Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DOOR COUNTY LIGHTHOUSES
Door County has more lighthouses (people like to quiz youonthis around here) than
any other county in the United States. Starting in 1836 with Rock Island and in 1858
on Pilot Island (which can be toured only from the water), 10 lighthouses were con-
structed along the coasts and canals to hold Lake Michigan's stormy temperament
somewhat in check. Almost all are still in some recognizable condition, and tours of
some are offered regularly.
Expect multiple-night minimums during peak season (and year-round if your stay includes
a Saturday night). Unless specified otherwise, all listed accommodations are open year-
round.
$50-100
A few of the cheapest motels may offer high-season rates in the $75-85 range for a single
in summer; these dip much lower (as low as $49) in nonpeak times. However, most places
cost much more than that.
Among the best budget choices—and yours truly's home away from home for more
than a decade—is the
M
Holiday Music Motel
(30 N. 1st Ave., 920/743-5571,
www.holidaymusicmotel.com
,
$90). In 2007 a group of musicians—local and national, in-
cluding Jackson Browne, I kid you not—came here to write songs for a benefit for the
Michigan Street Bridge. Long story short, they loved the experience and the place was for
sale, so what the heck, they bought it and rejuvenated it into a budget boutique kinda joint.
You likely won't need the recording studio (don't worry—it's quiet), but your room has a
fridge and new appointments. This is truly one of the best budget choices in Door County,
odd history notwithstanding.
Then again, lots of folks come here for cottage life.
Lake Lane Cottages
(5647 Lake
Ln., 920/743-3463,
www.lakelanecottages.com
, $89 per night, $535 per week) sleeps 2-4
people. It's even got a tree house outside for the kids, and pets are welcome. It's southeast
of town via Highway U (Clay Banks Road).
Robertson's Cottages
(4481 Cabots Point Rd., 920/743-5124,
robertsonscottages.com
,
from $700 per week, daily rentals in low seasons), north of Potawatomi State Park, costs a
bit more but has island cottages as well. They get tons of multidecade repeat customers.
