VIDEO: History of Door County Tourism

Door County has been a revered destination for vacationers for more than a century, but it didn’t become popular by accident. Not long after settlers arrived in the 1800s, they recognized the lure of the peninsula’s natural beauty, and by the turn of the 19th century residents organized to market Door County’s unique charms, vistas, and fresh air to city dwellers in the Midwest and beyond.

Find out what first drew tourists to the county, how international events played a roll in the area’s growth, and how an article in National Geographic caused a boom in Door County tourism. Finally, learn how today’s generation overcame obstacles to attract guests while maintaining the area’s core values and stunning environment by implementing a room tax to market the county and invest in local infrastructure.