About Us

The Southern Door Business Association was founded in 2012 by a small group of passionate volunteers with a simple mission: shine a light on the incredible businesses, services, and experiences found in Southern Door County. What began as a handful of dedicated community members has grown into a thriving association supported by an active volunteer board and an ever-expanding membership.

Today, we proudly champion Southern Door by showcasing local businesses through year-round marketing efforts—including the GO!Guide, our popular area map, and promotion of community events that bring residents and visitors together.

Our commitment is rooted in connection, collaboration, and the belief that Southern Door is truly the First Door in Door County—a warm welcome to all who live, work, and explore here.

Whether you’re a business owner seeking community and visibility or someone who believes in supporting local, we invite you to join us in celebrating and promoting all that Southern Door has to offer.

“The purpose of the Southern Door Business Association is to promote and advance Southern Door County by ensuring a first-class visitor experience, supporting the growth of local businesses, and enhancing the quality of life in Southern Door County.”

The Communities of
Southern Door County, Wisconsin

PDF of Map

Southern Door County, Wisconsin encompasses 196 square miles at the southern end of the Door Peninsula, stretching from the Kewaunee County line near Dyckesville to Duluth Avenue in Sturgeon Bay. With Green Bay to the west and Lake Michigan to the east, Southern Door County offers miles of scenic shoreline, rural landscapes, and welcoming small-town communities across seven townships and one village.

Forestville & Brussels Townships

Located inland, Forestville and Brussels offer abundant outdoor recreation year-round. The Forestville Dam and Ahnapee State Trail provide opportunities for kayaking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Forestville Township includes the communities of Carnot, Maplewood, and the Village of Forestville.

Brussels Township is known for its strong Belgian and German heritage, with the communities of Brussels and Kolberg located along Highway 57. Each July, visitors flock to the Brussels Lions Club Belgian Days Festival to enjoy traditional Belgian food, baseball tournaments, and family activities. The Southern Door School District serves as a central community hub, featuring athletic facilities, an arts auditorium, Eagle Trail, and the historic Waniger one-room schoolhouse.

Union Township & Namur

Along the southwest shoreline of the Door Peninsula, Union Township borders Kewaunee County and includes the community of Namur. This area is home to the Peninsula Belgian American Club and the Belgian Heritage Center, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Historic chapels, red-brick farmsteads, and waterfront access at Chaudoir’s Dock County Park make Union Township a favorite for history lovers and sunset seekers.

Gardner Township

Gardner Township includes Sugar Creek County Park, the Gardner Swamp, and Little Sturgeon Bay. With boat launches at Robert M. Carmody Park and excellent year-round fishing, the area hosts numerous fishing tournaments throughout winter, spring, and summer.

Nasewaupee, Idlewild & Northern Southern Door

The northern portion of Southern Door County includes the Town of Nasewaupee and the Idlewild area, rumored to have once been a hideout for Al Capone. Potawatomi State Park offers panoramic views of Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay, while Grizzly Air Tours at Cherryland Airport provides scenic flights showcasing the beauty of Door County from above.

Sturgeon Bay & Clay Banks

A portion of the Town of Sturgeon Bay lies within Southern Door County, with Duluth Avenue marking the southern gateway into the city. South of the shipping canal, the Town of Clay Banks features beautiful Lake Michigan shorelines and sandy beaches, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Meet our Team