Have you been to Door County and enjoyed it so much that you want to visit somewhere else like it? Or, are you trying to decide if Door County is the right place for you to visit, and a comparison would help you? This article will help you by talking about places like Door County.
Traverse City, Michigan.
If there is one place in the United States of America that you could say is a place like Door County, it would be Traverse City. The parallels between Door County and Traverse City are uncanny.
Here are some similarities between Door County, Wisconsin, and Traverse City, Michigan:
- Both are located on Lake Michigan.
- Both are known for their cherry orchards.
- Both are tourism powerhouses.
- Both have many wineries.
- Both have lighthouses.
- Both have beaches.
- Both have incredible natural beauty.
- Both have parks.
- Both have cultural attractions like art galleries and theaters.
Despite these similarities, there are some differences between Traverse City and Door County. One of the biggest differences is the geological features. While Door County has sand dunes, there are many more sand dunes around Traverse City, and they are much bigger. The land at Traverse City tends to be more sandy; whereas the land of Door County tends to be more rocky and craggy.
If you want to learn more about the similarities and differences between these two locations, check out our post on Traverse City vs Door County.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is another place like Door County in Michigan. This island sits in the Straits of Mackinac, the passage between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. While Door County is not just an island, it certainly has islands, including Washington Island. Like Mackinac Island, Washington Island is an inhabited island in the Great Lakes. Here are some similarities between Mackinac Island and Door County:
- Both have or are inhabited islands.
- Both have lighthouses.
- Both are located in the Great Lakes.
- Both are tourism powerhouses.
- Both have state parks.
- Both have natural beauty.
Despite these similarities, there are some differences. First of all, while Door County has islands, Door County is not an island. Whereas, Mackinac Island is an island. Second, Door County’s inhabited island (Washington Island) permits motorized vehicles. Mackinac Island does not permit motorized vehicles.
For a more in-depth look at the similarities and differences between Mackinac Island and Door County, take a look at our in-depth post on this topic.
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dells is another place like Door County in that it is a tourism powerhouse in Wisconsin. Here are some similarities between Wisconsin Dells and Door County:
- Both are Wisconsin tourism destinations.
- Both have natural beauty.
- Both have state parks in the area.
Despite these similarities, there are some big differences between Wisconsin Dells and Door County. First, Wisconsin Dells can have more of a commercialized “tourist trap” feel. This is because Door County has taken measures to ensure a quaint, local feel. Also, Wisconsin Dells is a big spot for water parks and amusement parks. Door County has some small-scale amusement parks, but nothing on the scale of the Wisconsin Dells.
For a more thorough look at the similarities and differences of these two locations, check out our comprehensive post on Wisconsin Dells vs Door County.
Niagara Falls, New York
Places like Door County include Niagara Falls, New York. In fact, the similarities between Niagara Falls and Door County go down to the bedrock of these places. The same geological features which formed Door County (the Niagara Escarpment), is the geological feature that formed Niagara Falls. Here are some similarities between Niagara Falls and Door County:
- Both are located on the Niagara Escarpment.
- Both have natural beauty.Is Wisconsin in Canada?
- Both have state parks.
- Both are tourism powerhouses.
- Both are located in the Great Lakes region of the United States.
Despite these similarities, there are some differences. One difference is that, like Wisconsin Dells, Niagara Falls can have more of a commercialized “tourist trap” feel. Niagara Falls was developed very early and has not benefitted from the kinds of zoning regulations that have helped Door County retain a quaint, local feel. Another difference is that Niagara Falls is located at the border with Canada. The State of Wisconsin does not border Canada.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
People have been comparing Door County to Cape Cod for decades. In fact, the similarities are so big that people often call Door County the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” Of all the places like Door County in the United States of America, this is the place that often comes to people’s minds. Here are some similarities between Door County and Cape Cod:
- Both have prominent peninsulas.
- Both have islands.
- Both have lighthouses.
- Both have beaches.
- Both have thriving tourism industries.
- Both have been important for the maritime industry.
- Both have a canal cutting through them.
Despite these similarities, there are certainly some differences. For example, Cape Cod is in the Atlantic Ocean, but Door County is in Lake Michigan. Also, while Door County is not cheap, it is still a more affordable travel destination than Cape Cod.
Lake Geneva, WI
Lake Geneva and Door County are two popular vacation destinations in Wisconsin that offer visitors unique and unforgettable experiences. Lake Geneva, located in Walworth County, offers upscale resorts and fine dining options, while Door County, located on a peninsula in northeastern Wisconsin, is known for its scenic lighthouses, beaches, state parks, and traditional fish boils.
Both locations have beautiful natural surroundings, outdoor activities, and charming downtown areas with shops and restaurants. Door County has a population of about 30,000, while Walworth County has a population of about 107,000, which impacts the type of experience visitors may have. Door County offers a more peaceful and intimate atmosphere, while Walworth County offers a wider range of attractions and activities.
Ultimately, the choice of which to visit will depend on individual preferences and the type of vacation experience desired. Visitors who prefer a more laid-back and traditional vacation may choose Door County, while those seeking a more upscale and sophisticated experience may opt for Lake Geneva.
For a deeper comparison, make sure to check out our post on Lake Geneva vs Door County.
Bayfield / Apostle Islands
Another place like Door County is the Bayfield / Apostle Islands area in Wisconsin. Both areas offer stunning natural scenery, including islands and sea caves, with Bayfield / Apostle Islands located on Lake Superior and featuring a National Lakeshore. Outdoor activities like kayaking and fishing are popular in both areas, as are local produce such as apples and cherries. Dining options in both areas include fish boils and fish fries, while cultural attractions in Door County include the Peninsula Players and free concerts. While there are differences between the two areas, including the crowds in Door County in the summer, both offer a strong sense of community and a warm welcome to visitors.
For a more comprehensive comparison, check out our post on Bayfield / Apostle Islands vs Door County.
Places Like Door County: Conclusion
While there are several places like Door County in the United States, there is only one place that offers Door County’s unique blend of Midwestern accessibility, lighthouses, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. These other locations may be worth a visit, but at HelloDoorCounty.com, we believe that everyone should come and give us a visit to Door County.
Summary
- Place like Door County include Traverse City, Michigan, Mackinac Island, Michigan, Wisconsin Dells, Niagara Falls, New York, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
- Even though there are several places like Door County in the United States, Door County is worth a visit due to what make it unique.
