Door County Fall Colors Drive | Sturgeon Bay to Peninsula State Park (October 2025)
Door County Fall Colors Drive: Sturgeon Bay to Peninsula State Park
This Door County fall colors drive is one of the best scenic routes in Wisconsin every October. Door County, Wisconsin transforms into one of the most colorful destinations in the Midwest each fall. 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 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 as it climbs the peninsula from Sturgeon Bay toward Fish Creek and Peninsula State Park, roughly 20 miles that’s easy to drive in under an hour, longer once you start stopping for photos. 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.
Good pull-off spots along the way include the overlooks near Egg Harbor and the roadside orchards, both worth a quick stop if you catch good light.
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. Eagle Tower and the Eagle Trail are two of the best spots in the park to get above the treeline and see the color spread out below you.
When to See Fall Colors in Door County
Based on our Door County fall colors drive, mid-October is the ideal time to experience peak color on the peninsula. Every year can be a little different depending on weather, but generally the second and third weeks of October are the best window. Door County tends to peak slightly later than inland Wisconsin thanks to the moderating effect of Lake Michigan and Green Bay.
Watch the Drive
We 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.
Door County Fall Colors Drive: Quick FAQ
What’s the best route for a Door County fall colors drive?
Highway 42 from Sturgeon Bay north to Peninsula State Park, about 20 miles, is the classic route and the one we drove.
When is peak fall color in Door County?
Typically the second and third weeks of October, a bit later than inland Wisconsin.
Is Peninsula State Park worth the stop?
Yes. It’s the highlight of the drive, with shoreline views of Green Bay and hiking trails through color-filled forest.
For more photos, videos, and Wisconsin travel inspiration, visit
WiscoLens.com.
