Tucked at the tip of Door County’s peninsula, Gills Rock is often called a hidden gem-and for good reason. While it may look sleepy at first glance, this tiny fishing village is packed with more to do (and eat!) than you’d ever expect.
Here’s a guide to making the most of your Gills Rock adventure, with favorites and local secrets that go way beyond the basics.
Catch a Sunset in Gills Rock (The BEST in Door County)
If you do one thing in Gills Rock, make it a sunset. The village cradles Hedgehog Harbor, offering an unobstructed view of the sun sinking into Green Bay. Mariner’s Park is a prime spot, and locals will tell you the colors here are unmatched anywhere else in Door County.
Shoreline Restaurant (Absolute Fav!)
For dinner with a view, Shoreline Restaurant is unbeatable. Perched right on the water, it serves up modern cuisine with local flavors-think fresh seafood, steaks, and chef-inspired specials-all with million-dollar sunset views. Come for the food, stay for the scenery.
Drive the Curvy Road
The legendary “curvy road” (the last stretch of Highway 42) is one of Wisconsin’s most photographed spots. With 15 bends in about a mile, it’s a scenic drive through lush woods that ends at the ferry dock. The curves were likely designed to slow drivers down so they could soak in the beauty-mission accomplished.
Charlie’s Smokehouse
No trip is complete without a stop at Charlie’s Smokehouse. This family-run spot has been serving up smoked fish for generations. Grab some whitefish or salmon to go-it’s a true taste of Door County.
Ferry Ride to Washington Island
Hop on the Island Clipper for a quick trip across Death’s Door. If you’re lucky enough, Charlie himself (see above) will be the caption of the boat. The ride itself is an adventure, with stunning views and the thrill of crossing one of the Great Lakes’ most storied straits. Once on the island, a whole new set of adventures awaits.
Hoping to bring your car? Just head down the Curvy Road to the Washington Island Ferry Line in Northport. Cars are welcome aboard and recommend bringing yours to the island if you’re looking to spend a day there. Learn more.
Port des Morts Park
Explore the rugged beauty of Port des Morts Park, named after the treacherous “Death’s Door” passage. The park offers hiking, shoreline exploration, and breathtaking vistas. It’s a quiet place to connect with Door County’s wild side.
Shops in Gills Rock (Simply Scandinavian is Our Favorite)
Gills Rock may be small, but its shops are brimming with character. Simply Scandinavian is a standout, offering unique gifts, home goods, and Scandinavian imports. Don’t miss Hedgehog Gifts, Top O’ the Thumb Gift Shop and other local favorites for a true Door County shopping experience.
Take a Stroll Through Newport State Park
Just a short drive from Gills Rock, Newport State Park is Wisconsin’s only designated wilderness park. Hike tranquil trails, bike through the forest, or enjoy a quiet beach. It’s a haven for nature lovers and those seeking peace away from the crowds.
As an added bonus, Newport is also Wisconsin’s first-and only-official International Dark Sky Park. Thanks to its remote location at the tip of the Door Peninsula and minimal light pollution, the park offers some of the darkest night skies in the Midwest. Whether you’re a casual stargazer or an avid astronomer, Newport provides exceptional opportunities for viewing stars, the Milky Way, and even the Northern Lights on clear nights.
Cuesta Coffee
Fuel your day with a stop at Cuesta Coffee. This cozy spot serves up expertly crafted coffee and pastries-perfect for a morning pick-me-up before hitting the trails or the water.
Rent a Boat from Northern Door Boats
Get out on the water by renting a boat from Northern Door Boat Rental. Whether you want to fish, sightsee, or just float, exploring Green Bay from the water gives you a whole new perspective on the peninsula’s beauty.
Door Bluff Headlands County Park
Just west of Gills Rock, Door Bluff Headlands County Park is the northernmost point of Door County. This rugged, undeveloped park features dramatic limestone bluffs, dense forests, and unmarked hiking trails with stunning views over Green Bay and Hedgehog Harbor. There are no facilities, but it’s a favorite for adventurous hikers and anyone looking for a quiet, scenic escape.
Looking to experience stunning views from the water? Don’t miss Door County Kayak Tours! Their Shipwreck Kayak Tour at Door Bluff County Park launches from Garrett Bay and offers a picturesque and serene journey through the captivating natural beauty of the water and surrounding bluffs.
Uncle Tom’s Candy Store
Just a few minutes from Gills Rock, Uncle Tom’s Candy Store in Ellison Bay is a Door County classic. Housed in a historic old schoolhouse, this family-run shop has been making homemade peanut brittle, fudge, and chocolate bark since 1973. You’ll find free popcorn, plenty of samples, and a nostalgic vibe that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
Even More to Explore
- Maritime History: Visit the Door County Maritime Museum’s northern outpost to learn about shipwrecks and the area’s fishing heritage.
- Fishing: Gills Rock is a fisherman’s paradise, with opportunities to catch smallmouth bass, perch, pike, walleye, and salmon.
- Backroads & Biking: The area’s rustic roads and canopied trails are perfect for biking or a leisurely drive.
- Cherries: Be sure to stop at Bea’s Ho-Made Products, a beloved family-run shop just around the corner from the cottages. For over 60 years, Bea’s has been famous for its homemade jams, pickles, and especially their cherry pies-made from scratch with local Door County cherries and a flaky, traditional crust. Many visitors and locals alike say Bea’s cherry pie is the best in the county, making it a must-try treat on your Door County adventure.
