Thrill-Seeking Activities Around Door County

Tranquility might be the best way to describe Door County’s vibe, but it's the combination of serenity with opportunities for heart-pumping adventures that truly sets it apart. Elevate your next Door County experience by embracing thrilling activities that will give you and your crew a burst of adrenaline and make your getaway one to remember.

Soar Over Serenity on a Parasailing Trip

There are plenty of fantastic date ideas to explore throughout Door County, but why not add a dash of daring by parasailing with your favorite person? Soaring hundreds of feet above Lake Michigan provides a literal bird’s eye view of the gorgeous peninsula and lake.

Ephraim’s Wisconsin Water Wings has been helping travelers have this audacious adventure since 1985 and is available Memorial Day through mid-October (weather permitting). No prior experience is required; the skipper and staff warmly welcome both the daredevils and the cautious. Whether you're solidifying your reputation as the cool uncle or aiming to surprise your partner with an adventurous date, parasailing in Door County makes for a perfect trip.

Many elegant resorts and quaint bed and breakfasts in Ephraim are within walking distance of Wisconsin Water Wings, so your group can easily extend your stay. And captivating sunsets over the bluffs of nearby Peninsula State Park are the icing on the cake for this locale—check out the newly renovated wheelchair-accessible canopy walk that ensures everyone can enjoy the spectacular view.

Bond on a Thrilling Canopy Tour

At first glance, a zip line tour is an exhilarating way of exploring Door County’s forests. But look beyond the rush and discover an opportunity to build a stronger bond with those you travel with. Whether heights inspire fear or fascination, dynamics can shift in a surprising way.

The classically headstrong older sibling draws support from the gentle encouragement of the younger. The rowdy ones in the bunch find their focus. The dynamic duo encounters a fresh challenge. Whatever your group looks like, trying out a thrilling experience is sure to bring you closer together and create memories you’ll look back on for years to come.

Sturgeon Bay’s Door County Adventure Center stakes its claim as the highest zipline in Door County, encouraging thrill seekers of all ages to embrace the adventure while immersing themselves in stunning natural beauty. Pair a zip line experience with one of their kayaking excursions along the renowned Cave Point and Whitefish Dunes State Park to keep the fun going even longer.

Another option for zipline fun is Lakeshore Adventures. This adventure park lies in close proximity to the Ridges Sanctuary, the oldest public land trust in the state. As you and your crew soar across these vast expanses, your journey reaches a climax on a dueling zip line race to the finish.

Nearby Baileys Harbor serves as a perfect base camp for exploring the Lake Michigan side of the peninsula and even more picturesque parks.

High Speed Rafting Through Death's Door

No one (apart from the Washington Island Ferry) can tame the famously wild passage between Washington Island and the peninsula’s northern tip, originally called "Death's Door" by French explorers. Experience the mystique of this legendary maritime challenge for yourself with the experienced skippers of Door County Adventure Rafting.

Utilizing nimble crafts originally designed for military operations, these tours venture into waters otherwise inaccessible by larger boats and most kayakers. Enjoy a personalized and intimate tour for your family or small group in one of these specialized small crafts. With the backdrop of lighthouses and towering bluffs, you’re sure to capture the perfect photos and memories on this exciting tour.

Their Deaths Door Tour also offers rare, up-close glimpses of the Plum Island Range Lights. Built in 1896, these beacons continue to play a crucial role in navigating between Green Bay and the vast expanse of Lake Michigan. The tour also encircles the remote Pilot Island and its lighthouse, a structure long weathered by the elements. Additionally, you’ll get an up-close look at the remarkably preserved shipwrecks of the Grapeshot and Fleetwing, spooky snapshots into the storied history of the region.

This thrilling tour departs from Ellison Bay, a charming town near the very edge of the peninsula and a perfect peaceful escape after a day of thrilling adventures. Be sure to visit Newport State Park, one of only two International Dark Sky Parks in the Midwest, to end your getaway with an awe-inspiring view of the Milky Way.

After your trip to the Door, keep the adrenaline pumping up north at these four thrilling Northwoods Wisconsin adventure resorts.