Small Town Charm
matt sampson photography
Fish Creek, Wisconsin, is a boater’s gateway to Door County’s culture, charm and adventure.
Tucked along the shores of Green Bay, sandwiched between the backdrop of the majestic Niagara Escarpment and the lapping waves of the bay, Fish Creek, Wisconsin, offers more than just a safe harbor for boating enthusiasts. The former fishing village seamlessly blends maritime convenience with a rich tapestry of history, shopping, dining, arts, culture and outdoor activities, making it a must-see destination for travelers who seek a little play, a little relaxation and plenty to explore all within walking distance of a marina.
Two marinas, one village
When arriving by water, boaters have two options; both the family-owned Alibi Marina and municipal Fish Creek Town Dock offer transient slips, welcoming boaters to well-equipped havens.
The Alibi Marina has a rich history, dating back to the mid-20th century, which initially had nothing to do with boats. In fact, its first role in Fish Creek lore was feeding landlubbers at the hamburger stand known as “The Alibi,” which originally occupied the site between the 1940s and ’50s.
The original dock, the Alibi Dock, included one large pier. Over the years, the property transformed from a modest dock into a full-service, private, resort-style marina known for its upscale amenities. Today, boaters can enjoy over 100 slips, accommodating both transient and seasonal boaters, and amenities such as power, water, pump-out services, restrooms and showers, and Wi-Fi, making it a popular destination for those exploring Green Bay and northern Door County. The marina also offers an option of waterfront lodging next door to the marina at the Harbor Guest House.
DOCKSIDE TIP: With Alibi Marina’s 121 seasonal berths and 24 transient slips, you’ll want to make reservations well in advance to secure your spot. Dockage is available for both seasonal and transient boaters, with rates starting at $2.10 per foot.
Next door, the Fish Creek Town Dock, operated by the Town of Gibraltar, offers visitors and residents a community-oriented and accessible boating experience. One popular perk is complimentary two-hour docking, great for those who just want to grab lunch at one of many restaurants within walking distance, get coffee at Bayside Coffee (located steps from the dock), or stock up on groceries, wine and maybe a souvenir or two at Fish Creek Market a few blocks away.
Fuel services, power hookups, pump- out services, Wi-Fi, bathroom and shower facilities, and two boat launch ramps with trailer parking included in the launch fee are offered.
DOCKSIDE TIP: The complimentary two-hour docking spaces are first come, first served. Reservations for these spots are not accepted. If you plan on staying longer, the dock also provides transient slips and wall spaces that can be reserved online or by phone through the Town of Gibraltar starting January 2 for the upcoming season.
Strolling through history
One of the easiest ways to enjoy a sampling of all the town has to offer — and get a history lesson to boot — is through one of two history tours available through the Alexander Noble House Museum, Fish Creek’s oldest wood-frame house. And if you have the time, be sure to tour the museum and its featured exhibit, which rotates annually.
The first history tour option is a docent-led tour, open seasonally beginning June 21, weather permitting. Lasting just under an hour and starting at the Alexander Noble House, the tour provides rich narratives of the village’s coming of age, from a bustling fishing and logging hub to a tourist destination cherished by generations.
If pressed for time, the self-guided audio tour is available year-round, 24/7. Rack cards with additional information about the tour are available through the museum or at the Visit Fish Creek Information Center, located inside the Gibraltar Town Center. Look for the blue numbered tiles on buildings as you stroll through town. When you see one, call the number on the card, enter the tile number and be transported back in time as the narrator relays the story behind the building.
For more info about either tour, or to reserve a spot for groups of over 25 on the docent-led walking tour, call the museum (920-868-2091) at least 24 hours in advance.
DID YOU KNOW: Fish Creek is Wisconsin’s second-oldest tourist destination? It began when Asa Thorp, the village founder, built the village’s first dock in 1855 to sell lumber and fuel to ships. Over time, the reputation of the village’s safe harbor and natural beauty attracted visitors. Many of the village’s original tourist accommodations continue to line
Fish Creek’s streets, including the Whistling Swan, which moved to Fish Creek from across the ice from Marinette, Michigan, along with numerous other historical buildings, homes and
smaller cottages.
nordoor vacations website; gibralterwi.gov
alibi marina website
Resources
fish creek town dock yelp
The Alibi Marina
alibimarina.com
Fish Creek Town Dock
fishcreektowndock.com
Destination Door County
doorcounty.com
Visit Fish Creek
visitfishcreek.com
Peninsula State Park
dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/peninsula
Visit Fish Creek facebook / peninsula players website
Travel Wisconsin
A cultural crossroads
Fish Creek’s artistic spirit is palpable, with two professional theater venues, Northern Sky Theater, performing seasonally inside nearby Peninsula State Park, and Peninsula Players Theatre, America’s oldest professional resident summer theater. A few miles away, the Door Community Auditorium hosts an array of performances, from nationally touring musicians and concerts to enlightening and educational lectures, featuring renowned artists and speakers. Want to channel your inner Van Gogh? Budding artists of all ages can sign up for workshops and classes in just about every artistic medium at Peninsula School of Art.
DID YOU KNOW: HGTV recently named Fish Creek the most charming small town in Wisconsin? HGTV states: “Arts and outdoor adventures meet in Fish Creek, Wisconsin, in the northern Door County Peninsula. This walkable town offers hundreds of miles of scenic trails and shoreline. In warm weather, visit the local apple and cherry orchards and wineries, bike or hike in Peninsula State Park, play on the beaches or enjoy live entertainment.
In the winter, book a cozy cabin, visit the charming shops and play in the snow.”
Retail therapy
The village’s walkable downtown is a shopper’s delight with its eclectic mix of boutiques, gift shops and galleries. Your treasure hunt begins in Founder’s Square, located on the west side of Fish Creek, where the historic grounds and quaint buildings house a variety of stores. Then shop your way through the village towards the opposite end of town, where Top of the Hill Shops continues the shopping adventure with a variety of apparel, gifts, artisanal goods and one-of-a-kind finds.
Culinary delights
Fish Creek’s dining scene caters to diverse palates. In just 1 mile, taste buds can experience everything from family-friendly cafe fare and supper club favorites to fine dining experiences and cozy coffee shops.
Hankering for Door County cherries? You can’t go wrong with the cherry-stuffed French toast at the White Gull Inn. Craving the classic Door County dinner experience? Make a reservation at Pelletier’s Restaurant for its popular fish boil — a dining experience that combines culinary tradition with Door County storytelling.
The great outdoors
If you have an afternoon or longer, walk off those sea legs with a jaunt to Peninsula State Park. This 3,776-acre haven for outdoor enthusiasts lies adjacent to Fish Creek and is the jewel of the peninsula with scenic trails, panoramic views of the bay, kayak rentals, sandy beaches and historic sites.
While there, don’t miss a chance to catch the view from Eagle Tower. Perched atop Eagle Bluff, the ADA-accessible tower lets visitors choose whether to ascend to the top via 100 steps or take the 850-foot fully accessible canopy walk. From the top, the sweeping view showcases the park, the bay and its surrounding islands, the Upper Michigan shoreline and the village of Ephraim next door.
It takes a single visit to Fish Creek to understand why boaters return season after season. With so much to see and experience within such a condensed area, one trip is never enough. And even after seeing and doing it all, a siren-like quality lures boaters back to recreate the memories with friends, family and generations to come.
visit fish creek facebook
Wisconsin DNR
Chambers Island: The Town That Once Was
Located 7 miles off the shore of Fish Creek, Chambers Island offers a rugged and isolated retreat accessible only by private boat or floatplane. The remote island, which spans over 2,800 acres, offers a striking contrast to the bustling tourist community across the water.
Named after Colonel Talbot Chambers, who served in the War of 1812, the island was first surveyed in the early 1800s and played a surprising role in the region’s early development. In fact, at one time, Chambers Island featured a vibrant community — complete with a post office, schoolhouse and church. But its isolated location, harsh weather conditions, lack of a diverse economy and ever-changing maritime navigational technology all contributed to the community’s eventual demise.
Today, however, one iconic feature of the island’s early days remains: The Chambers Island Lighthouse. A sister lighthouse to Eagle Lighthouse in Peninsula State Park, the Chambers Island Lighthouse was constructed in 1868 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places after being decommissioned in 1961.
Daren Barrett/Silent Wake, LLC/Liquid Adventuring
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