County might make it hard to locate, but once you know the pathways to Sister Bay, you will love coming here back and again.

The 7 Most Popular Things To Do In Sister Bay, Wisconsin

With that said, here is the list of places to visit and things to do in Sister Bay, Door County, Wisconsin. Have a look:

1. Sister Bay Marina

The Sister Bay Marina is the best waterfront destination in Door County. It is located in the heart of Sister Bay and is surrounded by a well-managed green park. One can access this space for swimming or enjoying under the sun, close to water. It is also a great place to observe some spectacular sunset views. True to its name, Sister Bay Marina offers a getaway to launch in the water of Lake Michigan. There are already a lot of boats and mini ships available to launch on rent. There are 10 commercial slips, 40 transit slips, and 100 seasonal slips at the marina. There is even free Wi-Fi service available for visitors at Marina. And once you are done with all that, you can walk to one of the 12 restaurants nearby and enjoy the local food.

2. Holy Transfiguration Chapel and Woods

Holy Transfiguration is a little orthodox chapel and a hidden gem in Sister Bay. Amidst the woods, the chapel is hidden behind the home of Reader George (“Pat”) Mangan, A.I.A, a local of Sister Bay. Pat has designed, built, and today manages the chapel all alone. Still, it isn’t a personal property but a home away from home, open for all. For both locals and visitors, this chapel is a special place where they can stop, light a candle, pray, or soak into the tranquillity and spirituality. With that, the woods around the chapel also makes for a great meditating space. The Holy Transfiguration Chapel might look small and common from the outside, but the Byzantine iconography and peace inside will captivate you.

3. Frykman Studio Gallery

An art gallery in Sister Bay, the Frykman Studio Gallery is a must-visit. The art gallery runs on the ground floor of a private home, though it is open for all public alike. There are woodcarvings and oil paintings, stoneware pottery and sculpture, natural photography, and more notables inside the gallery. While most of the artwork here belongs to Heather Harle Frykman and Lucas Frykman (Husband and wife), and Steve Jorgenson, a lot comes from other local artists too. The gallery also operates for several art-related social events and art classes, not just for exploring and observing the art. Art enthusiasts of any age and talent can visit here and glorify their skills with other experts. The gallery operates from Friday to Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm.

4. Corner of the Past Museum

Visiting the Corner of the Past Museum is a popular thing to do in Sister Bay. It is known for exhibiting the unique history of Sister Bay like nowhere else. Initially, it started on a small space but eventually grew into an extensive space of 7 acres. Today this place is home to 17 historic, beautifully restored buildings. However, the prominent feature here is the old Anderson House and its 15 galleries, all of which are full of artifacts, photos, videos, and stories. Corner of the Past Museum isn’t just known for its buildings and exhibits but also the events. One can participate in butter making, wood crafts, a family fun craft, Scavenger hunt, ug making, blacksmithing, painting, carving, and other activities. On most Saturdays during the season, they also organize Heritage Programs and Farmer market. The Museum operates from Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm.

5. Seaquist Orchard Farm Market

The Seaquist Orchard is a multi-generation family-owned farm and market. What adds it into the tour itinerary is the fresh local produces and event. The market deals in baked goods, jams, juices, sauces, and several other free samples. Upon liking, visitors can buy back from the variety of options. Here, the highlight produce includes chocolate cherry bars, doughnuts, cherry cider coolers, jars of chocolate amaretto sauce, and berry pies. They also offer cherry blossom tours in an extensive spread of cherry farms on appointment. During the last Saturday of July, the farm market also hosts a Cherry Festival. Or visit here on the second Saturday in October and attend the Apple Festival. Falls season at Seaquist Orchard is all about the festival atmosphere and wonderful colors. For reaching here, drive 2 miles north of Sister Bay, on 11482 Highway 42.

6. Door County Creamery

If you are into cheese and other cream products, do visit the Door County Creamery when in Sister Bay. This charming creamery and café deal in fresh artisanal goat cheeses, hand-made gelato, along some good quality wines and craft beers. Locals of Sister Bay often visit here for breakfast or brunch. The Door County Creamery also offers lunchtime tours of the farm. The tours include educating about the life of goats, how the farm operates, and how they make cheeses. Upon choosing the tour, guests get to encounter mommy, daddy, and baby goats and even the opportunity of tasting freshly made cheese. The farm also operates for patio lunch.

7. Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik

Al Johnson’s is a family-owned Swedish restaurant that has been operating since 1949 in Sister Bay. The main draw here is not actually the food but the sod roofs and a couple of goats grazing on it. Upon sitting on their outdoor seating, guests can enjoy their meal and enjoy the goat gazing view. All of these goats are well kept, and when they are not posing for tourists, they normally live in a cozy barn. The restaurant is also popular for its Swedish food, especially authentic Swedish pancakes. Guests can even take tours and learn how these pancakes are made. Operating hours here go from 6 am to 8 pm (May to October), and 7 am to 3 pm (November to April).

Places To Stay In Sister Bay, Wisconsin

The Little Sister Resort

The Little Sister is a waterfront resort that deals its accommodations in cottages and cabins. The resort is settled at the Pebble beach on a lovely cove south of downtown. Your stay here will include a comforting stay and a delicious breakfast. Guests staying at the Little Sister Resort can go for kayaking, row boating, and canoeing. Or for more options, there is even a twenty-acre cedar forest to explore.

Scandinavian Lodge

Close to all of the popular in the town, the Scandinavian Lodge is undoubtedly the best place to stay in Sister Bay. It is an attractive three-story condo resort, half a mile from downtown Sister Bay, right on Highway 57. Some of the amenities here include gas fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, TVs, private balconies, and kitchenettes. There are even heated indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, a playground, barbecue grills, a game room with ping pong, tennis courts, and bike rental facilities.