Its borders contain some of the United States' most spectacular scenery: green, gently rolling hills; vivid fall foliage in shades of red, yellow and orange; quaint villages; quiet streets; architecture reflecting days past; and family-run shops selling handcrafted goods and local delicacies. And it's not New England -- nor is it located anywhere along the Eastern Seaboard, in fact. It's one of America's best-kept secrets: Door County, Wisconsin, a special place that loyal residents swear they'll never leave, and visitors wander amazed that they'd never heard about before now. You won't find any full-color advertisements or aggressive tourism campaigns for Door County. But as you're probably aware, some of the country's most beautiful spots are those that receive considerably less media attention. Opting to remain relatively quiet, Door County has preferred to let a much slower public relations campaign take place by word of mouth.

Located in Northeast Wisconsin, Door County is comprised of the regions of Sturgeon Bay -- considered Wisconsin's friendliest town, Jacksonport, Baileys Harbor, Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay, Ellison Bay/Gills Rock, Washington Island and Rock Island (virtual tour of each). The county boasts more than 250 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan, which provides visitors and residents with plenty to do when the warmer months arrive. Fishing, sailing, water-skiing and -- along shoreline trails -- horseback riding are all popular recreational activities here. Scenery and recreation aren't the only draws to Door County, however. The region's history -- much of it commemerating the region's maritime past -- is perhaps its biggest selling point. Among its historical landmarks are the Anderson Store, a restored county store built in 1858 and listed on the National Historic Register (a trip to an authentic country store is an experience not to be missed); the Cana Island and Eagle Bluff lighthouses; the "Old Schoolhouse," Door County's first schoolhouse, built in 1866; and the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal & Coastguard Station Lighthouse, completed in 1882. Also worth a visit are the Door County Maritime Museum, where visitors may view vessels from the early 20th century; and the Door County Museum, which includes a pioneer-era firehouse.

Other popular sights include the Briggsville Gardens, Cherryland Brewing Company, the Door Peninsula Winery, and The Farm, a zoo-of-sorts where barnyard animals may be viewed in their natural surroundings. Visitors also may take ferries to nearby Washington Island, which makes an excellent day trip. If you're really looking for some cultural immersion, try your hand at cherry-picking. Cherries are native to this region of Wisconsin (so be sure to visit an area restaurant for some of the best cherry cobbler you've ever eaten). Door County is loaded with cherry orchards; for a complete list, head to this Web site for details and phone numbers: .

Door County is home to a surprisingly large number of real estate organizations. In addition to selling homes to full-time residents, Realtors in Door County also conduct plenty of business with vacation properties. Single-family homes are priced anywhere from less than $100,000 to multimillions. The most expensive homes are situated along private drives and include substantial beachfront property as well as expansive decks. Architecture is diverse, ranging from in-town properties located on top of retail businesses to simple bungalows to sprawling log homes. Vacation properties include many log homes and quaint cottages, and are often rented on a per-day basis. If the number of Realtors in Door County is testimony to the interest in this area, the word is quickly spreading about this beautiful landscape along Lake Michigan. Door County represents a refreshing change of pace from the usual tourist destinations and offers something to please every visitor. Relocating families will enjoy the county's peaceful coexistence with its natural surroundings; Door County remains one of the dwindling number of spots where development has not come at the sacrifice of nature. It's a trip back in time to when the maritime industry reigned supreme, when quiet villages were the center of activity and when locals knew each other by name.

More Community Profiles.

Published: January 25, 1999

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.