Door County Fall Colors Drive | Sturgeon Bay to Peninsula State Park (October 2025)
Fall Colors in Door County: A Scenic Drive from Sturgeon Bay to Peninsula State Park
Every October, Door County, Wisconsin transforms into one of the most colorful destinations in the Midwest. The peninsula is famous for its cherry orchards, lakeside towns, and lighthouses, but in autumn the main attraction is the brilliant display of fall colors. On October 15, 2025, we set out with our camera to capture the peak foliage on a drive from Sturgeon Bay up Highway 42 to Peninsula State Park.
Starting in Sturgeon Bay
The journey begins in Sturgeon Bay, the gateway to Door County. Lined with historic buildings and waterfront views, it’s a perfect place to grab a coffee before hitting the road. Even within the city, trees were bursting with vibrant reds, oranges, and golden yellows that made it clear the leaves were at their peak.
Highway 42: A Classic Door County Drive
Highway 42 is one of the most scenic drives in Wisconsin, especially in fall. The winding road takes you past farmland, forests, and small towns. The canopy of maples and oaks along the highway glowed in the afternoon sun, creating a tunnel of color that makes this stretch of road unforgettable.
Peninsula State Park in Full Color
The highlight of the trip was Peninsula State Park, one of Wisconsin’s most popular parks and a must-visit in autumn. From the shoreline of Green Bay to the hiking trails through dense forests, every view was framed by fiery foliage. The contrast of bright leaves against the blue water of Lake Michigan made for some of the most striking fall scenery I’ve seen in Wisconsin.
When to See Fall Colors in Door County
Based on my trip, mid-October is the ideal time to experience peak color in Door County. Every year can be a little different depending on weather, but generally the second and third weeks of October are the best window.
Watch the Drive
I filmed the entire drive from Sturgeon Bay to Peninsula State Park so you can experience the fall colors for yourself. Watch the full video below and enjoy the beauty of autumn in Door County.
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