About The White Gull Inn
The White Gull Inn has been taking in guests in Fish Creek since about 1896, when Milwaukee physician Dr. Herman Welcker opened it. It took its current name in 1959, came into the Coulson family in 1972, and since 2018 has been run by Meredith and Chris Coulson-Kanter, with Andy and Jan Coulson still pitching in. It is open all year, with rooms, suites and cottages, many with fireplaces.
The draw for most day visitors is the fish boil, a Door County tradition the inn traces to Scandinavian settlers on the peninsula. Chunks of Lake Michigan whitefish from local fishermen cook with small red potatoes in a kettle over an open fire, seasoned only with salt. At the end the master boiler throws a little kerosene on the flames, and the boilover pushes the fish oils over the rim of the pot. Guests can watch from the patio before sitting down to fish with lemon and melted butter, coleslaw, homemade bread and Door County cherry pie. Chicken is offered for anyone who skips fish.
From May through October the boils run Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings with seatings at 5:00, 6:30 and 8:00; the rest of the year they are Friday evenings only. Breakfast is served daily without reservations, and overnight guests choose between the cherry-stuffed French toast and anything else on the breakfast menu. Candlelight dinners are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Island Lavender's fields outside Baileys Harbor are about 15 minutes east across the peninsula, so a morning at the lavender farm and an evening fish boil fit easily into one summer day.
What to do
- Watch the boilover at an evening whitefish boil, May through October
- Order the cherry-stuffed French toast at breakfast
- Finish the fish boil with homemade Door County cherry pie
- Book a candlelight dinner on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday
- Stay overnight in a room, suite or cottage with a fireplace
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open all year; fish boils four nights a week May through October and Fridays only the rest of the year
- Hours
- Current schedule (2026): breakfast daily 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m.; lunch daily noon–2 p.m.; candlelight dinner Mon, Tue and Thu 5–7:30 p.m.; fish boil seatings Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun at 5, 6:30 and 8 p.m. (Fridays only November–April)
Good to know
- Reservations
- Recommended for fish boils and dinner; breakfast and lunch are walk-in
Tips for your visit
- Call ahead to reserve a fish boil seating; reservations are recommended
- Arrive a little early and watch the cooking and boilover from the patio
- Breakfast and lunch take no reservations, so expect a wait at peak summer times
- Outside May–October, fish boils are held on Friday evenings only
Pair it with a lavender farm
Island Lavender · about 15 minutes away
Visit Island Lavender near Baileys Harbor in the morning or afternoon, then drive back across the peninsula for an evening fish boil seating.
Getting there
Questions
What nights does the White Gull Inn hold fish boils?
From May through October, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 5:00, 6:30 and 8:00; the rest of the year, Fridays only.
Do I need a reservation for breakfast?
No. Breakfast (daily 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m.) and lunch are first come, first served; reservations are recommended for fish boils and dinner.
Is there an option besides fish at the fish boil?
Yes, the inn offers chicken for guests who don't want whitefish.
Is the White Gull Inn open in winter?
Yes, the inn and restaurant are open year-round.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Door County, Wisconsin
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
