Day 148

SATURDAY September 13, 2025

A Day in Door County: Goats on the Roof, Pancakes on the Plate, and Paint on the Walls

This morning, we laced up our walking shoes and strolled a mile into the charming town of Sister Bay for breakfast at the iconic Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant—a place we’d heard about many times but never experienced ourselves. Despite visiting Sister Bay before, this was our first time dining under the watchful gaze of… roof goats. Yes, goats! Grazing casually atop the restaurant’s sod-covered roof, they’re both adorable and completely on-brand for this quirky, beloved eatery.

Al Johnson’s is known far and wide for their legendary Swedish pancakes and perfectly seasoned Swedish meatballs, and with over 75 years in business, it’s no wonder the place is always packed. This morning was no different—the wait time was 45 minutes. Thankfully, their cozy Butik gave us plenty to browse while we waited, filled with charming Swedish gifts and keepsakes.

We decided to share an order of pancakes and a side of meatballs. Both were delicious, but the pancakes? Absolute winners—light, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet. By the time we left, the wait had grown to an hour and a half! 😳

On our walk back to the boat, we couldn’t resist ducking into a few of the local shops before setting off for our next destination: the peaceful village of Ephraim.

The day couldn’t have been more perfect—clear blue skies, a gentle breeze, and a crisp 70 degrees. Our first stop was Anderson Dock, a spot rich with history and charm. Originally built in the mid-1800s by the Anderson Brothers, the dock and adjoining warehouse once served as a hub for goods and trade. Over time, sailors began painting the names of their ships and the dates they docked—starting a vibrant, evolving tradition that continues to this day.

In 1949, the Ephraim Historical Foundation took over stewardship of the dock, and now anyone who visits is welcome to leave their mark. Engagements, baby announcements, weddings—even senior photos are taken here. Today, we watched as someone posed for senior pictures in front of the colorful patchwork of names and dates.

Naturally, we searched for our own painting, which we created about 7–8 years ago. Sadly, we couldn’t find it. 😔 Turns out, the building is repainted every couple of years to make room for new visitors, so our mark had been painted over. Still, I have a photo from back then—and the memory is what truly lasts. We hadn’t brought paint or a brush this time, but we made a pact to return and add our names once again.

From there, we motored across the bay to a peaceful anchorage near Peninsula State Park, one of the prettiest spots in Door County. Eager to stretch our legs, we took a gentle hike through the heart of the peninsula to the lighthouse, saving the more strenuous trails for tomorrow.