Egg Harbor | Wisconsin

“Never did any one enter with greater zest into any sport than did the gentlemen on this occasion... the shoreline battlefield ‘presented a strange appearance, strewn as it was with egg-shells.’ The next morning... the place was formally christened ‘Egg Harbor’.”

- Elizabeth Baird (1825, as told later)

A Village by the Bay

Egg Harbor rests on a bluff above Green Bay, a postcard-worthy harbor town with a relaxed rhythm. Shops spill out onto Main Street, live music drifts from patios in summer, and sailboats tilt gently in the marina. It’s small enough to feel personal, yet connected to the grand sweep of the Door Peninsula, where cliffs, orchards, and lighthouses frame more than 300 miles of shoreline.

For travelers, Egg Harbor is both a destination and a gateway: a place to wander boutiques and beaches, then strike out toward the larger canvas of Door County’s scenic villages and natural wonders.

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How the Name Was Born

Legend has it that in June 1825, French traders landed in this very harbor and began a raucous food fight. What began with hardtack ended with eggs, leaving the shoreline littered with shells. When the laughter subsided, the harbor had a name: Egg Harbor. It remains one of the most delightfully whimsical origin stories on the peninsula.

Settlers, Orchards, and Harbors

By the mid-19th century, settlers from Belgium, Germany, and Scandinavia made their way here. They felled timber, built sturdy barns, and planted the first cherry orchards that would come to define Door County. Farmers and fishermen alike worked the land and water, while shipbuilders shaped the peninsula’s rugged shoreline into a working harbor.

These same orchards still blossom each spring in clouds of pink and white, an enduring link to the past. Come July, the fruit ripens into the bright red cherries that anchor pies, jams, and even local wines.

Door County’s Deeper Story

Long before villages dotted the shoreline, the Potawatomi and other Native peoples navigated these waters. The strait at the tip of the peninsula was notorious for storms and shipwrecks, earning the French name Porte des Morts—“Door of the Dead.” From that name, the entire county would take its identity.

By the early 20th century, Door County had shifted from frontier to retreat. Chicago and Milwaukee families built cottages, artists found inspiration in limestone bluffs and northern light, and summer festivals grew out of fishing camps and farm suppers. Today, it’s a landscape where memory and modern vacation culture intertwine.

Egg Harbor Today

What remains is a harbor village that balances history with hospitality. Visitors sip cherry wine at local wineries, hear music in the park, kayak the quiet shoreline, or browse a historic gallery inside the Cupola House. Egg Harbor remembers its beginnings not as a museum piece but as a living tradition—where every sunset over Green Bay feels like part of the story.

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1. Where to Go & What to Do

Natural Beauty & Outdoor Adventures

• Egg Harbor Marina & Harbor View Park
  Enjoy scenic strolls, sunset vistas, picnics, and waterside relaxation. The marina offers boat rentals and fishing charters—a great gateway to Green Bay adventures.
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• Frank E. Murphy Park
  A tranquil sandy beach with picnic areas and breathtaking views—ideal for unwinding with family.
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• Peninsula State Park & Eagle Tower
  Head out for hiking, biking, camping, and an overlook tower granting panoramic views from its treetop vantage point.
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• Family Fun Attractions
  From the action-packed Egg Harbor Fun Park (mini-golf, go-karts, arcade) to Door County Gem Mining, Plum Loco Animal Farm, zip-lining and kayaking with Gravity Trails, there's an adventure for every age.
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• Door County Trolley Tours
  Discover the area's charm, history, or wine scene aboard themed trolley rides—fun, informative, and laid-back.
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• Cultural & Leisure Spots
  Visit The Kress Pavilion, home to the local library and jazz nights with sweeping views, or step into the beautifully preserved Cupola House, built in 1871, now a gallery and café.
  

2. Charming Places to Stay

Egg Harbor offers accommodations that feel like a cozy retreat:

• The Landmark Resort (Carrington restaurant on-site) – Full-service oasis with amenities and sweeping Green Bay views.
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• Landing Resort – Woodsy, suite-style lodging (1–3 bedrooms) with kitchens—perfect for longer, relaxed stays.
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• Newport Resort – Comfortable one- and two-bedroom suites with whirlpools, fireplaces, indoor/outdoor pools, fitness center, and grilling area.
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• Bay Point Inn – Just steps from the beach, this inn offers stunning waterfront views and proximity to shops and eateries.
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• Plus, charming B&Bs, cottages, and even campgrounds await for those seeking that cozy, local feel. Heated pools, whirlpools, and pet-friendly options available.
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3. Where to Dine—Cozy & Coastal Flavors

• Pizza Bros
  Inventive wood-fired pizzas like Mexican-inspired toppings and Wisconsin-crafted Roman-style crusts. Casual yet exceptional.
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• Mezzanine
  Rooftop dining with harbor views. Savory bites include whitefish chowder, smoked dip, cherry sauce–touched cheese curds—great for evening drinks and sunsets.
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• PC Junction
  Train-themed, family-friendly favorite. Enjoy sandwiches, award-winning chili, and desserts delivered by train models—it’s an experience as much as a meal.
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• The Log Den
  Rustic log cabin ambiance, local steak and seafood, plus a soup & salad bar. A cozy, woodsy dining experience.
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• Casey’s BBQ & Smokehouse
  Smoked meats over cherry wood, savory sauces, and a relaxed indoor/outdoor setting. Don’t miss their Friday fish fry.
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• Carrington at the Landmark Resort
  Elevated casual dining with panoramic bay views—refined yet comfortable.
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• Village Café – Another charming local choice beloved by both residents and visitors.
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