Accessible Travel In Door County

Door County, Wisconsin offered some surprises for us on a recent trip there.  A popular tourist destination, we expected the myriad of gift shops, restaurants, Bed and Breakfast Inns, and numerous coastal villages dotting the coastline.  Talented artists are drawn to this area to perfect their crafts of pottery, glass blowing, sculpting, and painting and numerous galleries display and sell their one-of-a-kind designs…which we also expected to see.  Because Door County is a peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan with the waters of Green Bay on its western side and the vast expanse of Lake Michigan to its east, we also expected the various marinas and numerous lighthouses to be present along the 300 miles of shoreline.

What we didn’t expect were the agricultural areas filling the inland landscape.  Beautiful, clean, well-kept farms with distinctive red barns and fields and fields of produce.  More than 3,000 acres of apple and cherry orchards thrive, as do the half-dozen wineries, bakeries, and numerous restaurants they supply and support.

We also didn’t expect to cross a geographical line marking the 45th parallel (45-degrees latitude) crossing near the middle of Door County’s 75 mile length.  Realizing we were half-way between the Equator and the North Pole at this location certainly put our world in perspective.

Full of history with Scandinavian roots, there are many museums and traditions verifying this fact.  One of the oldest traditions in Door County is the Fish Boil, which dates back to the Scandinavian settlers. It truly is a “fish boil” with a huge kettle of salted water placed over a wood fire.  When the water comes to a boil, a metal basket containing onions and potatoes is dropped in.  A few minutes after that, another metal basket containing Lake Michigan whitefish fillets is added.  As the water continues to heat, it comes to a “rolling boil”, cooking the ingredients and actually boiling over into the flames.  At this point, the meal is ready to eat.  Watching this tradition take place is as enjoyable as the delicious meal, itself.

One of the most surprising features, however, is that Door County readily accommodates those who are disabled.  In addition to the numerous accessible parking lots located throughout all of the little villages, wide sidewalks line the streets.  Many of the businesses and restaurants are “barrier-free” to allow easy entry.  However, inside these establishments, especially the gift shops, it may be a little crowded with other tourists and space may not be ample enough for maneuverability due to narrow aisles and an over-abundance of wares.  It’s best to view the conditions prior to actually entering the establishment.  Multiple crosswalks provide safe access to both sides of the street because  Wisconsin has the “Stop when Pedestrian is in Crosswalk” law, so using the crosswalks via wheelchair or scooter assures the disabled that they always have the right of way.

Most of the museums and galleries, as well as the performing arts centers, have ample space for wheelchair mobility and accessible seating.  The Harbor Lady Cruises tour and personal driving tours are also enjoyable and accessible for those who are disabled.  Numerous hotel, motel, and lodges offer handicap accommodations; it is best to contact the establishment beforehand to notify them of what your needs are.

Numerous outdoor facilities including State, county, and local parks have picnic areas, marinas, shoreline fishing, and campsites that are handicap-friendly.  Peninsula State Park offers two wheelchair accessible trails, as well as viewing areas to look out over Lake Michigan and Green Bay.  Ellison Bluff Park also has partially accessible trails, as well as the best place to experience breathtaking views of sunrises and sunsets.

Door County, Wisconsin is a wonderful tourist destination because it offers something for everyone:  beautiful landscapes, gorgeous harbor views, quaint architecture, and spectacular sunrises and sunsets.  In addition to the sights, shopping, dining, wine tasting, boating, fishing, golfing, and hiking are popular activities.  It’s a place where you can relish its history, explore its museums, and appreciate its art venues.  And, because there is as much for those who are disabled to do here as anyone else, the door is definitely opened for everyone.