Native American Culture and Heritage On and Around the Door Peninsula
Door County has long been known for the stunning, scenic landscapes that drape the 300 miles of shoreline up and down the peninsula. During your next visit to the area, go beyond the beautiful scenery and learn more about Wisconsin’s first residents. Long before French explorers and Norwegian settlers arrived in and around Door County, the region was home to Potawatomi, Winnebago (also known as the Ho-Chunk), Ojibwe, Sauk, Petun, Huron, Ottawa, Oneida and Menominee Tribes, and their presence can still be found there today.
By exploring living history museums, shops, restaurants, archeological sites and more, you and your group are sure to have a memorable trip learning about these important stories of the state. Read on to discover a few fascinating places to add to your trip itinerary.
Chief Oshkosh Native American Arts - Egg Harbor
In the exact site Chief Roy Oshkosh of the Menominee Tribe operated his trading post in the early 1800s, you’ll now find this specialty shop owned by Coleen Bins, a member of the Oneida Tribe. Browse the collection of Native-made art, baskets, jewelry and more to remember your Door County trip with family and friends. To learn more about Native Americans in the region, consider taking home one of the many books available here written by Indigenous authors.
Cedar & Sage Grill House - Green Bay
Have you ever tried Indigenous-inspired cuisine? Embracing farm-to-table philosophies, chefs at Cedar & Sage Grill House inside Oneida Casino source vegetables, fish and meat from Oneida Nation-owned farms, which are featured in their breakfast and dinner menus. Your crew will find an array of options on the menu here, including many dishes cooked in a charcoal oven.
Not hungry enough for a full meal? Share the Oneida corn-crusted cheese curds or Sisters Dip made with beer cheese and spinach and served with fry bread. And for dessert, the Oneida apple crisp is a must.
You and your group can learn more about Oneida history and culture by visiting the Oneida Nation Museum in nearby DePere which showcases original Iroquois artwork, jewelry, beadwork and much more.
Sturgeon Bay
This community of 9,700 people—the largest in Door County—hosts several opportunities to familiarize yourself with the stories and history of local Indigenous populations.
South of the sparkling Sturgeon Bay itself that runs through town, you and your group can visit the site of one of the most important archeological finds in Wisconsin. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Cardy Paleo-Indian Camp Archeological Site marks and preserves the remains of a campsite used by Native Americans at the end of the Ice Age. An extensive dig here in 2003 unearthed spear points, tools, a fire pit and other artifacts, many of which can now be seen in the Door County Historical Museum.
Explore the Door County Historical Museum’s entire permanent collection which includes clothing, tools and spears used by Native Americans from the area. These objects offer a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how Indigenous people provided sustenance and shelter for their families in the past.
Also nearby, Whitefish Dunes State Park is beloved for its impressive sand dunes on Lake Michigan, but did you know there’s more to this park’s story? Start your visit inside the Nature Center to watch a 20-minute film detailing the history of the Indigenous groups who were the area’s first inhabitants. From there, follow the marked path that leads to replica wigwams—domed shelters historically built by woodland tribes. With signs along the way providing more context, a visit to this park with your group is sure to provide new insight into Door County’s past and present.
With so much rich history and culture in Door County, your visit will be made all the more meaningful for taking time to learn about and reflect on the region’s first residents.
Experience more vibrant Native American culture throughout Wisconsin with this guide.
