Ephraim WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ephraim, Wisconsin.
1. Ephraim Historical Foundation
PRESERVING VILLAGE HERITAGE
The Ephraim Historical Foundation has done an amazing job preserving the heritage of this quaint American village through guided walking tours and a dedicated museum district. Visitors can experience golf cart tours through the historic neighborhood, enriched by personal anecdotes and a unique collection of local cultural artifacts that reveal deep historical roots. This cultural treasure offers an immersive journey into Ephraim's past for history enthusiasts of all ages.
2. Francis Hardy Gallery
ART ON ANDERSON DOCK
The Francis Hardy Gallery, housed in the historic Anderson Warehouse, showcases local artists' work along with explanations of methods used that appeal to visitors of all ages. Located on the iconic Anderson Dock, this gallery combines artistic expression with historical significance in a unique setting. Both 13-year-olds and adults have expressed their enjoyment of the diverse artistic displays that celebrate Door County's creative community.
3. Anderson Dock
CANVAS OF VISITOR SIGNATURES
Anderson Dock serves as the epicenter of Ephraim's cultural heritage where visitors have been writing their names on the boards for generations. This unique landmark invites tourists to leave their mark, becoming part of a living testament to the thriving community and historical significance of the Anderson family. Within its vicinity, visitors can explore the iconic Anderson Homestead, Gas Station Gallery, Ice House, and the Anderson Warehouse which now houses the Francis Hardy Gallery.
4. Wilson's Ice Cream Parlor
ICONIC AMERICANA DESSERTS
Wilson's Ice Cream Parlor stands as a picture-perfect image of Americana in the heart of Ephraim, offering a photogenic backdrop for visitors seeking that quintessential Door County experience. This beloved establishment serves up delicious frozen treats that have delighted generations of travelers to the peninsula. Photographers and ice cream enthusiasts alike flock to this charming spot for both its visual appeal and sweet refreshments.
5. Eagle Tower
PANORAMIC PENINSULA VIEWS
Eagle Tower is a 60-foot-tall structure overlooking Ephraim's Eagle Harbor that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Peninsula State Park, the harbor, Green Bay, and surrounding islands. Visitors can choose to climb the tower's 100 steps or take a scenic route across an 850-foot accessible canopy walk to enjoy the spectacular vistas. Though technically part of Peninsula State Park whose official entrance is in Fish Creek, Ephraim residents and visitors enjoy direct access to this magnificent lookout point.
6. Peninsula State Park Golf Course
SCENIC WATERFRONT GOLFING
Peninsula State Park Golf Course provides golfers with stunning views and challenging play just steps from Ephraim's southern edge. This scenic course combines the natural beauty of Door County with well-maintained fairways and greens that appeal to golfers of all skill levels. Though the park's main entrance is located in nearby Fish Creek, Ephraim visitors have convenient access to this popular attraction where nature and recreation perfectly intersect.
7. Ephraim Preserve at Anderson Pond
NATURAL WETLAND SANCTUARY
The Ephraim Preserve at Anderson Pond offers visitors a tranquil natural sanctuary featuring wetlands and diverse ecosystems to explore. Winding trails guide nature enthusiasts through this preserved area where local flora and fauna thrive in their natural habitat. This peaceful retreat provides a perfect contrast to the village's waterfront activities, offering a quieter way to connect with Door County's natural beauty.
8. Ephraim Waterfront
WATER RECREATION HUB
Ephraim's Waterfront serves as the center of water recreation in the village, offering pontoon boats, paddleboards, kayaks, sailboat cruises, and jet-skis right in the center of town. The protected harbor provides calm waters perfect for novice paddlers, while more adventurous visitors can explore the shores of nearby Peninsula State Park. This picturesque waterfront combines accessibility with stunning views, making it an essential stop for any Door County vacation.
9. Fine Line Designs Gallery
REPURPOSED ARTISTIC SPACE
Fine Line Designs Gallery showcases an impressive collection of artwork in a 1950's chicken coop that was renovated in 1999 and transformed into a beautiful multi-level exhibition space. This unique gallery features diverse artistic styles and mediums that represent the rich creative culture of Door County. Visitors appreciate both the distinctive architecture of the building and the carefully curated art displays within its walls.
10. Vintique Resale Shop
CURATED VINTAGE TREASURES
Vintique Resale Shop offers a delightful shopping experience with a nicely presented facility featuring a variety of new and vintage items that tempt browsers and collectors alike. This charming establishment curates an ever-changing selection of unique pieces that range from nostalgic memorabilia to practical home goods. Treasure hunters will appreciate the thoughtful organization and diverse inventory that make each visit a new adventure in discovery.
11. Christmas in the Village
FESTIVE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Christmas in the Village transforms Ephraim into an enchanting winter wonderland each December, offering festive holiday cheer for visitors of all ages. The celebration features horse-drawn wagon rides, crafting sessions, holiday-themed food, and the opportunity for children to await Santa's grand arrival at the Village Hall with his elves and reindeer. The day culminates with a magical tree lighting ceremony at dusk in Harborside Park, creating picture-perfect holiday memories for all who attend.
12. Island Lavender Farm Market
AROMATIC PURPLE FIELDS
Island Lavender Farm Market welcomes visitors to experience the fragrant world of locally grown lavender through both products and scenic purple fields. This aromatic destination offers a variety of lavender-infused goods including culinary items, bath products, and home fragrances all crafted from their Door County harvest. Visitors can enjoy the calming sensory experience of the lavender plants while learning about the cultivation and uses of this versatile herb.
13. The Spa at Ephraim
LAKESIDE RELAXATION RETREAT
The Spa at Ephraim provides a tranquil sanctuary where visitors can indulge in rejuvenating treatments while enjoying the serene atmosphere of Door County. Professional therapists offer a range of services from massages to facials, all designed to promote wellness and relaxation during your peninsula getaway. The peaceful lakeside setting enhances the restorative experience, making it a perfect complement to the more active pursuits available in the area.
14. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse
HISTORIC MARITIME BEACON
Eagle Bluff Lighthouse stands as a historic maritime beacon in Peninsula State Park, just a short distance from Ephraim's southern boundary. Built in 1868, this beautifully preserved lighthouse offers guided tours where visitors can learn about the life of lighthouse keepers and maritime history on the Door Peninsula. The sunset views behind Eagle Bluff, visible from Ephraim's shoreline, create one of the area's most iconic and photographed scenes.
15. Door County Maritime Heritage
PENINSULA'S NAUTICAL PAST
Door County's Maritime Heritage sites around Ephraim showcase the peninsula's rich relationship with the waters that surround it through preserved artifacts, vessels, and historical accounts. Visitors can explore the area's shipbuilding traditions, fishing industry history, and tales of daring rescues that shaped the community over generations. These maritime connections remain evident today in everything from the working harbors to the traditional fish boils that continue to bring residents and visitors together in celebration of this unique cultural heritage.