The Juiciest Time of Year: Celebrating Cherry Season in Door County, Wisconsin

There are magical seasons in life—fall in New England, springtime in Paris… and cherry season in Door County. If you’ve never bitten into a sun-warmed, just-picked cherry under the Wisconsin sky, you’ve been missing out on one of the Midwest’s most delicious summer traditions. Lucky for you, cherry season is here—and it’s ripe for the picking.

Why Door County Cherries Are a Big Deal

Door County isn’t just known for its stunning shoreline and quaint small towns—it’s also the Cherry Capital of the Midwest. With over 2,500 acres of cherry orchards, this peninsula becomes a paradise of deep reds and tart-sweet aromas every July and August.
The region’s unique mix of cool lake breezes and sandy soil makes it the perfect spot for growing Montmorency tart cherries, known for their vibrant flavor and health benefits. Door County produces millions of pounds of cherries each year—and locals know exactly how to celebrate.

Pick-Your-Own Cherry Farms 
Want a cherry-filled adventure? Head to one of Door County’s many U-pick orchards, where you can pluck your own fruit straight from the trees. It’s a perfect outing for families, couples, or solo fruit fanatics with buckets in hand.

Some favorite spots include:

• Seaquist Orchards in Sister Bay – Pick your own, then visit their country store for cherry donuts and salsa.
• Lautenbach’s Orchard Country in Fish Creek – U-pick plus wine tastings? Yes, please.
• Choice Orchards near Sturgeon Bay – Friendly staff, great picking, and excellent pie cherries.

Can’t-Miss Cherry Treats in Door County
​Cherry season isn’t just about the picking—it’s about the eating. Local restaurants, bakeries, and roadside stands go all in on cherry-themed delights. A few you absolutely need to try:

• Cherry Pie – Find the best at Bea’s Ho‑Made Products in Ellison Bay.
• Cherry Bounce – A rich, spiced cherry cordial you can make—or pick up—local style. Learn its deep American roots .
• Cherry BBQ Sauce – Grab a bottle from Door Peninsula Winery!  
• Cherry Kringle – Stop at Uncle Mike's on your way through Green Bay! 
• Cherry Ice Cream – Swing by Wilson’s in Ephraim or  Not Licked Yet in Fish Creek  for a scoop of creamy cherry bliss.
• Sweet Cherry Wine – Grab a bottle of Door Peninsula Sweet Cherry Wine from Door Peninsula Winery. We also stock Door Peninsula wines at Bridgeport Resort for your convenience! 
  
• Cherry Wheat Beer – Locally brewed at  Shipwrecked Brew Pub , a refreshing pour infused with cherry flavor

​If you really want to soak in the vibe, time your visit for the Door County Cherry Festival or a local farm market day. Expect pie-eating contests, live music, cherry pit spitting (yes, it’s a thing), and small-town charm in every bite.

Seasonal Cherry Events & Markets

• Door County Cherry Festival (late July/early August): A weekend of cherry-pit spitting contests, pie eating, live music, and more. Exact dates and tickets here: Door County Cherry Festival website.​

• Farm Markets:
  • Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market: Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8 AM–1 PM.
  • Fish Creek Market: Saturdays, 9 AM–1 PM, July & August.
  • Sister Bay: Tuesdays, 9 AM–1 PM, summer months.

(Locality and dates may vary--check for current season info.)

​Bridgeport Stay Tips for Cherry Lovers

• Plan your stay mid-July to mid-August to catch peak season.
• Chill your cherry purchases—especially pies or wine—by using your in-room fridge.
• Pair a picnic on the harbor with our local Cherry Wheat or Sweet Cherry Wine.

​At Bridgeport, we believe in making your Door County cherry experience unforgettable. From orchards to ovens, from hearty bars to fine wine, this season is a berry-licious celebration—just waiting for you.

---

Two Tried-and-True Door County Cherry Recipes

Door County Cherry Bars

Ingredients (8×8” pan):

• 1¼ cups flour + ½ cup flour (divided)
  
• ½ cup softened butter
  
• 3 Tbsp powdered sugar
  
• 1 cup cherries (fresh/frozen), unthawed
  
• 2 large eggs
  
• ⅔ cup sugar
  
• 2 tsp vanilla
  
• ½ tsp baking powder
  
• ¼ tsp salt
  
• ¾ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter an 8×8 pan.
   
2. Mix 1 cup flour, butter, and powdered sugar, press into pan. Bake 25 min until light golden.
   
3. Toss cherries with vanilla. Beat eggs, sugar until thick. Stir in remaining flour, baking powder, salt, walnuts, and cherry mix.
   
4. Spread over crust; bake 25 min more. Cool before cutting. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
   

---

Tart Cherry Upside‑Down Cake

Ingredients:

• 9 oz Jiffy yellow cake mix
  
• ~3 Tbsp butter + extra
  
• Brown sugar (to taste)
  
• 1–2 cups pitted tart cherries (fresh or thawed frozen)
  

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter and brown sugar in skillet.
   
2. Distribute cherries evenly.
   
3. Top with remaining butter and carefully stir in cake mix—don’t mix cherries.
   
4. Bake until golden and set. Invert onto plate—serve warm (with vanilla ice cream, optional).
   

A rustic favorite cooked skillet‑style using cake mix and Montmorency cherries