Welcome to Founder's Square
Founder’s Square is Door County’s most unique collection of stores and eateries and has been delighting visitors for over 50 years! Nestled under the bluff in Fish Creek and steps from the waters of Green Bay, these shops are perfectly located for a memorable day away.
Visit our grounds and stroll the paths to find galleries, gifts, candy, clothing, music, moccasins, jewelry, gems, ice cream, açaí bowls, sweatshirts, and more… the choices are endless. Spend a day shopping at our curated specialty stores, housed in the quaint, historic buildings of Founder’s Square, then dine at Pelletier’s Restaurant and Fish Boil and experience a true Door County tradition.
There is nothing else like it on the Door Peninsula!
Shopping
Food
Grab a delicious Dippy’s Ice Cream treat or homemade candy from Door County Confectionery in Founder’s Square. You may also enjoy a full dining experience for breakfast, lunch, and evening fish boils at Pelletier’s Restaurant. Have a seat on a bench to simply sit and watch the world go by, or walk amongst the century-old trees and take in the beautiful Door County seasons as you breathe in the fresh bayside air of Fish Creek.
History
Founder’s Square is full of old-time charm from a bygone era. Stop and visit founder Asa Thorp’s original log cabin built in 1849. In 1855 Asa built the first dock in Fish Creek, which welcomed ships and established the town as a stop on the way from Green Bay.
Most of the buildings in Founder’s Square are original cottages that were part of Thorp’s original hotel in the mid 1800s. By the turn of the 20th century, visitors from Chicago, St. Louis, and Milwaukee had discovered the allure of Door County.
In the early 1970s the Thorp property was transformed into Founder’s Square – a collection of unique shops and eateries that visitors have been enjoying for over half a century! Back then, the stores were only open for business for the short summer season of approximately 110 days. Today, visitors enjoy the Door Peninsula and Fish Creek all year round.
During the summer, you can admire the beauty of Main Street in Fish Creek under a canopy of historic shade trees. In autumn, you can take in the gorgeous change of colors. Our cozy town is also a picturesque winter wonderland for sports enthusiasts, visitors, and locals alike. In spring, Founder’s Square comes alive again with lush greenery and landscaping – welcoming everyone to a truly one-of-a-kind Door County destination.