EPHRAIM

Entering Ephraim, the scene before you looks as if it was plucked from a vintage postcard.

Ephraim, WI — Quick Facts

Location: Eagle Harbour, Bay of Green Bay — Door County's most preserved village. Zip: 54211. Founded 1853 by Norwegian Moravian settlers.

The one fact that defines Ephraim: Ephraim prohibits alcohol sales. No bars, no liquor stores — a restriction in place since the village's founding and upheld by municipal ordinance. This is the single most important thing to know before considering Ephraim, and the primary reason the buyer profile here is different from every other Door County village.

Home prices: $700K–$3M+ for waterfront and Eagle Harbour views. Inland village homes from $500K. Cottage and historic properties rarely come to market — when they do, they move quickly and often off-market.

Who buys here: Repeat Door County visitors who have decided this is the village. Buyers who have made a deliberate choice for quiet, preservation, and long-term value over amenities and social activity. The strictest zoning on the peninsula means supply stays constrained — which has supported strong long-term appreciation.

Arbor Crowne Properties is based in Ephraim — Diane Taillon opened her brokerage in the historic Hillside Waterfront Hotel on Ephraim's harbour. Browse current Ephraim listings or contact Diane for off-market opportunities.

54211 Zip code — Door County, WI
No bars Alcohol sales prohibited by ordinance
$700K–$3M+ Waterfront home price range
Est. 1853 Norwegian Moravian founding — oldest village character in Door County

Looking for Ephraim real estate?

Arbor Crowne Properties is based in Ephraim. Browse current listings or contact Diane for off-market and pre-market opportunities — most Ephraim transactions happen before MLS.

Also: Ephraim condos · Compare all villages

Welcome to Ephraim

Historic charm in the heart of Door County

Considering a move to Ephraim? This desirable and charming village in Wisconsin is a perfect blend of natural beauty and history. Breathtaking sunsets over Eagle Harbour, leisurely strolls along the picturesque waterfront, and a community that has intentionally preserved its character for over 170 years. Founded in 1853 by Norwegian Moravian settlers, Ephraim is the oldest continually settled village in Door County and the only one in Wisconsin that still prohibits alcohol sales — a distinction that defines its buyer profile as much as its scenery.

Property Type Typical Price Range What to Know
Eagle Harbour / direct waterfront $1.2M–$3M+ Sheltered harbour on Bay of Green Bay. Private docks, sunset views. Very limited inventory — often traded off-market.
Bluff / elevated bay-view homes $700K–$1.8M Panoramic Eagle Harbour views from wooded bluff positions. Many historic properties updated with modern interiors.
Village / inland historic homes $500K–$900K Walking distance to Anderson Dock and Wilson's. White-painted historic character consistent with Ephraim's preservation standards.
Condos $350K–$700K Limited supply. Ephraim's zoning favours single-family — most condo buyers look to Sister Bay for more options.

What to Love

  • Scenic beauty: Eagle Harbour sunsets, white buildings, and a pedestrian-friendly waterfront that has changed little in 100 years.
  • Historic character: The storied Hillside Waterfront Hotel — home of Arbor Crowne Properties — and Anderson Dock, a working waterfront landmark since 1858.
  • No-bars zoning: Ephraim prohibits alcohol sales by ordinance. For buyers who prioritise quiet and family atmosphere, this is a significant and rare feature.
  • Constrained supply: Strict zoning and preservation standards mean limited new development — supporting long-term property value.
  • Pedestrian-friendly harbour: The waterfront walkway connects Anderson Dock to Eagle Harbour Beach entirely on foot.

Local Lifestyle

With its close-knit community, life in Ephraim is peaceful and unhurried. The sheltered Eagle Harbour adds to the tranquility — it's one of the calmest anchorages on the Door County peninsula, popular with sailors and kayakers who prefer quiet water. For buyers seeking the finest small-town living in Door County, Ephraim consistently tops the list.

The absence of bars is not a limitation — it's a filter. The buyers who choose Ephraim have typically visited the village, experienced its character, and made a deliberate decision that this pace and atmosphere is what they want. That self-selection creates an unusually cohesive community for a vacation destination.

Dining and Entertainment

Ephraim's dining scene is intimate and well-curated. Pearl Wine Cottage offers an expertly curated wine selection. Wilson's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor — open since 1906 — is a Door County institution. Sip is a favourite local café with coffee and a bright atmosphere. For a broader dining scene, Sister Bay is 5 minutes north.

  • Anderson Dock: 10007 Water St, Ephraim, WI 54211 — historic waterfront landmark, public pier
  • Wilson's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor: 9990 Water St — open since 1906, seasonal
  • Eagle Harbour Beach: pedestrian access from Water St waterfront walk
  • Drive time to Sister Bay: ~5 min north via WI-42
  • Drive time to Fish Creek: ~8 min south via WI-42
  • Drive time to Sturgeon Bay: ~45 min south

Things to Do

Ephraim celebrates its Scandinavian heritage with the Fyr Ball Festival on the summer solstice — torches lit on the harbour, the village's most beloved tradition. Christmas in the Village transforms Ephraim into a winter gathering point. The Evenings in Ephraim Concert Series runs through summer under the stars. Peninsula State Park is 10 minutes south, offering 20+ miles of trails, Eagle Trail bluff views, and direct bay access.

Schools

Ephraim students attend the Gibraltar Area School District — a small, community-focused K–12 district serving Ephraim, Fish Creek, and Sister Bay. Gibraltar is known for strong community involvement and small class sizes.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the zip code for Ephraim, WI?

Ephraim's zip code is 54211. The village is located in Door County, Wisconsin, on the Bay of Green Bay side of the Door Peninsula, approximately 45 miles north of Sturgeon Bay. The nearest major city is Green Bay, approximately 75 miles south. Ephraim sits between Fish Creek to the south (~8 min via WI-42) and Sister Bay to the north (~5 min via WI-42).

How much does real estate cost in Ephraim, WI?

Ephraim real estate ranges from approximately $350K–$700K for condos and entry-level village homes, to $500K–$900K for inland historic properties, $700K–$1.8M for bluff and elevated bay-view homes, and $1.2M–$3M+ for direct Eagle Harbour waterfront. Ephraim commands some of the highest per-sqft prices in Door County — driven by extremely constrained supply, strict zoning that limits new development, and consistent demand from buyers specifically seeking the village's preserved character. Properties here rarely come to market publicly; most Ephraim transactions happen off-market or through direct agent relationships. Contact Diane Taillon for current availability.

Does Ephraim, WI have bars or alcohol sales?

No — Ephraim prohibits the sale of alcohol by municipal ordinance, a restriction dating from the village's founding by Norwegian Moravian settlers in 1853 and upheld ever since. There are no bars, taverns, or liquor stores within Ephraim village limits. Wine is available at Pearl Wine Cottage (wine retail, not a bar). Residents and visitors seeking a broader dining and bar scene drive 5 minutes to Sister Bay. This is the defining characteristic of Ephraim and the primary reason its buyer profile differs from every other Door County village.

Overview for EPHRAIM, WI

352 people live in EPHRAIM, where the median age is 63.6 and the average individual income is $88,592. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

352

Total Population

63.6 years

Median Age

Medium

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$88,592

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for EPHRAIM, WI

EPHRAIM has 183 households, with an average household size of 1.92. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in EPHRAIM do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 352 people call EPHRAIM home. The population density is 92.94 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

352

Total Population

Medium

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

63.6

Median Age

48.3 / 51.7%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
183

Total Households

1.92

Average Household Size

$88,592

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes
EPHRAIM

Property Listings

Work With Us

Arbor Crowne Properties specializes in luxury and waterfront Door County homes. Situated in the idyllic town of Ephraim and operating out of the historic Hillside Waterfront Hotel, Arbor Crowne is perfectly positioned to address your buying and selling needs.

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