Door County
Despite its scenic allure, the treacherously narrow channel between the peninsula's end and its outlying rocky islands was feared by Native Americans and trappers. They named the channel porte des morts, or death's door, from which the peninsula and county take their names.
According to legend 17th-century French fur traders first ran afoul of the strait when Robert La Salle's ship Griffin sank. To circumvent the straits and the tedious trip around the peninsula, traders followed the Native Americans' portage at Sturgeon Bay, which allowed easier passage to the important trade route at the head of Green Bay.
Fur trading dominated the area for 200 years, and it was not until the 19th century that Moravians, Scandinavians and other immigrants settled the peninsula and its surrounding islands. Around the turn of the 20th century wealthy city dwellers discovered the region's charms, transforming rustic villages into resorts.
The peninsula and its islands cater are now a great vacation destination. Sailing on the surrounding waters, hiking and golf in one of the nearby state parks and cultural activities such as summer theater, concerts and fish boils are among the fun things to do here. Historic lighthouses, cherry blossoms and more than 50 sand beaches along Lake Michigan and Green Bay offer many scenic places to go.
When planning a trip to Door County, you'll find these destinations listed under their own names: Baileys Harbor, Egg Harbor, Ellison Bay, Ephraim, Fish Creek, Gills Rock, Sister Bay, Sturgeon Bay and Washington Island.