A fish boil is as much about the event of it all as it is about the meal. A long-held tradition in Door County, Wisconsin, attending one is a must for visitors. Here, we welcome travel writer Lennie Omalza to Real Food Traveler as she shares the tradition and action of this unique way to feed a whole lot of people with flare. Read about it and then see it in action in the video below.

Save this article about the tradition of fish boils to Pinterest to help you plan your trip to experience it for yourself. Photo by Lennie Omalza. Graphic by RealFoodTraveler.com.

Door County, Wisconsin boasts 300 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, making it an ideal destination for watersports. Locals and visitors alike enjoy paddling, boating, and of course, fishing.

Though I didn’t have the pleasure of fishing myself during a recent trip to Door County, I was treated to a traditional fish boil at the White Gull Inn. The area staple has been serving guests since 1896 and is one of just a handful of places that offer the one-of-a-kind dining experience.

The unique fish boil tradition is specific to Door County and is said by many to have originated a century ago by the Scandinavian settlers of the peninsula. Back then, the outdoor cooking method was an economical and efficient way to feed large groups of people, including lumberjacks and fishermen.

Today, the end result of Door County fish boils is the same — though the community being fed is a mix of area residents and tourists, all looking to partake in the historical culinary custom.

Hungry attendees gather around to watch the tradition of the fish boil in action.

Hungry for more? Read our Editor’s Pick article for things to do in Door County.

What the traditional Fish Boil experience is really like

My fish boil experience happened on a cold, winter night in the back of the White Gull Inn. All of the restaurant guests gathered around the open fire, as the master boiler — the person preparing the meal — boiled chunks of freshly caught Lake Michigan whitefish in a 22-gallon pot. Though recipes vary slightly from one boil to the next, the White Gull Inn version includes only small red potatoes and salt and produces enough for 85 servings.

I watched as the master boiler — sans any type of timer or thermometer — prepared perfectly cooked fish for the large group standing by. As the process neared completion, he tossed a bit of kerosene atop the flames under the pot. This spike in cooking temperature caused a huge burst of flames to shoot out, while the fat and oils that rose to the top boiled over, indicating that the meal was ready to be served.

Different places include different vegetables but potatoes and White Fish are always included in a traditional fish boil.

Hungry for more? Read about uses for Door County cherries.

Once we were all seated inside, the potatoes and tender pieces of fish were plated and served with butter and lemon. The meal ended with a slice of cherry pie, made with Door County cherries, of course.

Cherry pie for dessert is the perfect end to a fish boil at White Gull Inn.

The exact history of fish boils is debated, as some sources suggest it was the Potowatomi tribe that began the practice of boiling whitefish. However, one thing is certain: It is now a permanent part of Door County’s culinary culture, and a must-do for anyone planning a trip to the area.

If you find yourself on the peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, get yourself to a fish boil — not just for the meal, but for the drama and excitement of the boil itself.

Below are a few places to check out. White Gull Inn holds fish boils year-round, while it is only offered during the summer at most other restaurants. Check availability online and/or call ahead to make a reservation and ensure you don’t miss this Door County experience!

• White Gull Inn Restaurant
• Log Den
• Old Post Office Restaurant
• Pelletier’s Restaurant
• Waterfront Mary’s Bar & Grill

For more information on visiting Door County, check out their website, here.

-Story and photos by Lennie V. Omalza 

Hungry for more? See our other videos on the Real Food Traveler YouTube channel.

Editor’s note about Rawley’s Bay Resort, one of Door County’s most historic properties where fish boils were held for decades. Rawley’s burned down due to a kitchen fire in September of 2023 and there are no plans for the family to rebuild. We were guests of the Resort and enjoyed several meals there, including their popular fish boil. We, along with countless others, have very fond memories of the place. It will be missed.