Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Sister Bay, WI

  • Published 2023/04/17

Sister Bay is a sparsely populated village in Door County, Wisconsin.

Thanks to its small population, the village is the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation well away from the stress and chaos of large cities.

Sitting on Lake Michigan, the place has glorious sunsets that’ll make any visitor feel like they’re in a classic romantic movie.

Don’t let the small size of the village fool you, because peaceful doesn’t automatically mean dull.

There are a wide array of destinations for you to check out, ranging from breathtaking natural areas to exquisite art galleries.

If you’re looking to map out your travel plans, here are the best things to do in Sister Bay, WI:

Stop by the Sister Islands State Natural Area

Scenic view of Sister Island Natural Area

Joshua Mayer from Madison, WI, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Just a few miles off the coast of Sister Bay, you’ll find the twin islands that comprise Sister Islands.

The combined area of the island comprises only six acres.

However, don’t underestimate its small size since there are more than a couple of exciting things to find there.

Birds on Sister Island Natural Area's shore

Joshua Mayer from Madison, WI, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On the two islands, you can see various species of birds and a natural view that’ll steal your breath away.

The sights alone are more than enough to draw many visitors.

However, there’s also room for a bit of exploring if you’re willing to look for some adventure.

Visit Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach is a gorgeous sight for any visitor.

Water-smoothed pebbles fill almost every inch of the coast, giving a unique and tranquil feel to the area.

Besides its beauty, the place is also a geological wonder.

Anyone interested in the sciences wouldn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to see the earth’s wonders.

You’ll see 13 post-glacial shorelines created by changing water levels as the last of the continental ice sheets retreated a long time ago.

If you’re looking to see unique geological phenomena or to admire the awe-inspiring view, Pebble Beach will not disappoint.

Learn the Local History at the Sister Bay Historical Society

The village of Sister Bay has a long and exciting history.

What better way to learn it than visiting the Sister Bay Historical Society?

They offer tours where you can learn the area’s early history and the many stories of the people who lived there.

You can walk through an old farmhouse and then visit a 16-acre site filled with historic buildings like cottages, cabins, and sawmills.

The museum also hosts several events throughout the year.

Make sure to join these events if you’re lucky enough to catch one.

Play a Round of Golf at the Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf

Miniature Golf is probably one of those activities that you’ve always wanted to try but never had the opportunity.

Maybe you’ve done it before but never got the chance to revisit for whatever reason.

Well, whatever the case, you’re in luck.

Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf in Sister Bay will give you an exceptional mini golf experience.

The place has 25 family-friendly courses to choose from.

Each course is unique and stands out from one another.

You can putt your way through mountain caves or a pirate ship or walk across footbridges and under cascading waterfalls.

Turn golf not just into an activity with your family and friends.

It’s also an experience reminiscent of those old and unique adventures you’ve always dreamed of having.

Schedule a Tour at the Seaquist Orchards

The Seaquist Orchards are a multigenerational family business.

Every person involved with the company is passionate about farming and giving customers the best products and experiences.

They planted their first cherry trees in the 1900s.

Since then, the farm has gone strong and has expanded to growing a wide variety of fruits.

From May through October, you can schedule a tour through their orchards and see the magic of farming with your own eyes.

You’ll see several acres of cherries, apples, apricots, and sweet cherries.

These fields are a marvelous sight in its own right.

Likewise, the tour guide will also give a fun and informative tour of the area.

Learn more about the different processes that go into maintaining a farm.

Afterward, you’ll find a wide variety of samples, such as jams, fudge, mustard, and salsa.

Taste the farm’s products made from the fruits they cultivate.

Shop for Souvenirs at the Chelsea Antiques & Blue Willow Shop

Finding souvenirs for your friends and family after a long vacation might be one of the hardest things to do.

You might not even find a gift if you don’t know where to start or what you’re doing.

You want something unique and personal but also carries a piece of the place you visited.

If you’re having trouble finding such things, consider the Chelsea Blue Willow shop.

They have a wide variety of unique and exciting products that’ll undoubtedly catch your attention.

Check out clothes, home decor jewelry, and so many other things.

Look through their inventory and see what you find interesting.

What do your friends and family back home find interesting?

Maybe you’ll find an item that fits their personality and tastes perfectly.

On the other hand, you might notice something that would look perfect on your living room coffee table as a conversation piece.

Whatever your purpose is, this store’s wide selections will not disappoint if you decide to visit.

Take the Sister Bay Cheese Curd Walking Food Tour

The Sister Bay Cheese Curd Walking Tour is a two-hour-long tour.

It’ll allow you to visit three different restaurants and sample some of the best local cuisine.

Wisconsin has a strong fondness for cheese, and you’ll find out why by the end of the tour.

During this walking tour, your guide will walk you through several destinations.

You can sample a wide variety of cheesy delights that’ll undoubtedly leave you wanting more.

You’ll also get a chance to see a few fantastic sights between destinations, so keep an eye out while you walk.

Wander the Three Springs Nature Preserve

The Three Springs Nature Preserve is large and expansive, exactly what it needs to be for its intended purpose.

The place has a long and exciting association with the area’s history and culture.

More importantly, it’s a key piece in ecological preservation.

It’s one of the premier natural landscapes of the western Great Lakes.

Walk through its trails and feel free to admire the area’s natural beauty.

Remember to stick to the designated areas to protect yourself and the local wildlife.

It’s also a good idea to wear brightly colored clothing during hunting season as a precaution.

Bring Your Furry Friend to the Sister Bay Dog Park

Who doesn’t love dogs?

Those furry friends are excellent companions that’ll always stand by your side no matter the situation.

Most people would also leap at the chance to spend more time with them.

If you’re craving furry companionship, head over to the Sister Bay Dog Park and play around with your furry companion.

If your travel plans permit it, bring your pet with you and have them run around the area.

Play fetch with them, and enjoy your dog’s company.

You can also interact with other owners and make friends while you’re there.

After all, a love for dogs is something you can share with almost anyone.

Bask in the Sun at Sister Bay Beach

Scenic sunset over Sister Bay Beach

Jon Lauriat / Shutterstock.com

One of the main appeals of Sister Bay is the beach.

No visitor would visit the village without stopping by its beach at least once.

Sit on the coast, bask in the sun, and lose yourself in the gentle sounds of water lapping against the sand.

A small dock on Sister Bay Beach

Jon Lauriat / Shutterstock.com

It’s more than an opportunity to relax and unwind.

It’s a chance to let go of all your worries and focus on yourself and your happiness.

Cook up a barbecue and spend time with your loved ones.

Most importantly, take the opportunity to breathe again and find yourself in the cool breeze and the sand underneath your feet.

Check Out the Amazing View at the Waterfront Park

Since the founding of Sister Bay, the waterfront has become one of the village’s most important areas.

Today, the village has turned a section of the waterfront into a park.

This park serves as a beautiful public space for locals and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of everything around them.

Visiting this place will give you one of the best views of the place!

Seeing the waterfront up close is simply breathtaking and unforgettable.

It’s an experience you won’t want to miss, especially if you have a loved one with you.

Join the Fruity Goodness Tour

Sister Bay and Door County are famous for their fruits and produce, particularly their grapes, apples, and cherries.

The comprehensive tour will give you the best and fullest experience of the area.

Book a reservation as soon as you can if you want to join the tour.

Don’t worry about the destinations, since the organizers have planned your itinerary well.

Sit back, follow along, and learn more about Sister Bay as you delve deeper and deeper into the area.

Some of the destinations include the largest farmer’s market in the area, parks, and other iconic spots in the village.

You’ll see a comprehensive view of the area and all of its beauty and charm.

View the Glass Works at K. Allen Gallery

Art is a magical thing.

Visiting an art gallery enhances any vacation.

When you visit Sister Bay, you should visit the K. Allen Gallery to enrich your getaway.

The K. Allen Gallery features primarily glass works.

Its exhibits also feature some of the most respected artists in the country.

Likewise, you won’t just see the finished products.

You can also observe live demonstrations of glassblowing.

Witness with your own eyes how these artists create their mindblowing works of art.

If you have any interest in the craft, then this is a place you’ll want to add to your itinerary.

See the Exotic Animals of Stoneboat Farm

If you live in the city, you probably don’t get a lot of chances to spend time with animals, let alone unique and exotic ones.

If you want to do this, go ahead and visit the Stoneboat Farm.

They have a host of rare animals that you won’t find anywhere else, such as ponies, mini horses, and Bactrian camels.

The camels are undoubtedly the stars of the show.

You’ll get the chance to see the animals up close.

Likewise, you can even get to know each of their distinct personalities, and learn about their histories and culture.

You can also learn about how the farm cares for them and keeps them happy.

A visit to this place is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see an animal that’s rarely seen in the United States.

See them thriving in a safe and happy environment.

Go Bowling at Sister Bay Bowl

Most of the time, people don’t need a lot when traveling as long as those things and those activities are fun and exciting.

Quality is way more important than quantity, after all.

Eating good food and bowling aren’t as big and explosive as other activities, but they should bring a massive smile to your face every time.

Sister Bay Bowl at Bay Shore Drive is the go-to bowling destination for both locals and visitors.

It’s also a great destination if you’re looking for a fun and relaxing time.

Just order a few snacks from their extensive menu and go bowling with your friends.

Indulge your competitive side and see if you’re the best bowler in the family or your friend group.

Bowling is not that challenging, after all; it’s friendly to both newbies and experienced players.

You don’t have to think of much while you’re doing it, which is the main appeal of the place.

Enjoy the fun and relaxation without exerting a lot of effort, as you would in other places.

Take a Stroll at Sister Bay Marina

Colorful sunset over Sister Bay Marina

Hank Erdmann / Shutterstock.com

Sister Bay Marina is one of the best and simplest ways to experience Sister Bay, offering amazing views especially during sunset.

It’s filled with lots of boats because the marina is a famous spot for boat tours and rentals, so doing photography here is a great idea for that harbor aesthetic.

It’s also a great place to relax as there are many seating areas and walking trails as well, giving you sweeping views of Sister Bay.

To make things even better, Sister Bay Marina is surrounded by a lot of good restaurants, so it’s a great way to either start your morning or end your day.

To find Sister Bay Marina, drive along North Bay Shore Drive.

See the Quirky Goats at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant and Butik

One of the must-see attractions in Sister Bay is Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant and Butik.

While the place is famous for its stellar food and awesome gift shop, what really captivates tourists here are the several goats on top of the roof.

Because the roof of the restaurant acts as a grassy lawn, the goats are able to climb up there and graze upon it during the day time.

You can even dine while watching the goats, as the restaurant has a large outdoor area for dining.

Some of their bestsellers here are their Swedish meatballs and pancakes, so don’t miss out on trying them.

The interiors of the restaurant are also authentically Swedish; even their servers are wearing traditional Swedish outfits.

Located along North Bay Shore Drive, Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant and Butik is a must-see for all its quirkiness.

Dine and Drink at Husby’s Food and Spirits

Once you’re done having a Swedish feast in Al Johnson’s, Husby’s Food and Spirits is a great destination for dinner—it’s located along North Bay Shore Drive as well.

They serve amazing food and drinks here, with their Bloody Mary being raved about by many of their loyal customers.

If you want the true Husby’s drinking experience, then you should try their fried cheese curds paired with their craft beer as well.

Other delicious options here are their whitefish wraps along beef burgers.

Husby’s Food and Spirits has a fantastic atmosphere, and there’s even live music here and plenty of TVs.

Have a Blast at Johnson’s Park

Johnson’s Park is an amusement center in Sister Bay that’s perfect for families with children or younger teenagers.

They’re famous for their go kart race tracks, along with other fun facilities such as their batting cages.

Johnson’s Park also has mini golf, an arcade center, and a bounce house.

An overall fun place for kids and adults, this is a great place to pump your adrenaline, especially via go kart races.

Johnson’s Park can be found along North Highland Road.

Shop for Souvenirs at Frykman Studio Gallery

Frykman Studio Gallery is an underrated spot in Sister Bay where you can shop for souvenirs and appreciate local art.

They’re famous for their local photographers who take amazing pictures, along with their skilled wood craftsmen.

Frykman Studio Gallery has a great staff who will guide you throughout your visit, whether you’re there to shop or just appreciate art.

Still, most of their items are affordable, so this is a great chance to get memorabilia in Sister Bay.

Find the gallery along South Shore Bay Drive.

Final Thoughts

The best way to experience Sister Bay is to savor its peaceful and quiet atmosphere to the fullest.

Explore the area and find the hidden nooks and crannies you would have missed.

Take the time to absorb every beautiful thing you see around you.

The village has a lot to offer travelers looking for a change of pace.

Book a trip today if that’s what you want for your next vacation.

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