A small town in Door County, Wisconsin is your headquarters for some big outdoor fun. While the population of Baileys Harbor barely tops 1,000 people, when it comes to outdoor fun, it punches well above its weight. It’s a place where you can dive into shipwrecks, go sea kayaking, hike to a historic lighthouse, go zip lining, and more. While Wisconsin has a lot of destinations that are packed with outdoor attractions, the options in Baileys Harbor’s quiver are hard to beat. Read on to see why your next outdoor adventure should be in Wisconsin’s Baileys Harbor.

Baileys Harbor is a place that has always been connected to Lake Michigan.
Baileys Harbor, Door County/Facebook
A Native American name for the harbor is "Ah-quah-o-me-ning" which translates to "fish go to shore." It was later named Baileys Harbor for a ship captain named Bailey who was caught in a terrible storm and found refuge in the harbor.
Many captains did not find safety here and the waters off of Baileys Harbor are home to many well-preserved shipwrecks.
Wisconsin Shipwrecks (Wisconsin Historical Society)
Among these shipwrecks is the Christina Nilsson, a 170-foot schooner that sunk in 1884. It rests in shallow water, just offshore and it’s a popular spot for recreational scuba divers.
If your idea of fun is staying above the waves, you have a lot of options.
First Choice Charter Fishing Facebook Page
Door County anglers will find some longtime, deeply experienced captains ready to take them out on a memorable offshore fishing charter.

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Outfitters can also set you up for a sea kayaking adventure.
Bharti Raizada/Google Maps
Pick your poison: a bluff tour, a shipwreck viewing cruise, or an excursion to the nearby sea caves.
Back on shore, even more fun awaits. If you love a good nature hike, and taking a few photos, head to the 1,600-acre Ridges Sanctuary.
Destination Door County/Facebook
Ridges Sanctuary offers tranquil trails that will take you into woods that are studded with wildflowers – 28 different species of orchids have been found here. While you have your camera out, be sure to capture a picture of one of the nearby lighthouses and range lighthouses.
Finish your time in Baileys Harbor with your feet off the ground.
Lakeshore Adventures Zipline Facebook Page
Lakeshore Adventures has the longest zip line in Door County – the 2,000-foot trip will give you big thrills, as well as views of the Ridges Sanctuary, Moonlight Bay and Cana Island. Just don’t look down!

For more information on these attractions and more ideas of things to do in and around Baileys Harbor, visit the Destinations Door County website as well as the official Facebook page.

Have you ever been to Bailey’s Harbor? If so, what did you do? What were your favorite activities? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

If you’re a thrillseeker looking for even more Wisconsin fun, here are 10 once-in-a-lifetime adventures you can only have in the Dairy State.

If you’re still in the mood for more Wisconsin adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

More Adventures in Wisconsin

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | May 07, 2023

Where can we find fish boils in Wisconsin?

  • The Old Post Office Restaurant in Ephraim is one of the most popular places in Door County to enjoy a fish boil in a unique setting.
  • The White Gull Inn in Fish Creek has a Master Boiler with a traditional but a little bit different style.
  • The Harbor Fish Market and Grille in Baileys Harbor doesn’t do fish, but rather lobster, for a different boil adventure.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other delicious places for fish boils in Wisconsin.

Where can we find wineries in Wisconsin?

  • Cold Country Vines and Wines in Kewaunee features spectacular wines in a beautiful setting plus live music events.
  • The Clover Meadow Winery in Shell Lake is set amidst one of the state's oldest forests.
  • Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery and Orchard in Chippewa Falls sits right in the middle of a beautiful apple orchard.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other amazing wineries in Wisconsin.

Where can we find the best restaurants in Wisconsin?

  • The Immigrant in Kohler has been rated as a AAA Four Diamond Award-winning fine dining restaurant.
  • Café Hollander Hilldale in Madison serves delicious European-style food in a unique setting.
  • The Robin's Nest Café in Hayward is known for its amazing breakfast fare.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other delicious restaurants in Wisconsin.

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Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, USA